Kerala On The Water: Explore The Inland Seas With Spiced Coast Cruises

Imagine lying on a deck, gentle waves lulling you into slumber, fresh catch cooked right in front of you, and sunsets that match no other. Got that image? Now book yourself a holiday with Spice Coast Cruise.

If you thought you’ve been there and done it all in Kerala, then a night or two on the Spice Coast Cruises should be on your ‘Done’ list. If it’s not, then you have certainly missed out one of the most magical experiences in that state. Kicking off in Kumarakom, revamped Kettuvalloms {originally boats to transport rice} double up as floating houseboats {with one or two bedrooms} in Kerala and they’re a treat. And the most wonderful aspect is that they run on solar power and vegetable oil, making them very eco-friendly.

Smartly partitioned into a foredeck, with cane lounge chairs – ideal for sipping on a cup of steaming tea or beer, as a bedroom area with swanky modern amenities, these boats are elegant. The canopies are weaved from cane and rattan and coir blend to make up the front deck which also happens to be our favourite place on board. Where else can you look into the distance with nothing but the ripples of water, reflections of coconut groves on the surface and the sun for your North Star? It’s also the place where the boatmen {using the punting style} will chart your course through the inland sea, better known as the Vembanad lake. Stopping by a fisherman, floating along and fishing as you go, halting for a photo op – it’s all those personal touches we most enjoyed, and suspect you might too.

You may be on a boat, but you’re still in Kerala. So food naturally involves plenty of coconut. But since it’s freshly make on board, they keep things simple. Think rice, dal, avial, a curry and of course your fresh seafood beautifully grilled on live coals. We highly recommend you stop off at shore-side fish stores and buy prawn, crab and lobster from your boat for some delicious indulgence.

When you’ve had enough of the outdoors {as if!}, then the warm bedroom awaits. Once you’re inside though, you may enjoy it as much as the deck. Cosy, wooden and with a gentle breeze bringing in the whiff of the sea, it’s a tangible version of a lullaby! The soft lapping of the water and the gentle rocking of the boat is absolute sleep therapy. It’s quite an expensive one night, but an experience of a lifetime makes it worthwhile.

With the green signal from your captain, feel free to jump into the waters right from your boat. It’s a different thrill, and you’ll love it. Who know, you might catch fish too! And for the perfect photo, keep the camera ready at the exact spot where the river Kavanar meets the lake – it’s spectacular.