A Rice Boat cruise in the backwaters - India, Tamil Nadu

In Kerala, the backwaters constitute a real network of canals and natural lagoons parallel to the coastline, that fill up with the high tide when the sea comes flowing in. They are canals, in the middle of coconut groves and shallow lakes. There are around 350 rice boats, big wooden boats, bamboo, and coconut fibre boats cruising here. In those boats, you spend two nights maximum. They are composed of one to three rooms. Each room has a bathroom. Toilets and a kitchen are also found on board. Two people cook sea food. These boats can be hired. The hippies rent them for a whole year... "Twelve years ago, those boats were more authentic", the guide says. Adding: "The locals don't use the rice boats, considered tourist gadgets". If you interested in a rice boat cruise, beware of the mosquitoes! Bring some anti-mosquito sprays, and perhaps an antimalarial, to check with you doctor. © Photography: Virginie Lebrun