Family Adventure in the Kerala Backwaters

Whispers of the Backwaters

The first day of our Kerala adventure has been nothing short of magical. Leaving behind the familiar chill of Berlin, we embraced the warmth and tranquility of Kumarakom, a serene village nestled on the banks of Vembanad Lake. It's a world away from my usual editing desk at the travel tech startup, and I couldn't be happier to share this experience with Lena and Sophia.

Our journey began with a smooth flight from Berlin to Kochi. Sophia, bless her heart, was an absolute trooper, only asking 'Are we there yet?' a handful of times. Lena, ever the organized architect, had everything meticulously planned, from our rental car pickup to our first guesthouse in Kumarakom. I, of course, made sure the camera was charged and ready to capture every moment [cite: null].

As we drove towards Kumarakom, the landscape transformed into a lush tapestry of green. Palm trees swayed gently in the breeze, and the air was thick with the scent of spices and tropical flowers. It was a sensory overload in the best possible way, a welcome change from the concrete and steel of Berlin [cite: null].

Our first stop was the famed Kumarakom backwaters, a network of lagoons, lakes, and canals that define this region. We opted for a traditional houseboat cruise, a 'kettuvallam' as they're locally known, and it was nothing short of enchanting. The gentle rocking of the boat, the mesmerizing reflections on the water, and the symphony of nature all around us created an atmosphere of pure bliss. Sophia was particularly thrilled, spotting colorful birds and asking endless questions about the local fishermen.


Experience the tranquil beauty of Kumarakom Backwaters, a serene paradise in Kerala, where lush landscapes meet serene waterways.

The backwaters are not just a place; they are an experience that seeps into your soul, leaving you forever changed.

Lunch was at Cheenavala Backwater Cafe, a charming spot right on the water [cite: null]. We savored authentic Kerala cuisine – fresh seafood, spicy curries, and steaming rice, all cooked with local spices. Lena, always health-conscious, appreciated the abundance of fresh vegetables, while Sophia devoured the crispy fried fish. I, of course, tried a bit of everything, making a mental note to recreate some of these flavors back in Berlin.


Discover authentic Keralan flavors at Cheenavala Backwater Cafe amidst Kochi's stunning backwaters.

After lunch, we explored the Kerala Backwaters Tourism area, learning about the local ecosystem and the sustainable tourism initiatives in place [cite: null]. It's heartening to see how the community is working to preserve this natural paradise for future generations. As someone passionate about sustainable living, I felt a sense of responsibility to support their efforts and share their story [cite: null].


Experience the enchanting beauty of Kerala Backwaters, where tranquility meets vibrant culture amidst lush landscapes and serene waterways.

Our evening was spent at Karma Waterside Restaurant, where we enjoyed a delicious dinner as the sun set over the backwaters [cite: null]. The ambiance was magical, with soft music, flickering candles, and the gentle lapping of water against the shore. Sophia, tired from the day's adventures, fell asleep in Lena's arms, a picture of pure contentment [cite: null].


Experience exquisite dining at Karma Waterside Restaurant in Kumarakom, where culinary excellence meets breathtaking backwater views.

Before dinner, I managed to sneak away for a bit of shopping at The Kerala Boutique. I picked up a few souvenirs for friends back home – spices, tea, and some handcrafted items that captured the essence of Kerala. I even found a beautiful silk scarf for Lena, a small token of my appreciation for her unwavering support and adventurous spirit [cite: null].


Explore The Kerala Boutique for exquisite handicrafts and unique souvenirs that capture the essence of Kerala's vibrant culture.

The Pearlspot Restaurant was where we had our breakfast [cite: null]. It was a delightful experience with great service and friendly staff. The buffet had many options like salads, soups and variety of desserts.


Discover delightful flavors at Pearlspot Restaurant in Kumarakom—where family-friendly dining meets stunning backwater views.

As the day draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible beauty and tranquility of Kumarakom. It's a place that captivates your senses, nourishes your soul, and reminds you of the simple joys of life. I'm grateful for this opportunity to share this experience with my family, to create lasting memories, and to reconnect with nature in such a profound way.

Tomorrow, we set sail for Alleppey, another gem of the Kerala backwaters. We plan to explore the Alleppey Backwaters and experience Alleppey Backwater Cruises. I'm particularly excited about the prospect of visiting Mattancherry Bar in the evening, hoping to sample some local flavors and soak in the vibrant atmosphere [cite: null].

But for now, I'll cherish the memories of this first day, the whispers of the backwaters, and the warmth of my family's love. It's a journey that has just begun, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings [cite: null].