Although I don’t think anything I saw on this trip to India could beat the Taj Mahal, Kerala was by far my favorite part in that it exceeded all my expectations. It was lush, tropical, clean, beautiful and had a vibrant and diverse population.Our first stop on our way to the resort was at a roadside liquor store. In this region, locals stand in line to buy a ticket for their alcohol, then get in line at the next shack, wedge themselves between a railing and the window, and pick up their goods. We just went right up to the window because those laws don’t apply to tourists. It was quite an experience.

We arrived at our resort, Vasundhara Sarovar Premiere Resort, about an hour before sunset. It was stunning. Set on the backwaters of Alleppy, India, it was a true tropical paradise.

Our dinner was included that night in the restaurant and although it was a buffet, it was truly delicious with many fresh breads, bright curries and yummy vegetables on offer.

We had a good nights sleep in our very spacious room and got up early to get ready for our deluxe houseboat cruise. But first, breakfast. Puri is the puffy, slightly crisp bread, and kulcha which was chilies and onions stuffed into it. I was also obsessed with sambar, a lentil-based vegetable soup that was served everywhere at breakfast and often used to dip the breads into. There is also a light potato curry and chicken sausage on the plate, along with a mini-pancake stack, fresh fruits including a most delicious pineapple, and fresh guava juice.

We passed by the houseboats on the road – how cool are they? 

We had fresh pineapple waiting for us on the houseboat and it was seriously the BEST pineapple I’ve ever eaten. It was so fresh and it had hints of coconut to it – so tropical.

The houseboat itself was amazing. We took off down the backwaters and relaxed, chatting, having some drinks, looking at the villas, the workers in the rice fields, etc.

We were served an awesome lunch on the boat, complete with local fish rubbed with Indian spices, Kerala rice which is thicker than basmati, chicken curry, a vegetable stew, green beans cooked in coconut milk, and shredded cabbage dish. Yum!

We were on the boat until about 4.30pm and arrived back at the resort close to 6pm. A few folks got in the pool, but I hadn’t brought my suit. But we hung out by the pool and chatted until dinnertime then me, mom and Sarah decided we’d had enough curry and opted for a few of the Western options on the menu. Sometimes you just need a break.

The next morning we had to ourselves and I walked the grounds, relaxed in a hammock, took photos and enjoyed a late and leisurely breakfast before checking out and heading in to Cochin.