Page 44 - india

THE BACKWATERS OF
KERALA

Easing into India on the M.V. Vrinda

Story & Photos by Priscilla Lister photo courtesy Kerala Tourism
Traditional teak rice boats ply these waters to carry crops like
e eased our way into India by cruising
Wslowly on the backwaters of Kerala. basmati rice, coconuts and spices. Some of these boats sim-
ply harvest the empty oyster-like shells that cover the bot-
This state in southwest India is another world from the teem- toms of lakes, which are then used to make local cement and
ing cities of that country’s northern regions. It remains a gravel products. And increasingly these days, their distinctive
rich agricultural region that earned early fame on the Spice woven-reed roofs made from coconut palms now commonly
Trail, attracting traders from the West as long ago as the third shelter floating inns.
century B.C. Its commercial The M.V. Vrinda is modeled af-
capital, Cochin, known as ter these traditional rice boats,
the Queen of the Arabian but adds significant elegance.
Sea, possesses one of the It houses eight commodious
finest natural harbors in the staterooms on one level, with
world. And its scenic back- dining and patio facilities on
waters have been one of the the second level. On the out-
nation’s favorite getaways, door third level, the Vrinda’s
which Indians call “God’s roof, we sat on cushions or
own country.”
chairs and simply watched this
Surely there’s no better way quiet tropical world drift by.
to ease out of jet lag and be- Every staff member on the inti-
gin the journey to this fabled mate Vrinda was exceptionally
subcontinent than on a rice boat, a popular vacation pastime caring yet unobtrusive. And the meals created in the galley
in these southern waters. So we chose the finest rendition kitchen by an amazingly gifted crew began our adventure
available, the Motor Vessel Vrinda, operated by Oberoi Ho- with Indian cuisine. The cuisine of Southern India is distinc-
tels, which brings a new level of luxury to cruising these ca- tive from that in the north, and naturally features abundant
nals.
fish, coconut and those famed spices.

44 Wine Dine & Travel Spring 2014