Travel

Kerala’s Enchanted Waterways

Published

16 years ago

January 20, 2010

A-small-house-boat-Kollam-590x396

It is claimed that Kerala is the third most popular destination in the world. It has something special to woo every visitor— from lush green forests, beautiful blue hills, superb wildlife sanctuaries to clean, golden beaches and palm fringed backwaters.

The placid beauty of Kerala’s southern Backwaters is something you won’t find elsewhere. The luxuriantly verdant, somnolent landscape has mercifully not yet been assailed by the style gurus and transformed into a model of 21^st century chic.

The Backwaters are instrumental in shaping the life style of its inhabitants and in addition, provide an extraordinary means of transportation. Kerala’s ancient, unusual geographical legacy has remained largely unchanged over the slow passage of many centuries. It is a labyrinth of shimmering waterways consisting of countless dreamy lagoons, gently curving waterways, wet and vividly green paddy fields, swaying palm trees, and a singularly gentle, happy people.

I’m delighted to find a conspicuous absence of the hassle and aggression that invariably confronts most tourists in Northern India. The coastal Kerala I know is friendly, laid-back and fun, and its people have learned to harmonise with nature, and live off its generous bounty. I happily surrender to the siren song of this unique corner of India.

My cruise from Kollam to Alappuzha is an exhilarating eight-hour journey through a thousand shades of green. It is my first, fascinating encounter with a verdant Venice, where nature, instead of man, has created the glory.

I hire a small houseboat, which has a single bedroom with an attached toilet and shower, an open upper deck for lounging, and a kitchenette. For company, I have two oarsmen and a cook, who minister silently and unobtrusively to my needs. On enquiry, I learn that most Kettuvalloms or houseboats, are built in the nearby boat-building town of Alumkadavu. Originally, these were used as cargo carriers, but have since been ingeniously adapted to fashion some of the most luxuriously furnished means of transport.

A few of these giant crafts are 80 feet in length.

Constructed with great skill and care, these houseboats consist of two bedrooms with attached bathrooms, an open lounge, a kitchenette and a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook and if required, a guide. The cuisine available on board is enriched with exotic tropical vegetables, fruits, cereals, seafood and herbs. The meals are garnished with the distinctive aroma of pepper, cardamom, chillies and cloves, — spices that lured explorers like Marco Polo and Vasco da Gama from across the seas. It is anholistic, natural fare and follows the tenets of Ayurveda, but is tailored to suit individual preferences.

Our little boat whispers through calm waters, along shallow lakes with shorelines thickly wooded with coconut palms. These are frequently dotted with cantilevered, Chinese fishing nets. I am informed that this system of fishing was imported into Kerala from China during the 13^th century, while Kublai Khan’s marauding Mongols were ravaging much of Asia.

I sit on a deckchair, a straw hat shielding my eyes from the sun. The soft, soothing murmur of calm waters and swaying palms gradually unwinds my tightly coiled nerves. As we move smoothly along narrow, sun-dappled canals I see coir, copra and cashews being loaded into boats. I watch peddlers in small canoes moving from canal to lake, to lagoon, to canal, vending their wares from house to house. I lazily observe and marvel at the lives of these happy people who fish, play, plant, harvest and sing in a seamless cycle of simple needs and simple solutions.

A small group of children swim near the shore. They wave to me and I wave back. I note that one of them is scarcely three years old. At my look of enquiry, one of the oarsmen laughs and remarks that here, life revolves around the water, and children learn to swim before they walk.

Often they learn to manage a small boat before learning to cope with a bicycle. I laugh in response, and throw a handful of cellophane wrapt sweets, onto the shore. The children whoop in delight and scramble ashore after the goodies. I chuckle and reach for the glass of chilled beer thoughtfully placed at my elbow by the smiling boat attendant. I convey my thanks with an appreciative smile.

While my eyes take in the rustic life passing by, my palate is pampered with backwater delicacies. The lunch consists of kappa, meen curry and rice. Cool, tender coconut water and a scoop of its soft white flesh are the perfect partners to the curry. The meal is rounded off with a generous helping of payasum, a sweet, rich milk delicacy prepared with vermicelli and dried fruits in a rice paste. It is Kerala’s favourite dessert. It’s prepared in scores of flavours and garnished with raisins and fried nuts. A brief half hour siesta on the deck, and I feel revitalized, with all the batteries of my body and mind fully recharged.

In quick succession we pass a church half hidden in a thick grove of coconut palms and, barely a minute later, a temple nestling close to a mosque. I have never really appreciated the fact that Kerala is a crossroads of various faiths where Christians, Moslems and Jews planted their first markers in India. Later I see a plethora of churches, mosques and temples. And in Kochi, an incredibly beautiful 16^th century synagogue. It is a remarkable lesson in happy co-existence.

Evening draws near and the western sky puts on a magnificent display of colour and light as the thin, scattered clouds, are tinctured with numerous shades of gold, crimson, coral, mauve and deep blue. As the sun sets in a blaze of colour, I realise that the magic of the backwaters reaches the pinnacle of its glory in the shimmering hours before dusk.

From somewhere not too far away the wind carries the rich strains of a boatman’s song. My heart joins in his song and, nursing a glass of single malt in hand, my thoughts drift in a euphoric half-trance of serenity. The world prepares for the night hours as the sky reluctantly relinquishes its rich palette of colours and the dark velvet of the night tiptoes across the firmament.

My mind is lost in wonder at the incredible numbers of stars scattered across the night sky and my heart is overwhelmed by the lyrical sounds of the night. Stillness blends with stillness, and the darkness whispers to itself. I feel overwhelmed by a sense of intense serendipity within and around me, as I continue my enchanted voyage.

Life can be so simple. And beautiful.

© DON ALNEY

Website www.donalney.com

Facts File

GETTING THERE:

By Air: Airports at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode link Kerala nationally and internationally.

By Rail: Connections are available from all important cities in India.

By Road: Services from all tourist centres in India. The Kerala Road Transport Corporation and private bus services provide transportation to just about anywhere in Kerala.

BOAT TRIPS

The normal State ferry leaves Kollam for Alappuzha daily. The State Water Transport Service Ferry also departs from Kollam at the same time.

For those who desire more space on board, the Alappuzha Tourism Development Co-operative Society operates boats that leave on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The backwater trip starts in the morning. It takes a little over eight hours. Shorter trips are also organised from Kochi.

SHOPPER’S PARADISE

Kerala’s unique shopping offers include the renowned Aranmula mirrors. These are fashioned out of metal and produced at Arunmula, a small town near Alappuzha. The mirrors are made with a special alloy of copper, brass, lead and bronze. Once upon a time, these were an essential part of royal households. However, today these ornamental mirrors are rare, and only two artisans and their families still make these priceless objects de art.

Other souvenirs include carved wooden figurines, bell-metal products, handicrafts, coir-products, and antique arts including paintings, brassware and wood works.

While shopping, do not forget to nibble at the piping hot banana chips sold straight from the frying pan, and available at most roadside kiosks.

Travel

Traveling on a Budget: Tips for Affordable Adventures

Published

4 months ago

June 6, 2025

Good Life Guide

You don’t need a luxury budget to enjoy unforgettable travel experiences. With a little planning and smart decision-making, budget-friendly adventures can be just as rewarding — and often even more authentic — than high-end getaways. Here’s how to make the most of your travels without draining your savings.

1. Travel During the Off-Season

Airfare and accommodations are significantly cheaper during shoulder seasons (just before or after peak travel times). You’ll also avoid crowds, enjoy a more relaxed experience, and often see destinations in a more authentic light.

2. Be Flexible With Dates and Destinations

Use fare comparison tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to find the cheapest travel windows. If you can be spontaneous with where or when you go, you can unlock major savings.

3. Consider Alternative Accommodations

Hotels aren’t your only option. Look into hostels, vacation rentals, house-sitting, or even couchsurfing for affordable (and sometimes free) places to stay.

4. Use Public Transportation

Skip the rental car or rideshares and explore like a local. Subways, buses, and trains are not only more economical but also offer a richer cultural experience.

5. Eat Like a Local

Avoid tourist traps and try street food, local diners, and markets. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also taste more authentic cuisine.

6. Plan Ahead — But Stay Open

Book major expenses like flights and accommodations in advance for the best deals, but leave room for spontaneous finds. Free walking tours, local events, and off-the-beaten-path attractions often turn out to be trip highlights.

7. Use Rewards and Points

Take advantage of travel credit cards, airline miles, and hotel reward programs. Over time, these perks can add up to free flights, stays, and upgrades.

Final Thoughts

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on quality — it’s about being intentional. With a smart strategy and an open mind, you can see more of the world for less, and come home richer in experience and memory.

Entertainment

Summer Concert Tours: Legends, Loud Nights, and the Return of Live Power

Published

5 months ago

May 22, 2025

Good Life Guide

Fans at an outdoor summer concert cheering with hands in the air

There’s something in the air this summer — and it’s not just heat. Its bass lines reverberating through stadiums, anthems echoing through open-air arenas, and the unshakable pulse of thousands singing in unison under the stars. Summer 2025 is shaping up to be one for the history books. The tour calendar isn’t just busy — it’s overflowing with generational icons, long-awaited reunions, and genre-defying live experiences. Whether you’re craving the bombast of rock giants or the precision of pop royalty, this season delivers something unforgettable for every kind of fan.

Here’s a look at who’s hitting the road — and why this summer might be the most electrifying one yet.

Beyoncé, Kendrick, and The Weeknd: The Vanguard of Pop and R&B

Beyoncé is back on tour after the explosive Renaissance run, once again turning stages into immersive, genre-bending experiences. Known for her show-stopping vocals and flawless production, Queen Bey’s presence this summer promises more than just a concert — it’s a movement.

Kendrick Lamar, a Pulitzer Prize-winning voice of a generation, is bringing his lyrical complexity and razor-sharp storytelling to arenas across the globe. His performances aren’t just tight — they’re transformational.

And The Weeknd, with his sleek dystopian sound and sci-fi stagecraft, continues his globe-trotting tour with dates stretching through summer. His blend of melancholy and grandeur is magnetic, making each show a spectacle of sound and emotion.

Pop Royalty Returns: Katy, Gaga, Dua & Lorde

Katy Perry is diving headfirst into a tour that marks her first new material in years. Expect fireworks — literally and figuratively — as the pop powerhouse mixes nostalgia with a fresh creative direction.

Lady Gaga, always the showperson, is rumored to be debuting new tracks while revisiting fan-favorite eras with her signature theatrical flair.

Dua Lipa, fresh off the release of her third album, is touring internationally with a sound that leans more experimental but keeps the dance-floor DNA intact.

Meanwhile, Lorde is making a surprise return to major stages, delivering her introspective pop with a quiet force that still cuts deep.

The Rock Gods Are Restless: Metallica, AC/DC, Oasis, The Who, Cantrell

It wouldn’t be summer without a little thunder. Or, in this case, a lot.

Metallica | Photo credit Ben Houdijk / Shutterstock

Metallica continues their M72 world tour, shaking stadiums with their dual-night setlists and circle-in-the-round stage. It’s big, it’s loud, and it’s exactly what fans crave.

AC/DC are also back, still delivering their signature brand of raw, fist-pumping rock. After decades, the band’s energy hasn’t faded — and neither has the loyalty of their fans.

In one of the most buzzed-about reunions of the decade, Oasis is back. The Gallagher brothers are (at least temporarily) burying the hatchet for a long-awaited tour, and the nostalgia is hitting just as hard as the opening chords of Wonderwall.

The Who are keeping the torch burning, with Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend showing that power chords and powerhouse vocals don’t age out.

And then there’s Jerry Cantrell, the Alice In Chains guitarist and singer, stepping into the spotlight with his I Want Blood tour, along with rock heavyweights Filter. This solo run is raw, riff-heavy, and packed with the emotional weight fans have come to expect from Cantrell — both familiar and fiercely personal.

Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, and Billy Joel: Stadium-Sized Sentiment

If you’re after melody and meaning, Coldplay continues to offer a technicolor dream of sound and visuals on their Music of the Spheres tour. Chris Martin’s optimism might be the medicine the world needs right now.

Ed Sheeran, the everyman superstar, is back in stadiums with his loop pedal, acoustic charm, and a songbook built on heartbreak and hope. It’s intimate music on an epic scale.

Billy Joel, meanwhile, is extending his long-running residency and adding select stadium shows, proving once again that the classics never go out of style — especially when delivered by the Piano Man himself.

Indie & Soul: Father John Misty, Gracie Abrams, Lionel Richie, Black Keys

Father John Misty is bringing his cinematic, sardonic storytelling to theaters and amphitheaters this summer. With every live performance feeling like its own moody novella, he remains one of indie’s most fascinating voices.

Gracie Abrams is stepping into the spotlight with a growing fanbase and emotionally bare songwriting. Her rise from opener to headliner territory marks her as one to watch — or catch now, while the venues are still intimate.

Lionel Richie continues to tour with the kind of charm that turns every show into a singalong. Whether it’s All Night Long or Hello, Richie proves that soul never goes out of style.

And The Black Keys are cranking out blues-rock bangers coast to coast, their no-frills, guitar-driven sound still sounding sharp after all these years.

A Season to Feel Alive

There’s a reason live music hits differently in the summer. The days are longer, the nights warmer, and the songs — when experienced with a crowd — become something more than sound. They become memories. With tours this season ranging from deeply personal to stadium-shaking, summer 2025 offers a reminder of why we go to concerts in the first place: to feel connected, to let go, and to lose ourselves in something real. So whether you’re dusting off your old band tee or discovering a new favorite artist, the soundtrack of the season is waiting. All you have to do is show up. And don’t forget to stay hydrated!

Entertainment

UNO Goes Vegas: Mattel Bets on New Themed Club on the Strip

Published

5 months ago

May 20, 2025

Good Life Guide

It’s official — game night just got a glow-up. Mattel, the iconic toy company behind family favorites like Barbie and Hot Wheels, is bringing one of its most beloved games into a whole new arena: the Las Vegas Strip. In a move that blends nostalgia with nightlife, Mattel has announced it will open the first-ever UNO Las Vegas Club, offering an immersive space for fans of the classic card game to gather, compete, and unwind in true Vegas fashion.

Dubbed UNO™ at AREA15, the club promises to be a far cry from your average family living room game session. Think high-energy gameplay lounges, thematic cocktails, live entertainment, and larger-than-life installations inspired by the colors and chaos of UNO itself. It’s equal parts party, pop culture homage, and competitive playground.

According to Mattel, this isn’t just about playing cards — it’s about social play.

“In a world of digital everything, people are craving real-life connections. UNO is already a game that brings people together,” said Josh Silverman, Mattel’s global head of consumer products and experiences. “We wanted to take that spirit and blow it out into an experience you can’t find anywhere else.”

Beyond the Draw Four

The concept is part of a growing trend of brands transforming childhood favorites into experiential venues aimed at adults. The Barbie movie may have dominated the box office, but now Mattel is betting that adults want to step into the world of their favorite games — cocktails and LED lighting included.

The venue is being developed in partnership with IP2Entertainment, a company known for turning intellectual properties into entertainment destinations around the globe. Together, they plan to create a club that merges competitive play with the social energy of Las Vegas nightlife.

So what can travelers and visitors expect from an UNO Las Vegas Club?

Picture immersive, tech-enhanced gaming tables where groups can play UNO in themed rounds, surrounded by music, performers, and signature drinks (we can only hope for a spicy “Reverse” margarita or “Wild Card” mojito). Private event spaces and interactive zones are also planned, offering options for everything from birthdays to corporate team-building.

From Tabletop to Trendsetter

While it might seem like a bold move to launch a card game club in one of the most entertainment-saturated cities in the world, UNO has the kind of cross-generational appeal most brands dream of. It’s simple, social, and fueled by a touch of chaos — the kind of gameplay that sparks laughter, rivalries, and plenty of Instagrammable moments.

Mattel has been expanding its presence in the live experience market in recent years, with Barbie-themed pop-ups, Hot Wheels exhibits, and even plans for a Mattel Adventure Park in Arizona. UNO at AREA15 is the next logical — if unexpected — step in turning toys into immersive entertainment.

If all goes well, it might not be the last. Could we one day see a Pictionary-themed karaoke bar? A Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots fight night? Stranger things have happened in Vegas.

For now, Mattel is betting that a little nostalgia, a lot of neon, and a deck of cards might just deal them a winning hand.