Backwater Tales: A Peaceful Escape into Kerala’s Heart!

 

On 7th February 2026, at noon, we stepped into a world of calm and quiet beauty as we checked into a luxury houseboat, Casino Paradise Suite, operated by Southern Panorama Cruises, for a memorable 24-hour stay on the tranquil waters of Vembanad Lake, Alleppey, also fondly known as Punnamada Lake in Alleppey/Alappuzha.

As the houseboat gently cruised along the expansive lake, we were surrounded by breathtaking vistas, endless stretches of shimmering water, fringed by swaying coconut palms and patches of emerald green fields. The experience was nothing short of blissful. The soothing rhythm of the waters, combined with the comfort of the houseboat and the indulgence of delicious, freshly prepared meals, made for a truly relaxing journey.

By around 4:30 in the evening, our houseboat anchored at a quiet jetty. What followed was perhaps the most enchanting part of the day. We boarded a traditional Shikara, a smaller and more intimate boat, for an hour-long exploration into the narrow backwaters branching off from the main lake.

As we glided silently through these serene waterways, a different world unfolded before us, one that felt untouched by time. This was Kainakary, a cluster of water-locked villages where life flows in harmony with the rhythms of the backwaters.

We passed by charming homes standing gracefully along the water’s edge, with small canoes tied to their steps like parked vehicles. Children waved cheerfully as we drifted past, while locals went about their daily routines, washing clothes, tending to their gardens, or navigating the canals in narrow boats. The lush green paddy fields, some lying below sea level, stretched out like a vibrant carpet, reflecting the golden hues of the evening sun.

There was a rare stillness in the air, no honking traffic, no rush, just the gentle splash of oars and the occasional call of a bird. It was a reminder of a simpler, slower way of life, deeply connected to nature.

This short yet unforgettable Shikara ride offered us a glimpse into the soul of Kerala’s backwaters, far beyond the luxury of the houseboat, into the everyday beauty of its villages.

If you would like to experience a slice of this serene journey, here is a glimpse through our video:

As the sun began to set and we made our way back to the houseboat, we carried with us not just photographs and videos, but a deep sense of peace and admiration for this unique way of life.

This journey on Vembanad Lake was not just a travel experience; it was a gentle immersion into tranquillity, a reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful moments are found in simply drifting along with life.

Seen in parts… now experienced in full!

 

At Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam, and at Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, we had fleeting darshans of the Lord in three sections. We were amply blessed, but we always wished the darshan to be longer 🙏 …

But here, in this ancient cave, we stand beside Him, (Reclining Sri Padmanabhaswamy > 5 metres/17 feet long), so close, for as long as we wish! 🙏

Can you guess the location of this 4th-century wonder? 🙂

An Evening of Kalaripayattu in Munnar

 

On a cool evening in Chithirapuram, nestled in the misty hills of Munnar, we witnessed something extraordinary, a live performance of Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s ancient martial art, at the Raga Performing Theatre.

Kalaripayattu, often described as one of the oldest fighting systems in existence, is deeply rooted in Kerala’s cultural heritage. More than just combat, it is a holistic discipline that combines strikes, kicks, grappling, weaponry, healing practices, and the mastery of pressure points. Its movements are elegant yet powerful, marked by fluid evasions, soaring jumps, and precise weapon training.

For one hour, the stage became a battlefield of grace and strength. Every sequence displayed astonishing agility and combat artistry. The program began with solemn prayers, as performers invoked blessings for safety and success, a ritual that underscored the spiritual devotion woven into this martial tradition.

I captured the essence of this unforgettable evening in the video below, highlighting its most riveting moments, from breathtaking airborne duels to perfectly synchronized staff combat. It stands as a tribute to the warriors, the tradition, and the timeless spirit of Kalaripayattu.

VIDEO:

But Kalaripayattu is more than a martial art. It is a living tradition that blends discipline with devotion, combat with healing. Each movement echoed the rhythm of Kerala’s heritage, reminding us that this practice is not just performance, it is philosophy in motion.

If you ever find yourself in Munnar, don’t miss this experience. The Raga Performing Theatre offers more than entertainment; it offers a glimpse into the very soul of Kerala.

When Explosions Mean Work… and When They Mean War

 

Years ago, I had the opportunity to witness and film blasting operations at an open-cast coal mine. It was an experience that left a deep impression on me.

The moment the explosives were triggered, a thunderous roar filled the air. The ground trembled beneath my feet, and massive rocks shot outward in every direction as dust and smoke rose into the sky. It was powerful, dramatic, and unforgettable.

Yet strangely, it was also thrilling.

VIDEO: 

The reason was simple. These were controlled blasts, carried out with careful planning and strict safety precautions. Every step was designed to ensure that the explosions served a purpose, to extract coal from deep within the earth, fuelling industries and livelihoods. What appeared chaotic was actually the result of precise engineering and disciplined execution.

Today, when I watch the news and see images from ongoing wars around the world, the sound and sight of explosions bring back those memories, but with a very different feeling.

Missiles, drones, torpedoes, and bombs are launched around the clock, striking cities and strategic locations. Buildings collapse, smoke rises into the sky, and rubble spreads across once-lively neighbourhoods. Unlike the controlled blasts at the coal mine, these explosions bring fear, loss, sorrow, and unimaginable destruction.

What once felt thrilling in a safe and purposeful environment now feels deeply unsettling when seen in the context of war.

The rising smoke, shattered structures, and displaced lives remind us of the high cost of conflict. Every explosion in war carries with it the pain of lives lost and communities disrupted.

Watching these scenes, one can only hope that such conflicts come to an end soon.

May the thunder of weapons fall silent, and may peace prevail, so that people everywhere can live their lives in safety, dignity, and happiness.

In God’s Own Country, a meal is never just a meal!

 

Relishing a banana leaf filled with colourful Sadhya, along with the aroma of freshly cooked fish, becomes a celebration of Kerala’s timeless culinary tradition.

In Kerala, everything is a celebration, not just the food, but also its rich traditions and the breathtaking beauty of the land: the misty hills, lush greenery, tranquil backwaters, and the vast sea.

Wisdom under three minutes!

 

Wisdom under three minutes! A Video:

(Short Motivational Speeches on Time, Personal Growth, and Kindness)

Kathakali, Bharatanatyam & Beyond – A Fusion of Traditions in Munnar

 

(REACH FOR VIDEO LINK, BELOW)

Our arrival in Kerala on 5th February 2026 was marked by an unforgettable cultural experience. After a scenic drive from Kochi to Munnar, with misty hills and lush tea plantations unfolding along the way, we stepped into the vibrant world of Kerala’s performing arts at The Raga Theatre.

That evening, we witnessed a Kathakali Fusion Dance Show—a mesmerizing blend of South India’s classical traditions. The program featured Kathakali, Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, and Theyyam, each performed with grace and intensity.

One of the highlights was watching the elaborate make-up ritual of the Kathakali artistes. The transformation of characters like Dushasana and Bheema was itself a performance, an art form that requires patience, precision, and symbolism. The vibrant colours, intricate facial designs, and towering headgear brought mythological stories to life before our eyes.

For us, this was the first live Kathakali performance, and it felt like stepping into Kerala’s cultural soul. The fusion aspect of the show added variety, allowing us to appreciate the unique rhythm and storytelling styles of Bharatanatyam, the graceful sways of Mohiniyattam, the dynamic energy of Kuchipudi, and the raw, ritualistic power of Theyyam.

This evening was not just entertainment; it was a cultural immersion. The Raga Theatre created a space where tradition met modern presentation, making the experience accessible yet authentic.

Interestingly, 2026 has already been a year of dance for us. We began with a Bharatanatyam Arangetram in Chennai on 3rd January, and now, Kerala has gifted us this unforgettable Kathakali fusion. We hope to continue this journey of live performances throughout the year.

You can relive snippets of this magical evening in my video here:

👉 https://youtu.be/KbP8CsGspZw  

Stay tuned, more posts will follow on Kerala – ‘God’s Own Country’, in the days ahead.