Nileshwaram is located on the historical Malabar Coast in Kerala with swaying palmtrees and pristine beaches as its standout features. Tucked away in a charming location on the Kerala coastline, it is a peaceful village inhabited by local fishermen.Not only Nileshwaram but also the entiresurrounding region is a jewel, awaiting discovery. Sparsely crowded beaches fringed by coconut plantations, inland waterways called backwaters, and lush hillside spice gardens are key features of an undisturbed rhythm of life.

‘Wheels of Wander’ by Maruti Suzuki Alto and Outlook Traveller steered towards the Malabar Coast for five days, with Anwesha and Pallav, on a self-driving trip. The idea was to explore the region and its travel highlights. In Nileshwaram, they glided through the narrow network of backwater canals in a houseboat.

The gorgeous location of Nileshwaramoffers a unique experience of the backwaters to the traveller. These consist of a complex network of lagoons, lakes and canals, which can be traversed at a slow pace by houseboats. These are thatch-roofed large vessels, locally known as ‘kettuvallam'. The houseboatsare renovated cargo boats that have been provided with all the modern conveniences and comforts – imagine well furnished rooms, ensuite bathrooms, dining rooms and lounge areas. The deck is the most coveted feature of a houseboat. It is from here that one can take in all the local sights and sounds, as the boat drifts through the maze of canals.

The couple chose Bekal Ripples to hire a houseboat for the day to explorethe Valiyaparamba backwaters. It offered them aglimpseof unspoilt nature and a peek into village life that thrives around the canals. The captain of the houseboat was friendly and full of anecdotes about the region. He told the couple about Nileshwaram’s cultural connect with the traditional ritualistic folk dance of Theyyam. Masked dancers travel from village to village to perform at temples and homes during the winter months. Many travellers come to see this ancient art form and are left speechless with the enigma of the stories that are energetically depicted by the performers. He suggested that Anwesha and Pallav return to see Theyyam at some time. He also told them about the village life, which is dependent on tourism, fishing and paddy farming in the region. Most households are connected with one or more of these. The houseboats are synonymous to Kerala so thousands of travellers from across the world come here to use this extraordinary mode of transportation to see the Kerala countryside.

Lunch on the boat was a memorable experience. Usually, the driver doubles up as a fisherman. Fresh fish is caught and prepared on the boat if one opts for an overnight stay. Since this was only a day trip, the couple had other flavours to try. Coconut infused dishes, with layered parottasand chicken curry was a satisfying meal.

The houseboat experience came to an end after a few hours, as the next destination beckoned Anwesha and Pallav. With their camera cards loaded with photographs and memories firmly etched in the mind, they left the houseboat and the lush tropical canals for the highway. Of course, they didn’t forget to promise the captain that they would be back for Theyyam.

Courtesy of Outlook Traveller