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Southern India

We have a tour of the home. Here is the kitchen.
After our first stop we board small boats to use on the canal called Shikara boats.  We are about to explore some of the more narrow canals.
We thank our hosts for letting us stop at their home and learning what life is like along the canals.
Dennis on one of the Shikara boats.
These boats are the suv's and trucks for the canals to transport goods and people.
Large homes built along the canals. In cases they are second homes from nearby cities.
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Kerala backwaters have been used for centuries by the local people for transportation, fishing and agriculture.
Family of ducks
The region has supported the efforts of the local people to earn a livelihood. In more recent times, agricultural efforts have been strengthened with the reclamation of some backwater lands for rice growing,  Boat-making has been a traditional craft industry.
Laundry Day  every day
The region is the lowest lying of any in India and is one of the few places in the world where farming is carried around 4 to 10 feet below sea level.
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Regular ferry services connect most locations on both banks of the backwaters
The Kerala State Water Transport Department operates ferries for passengers as well as tourists. It is the cheapest mode of transport through the backwaters.
Just like anywhere in the world a group of ladies get together to talk about the latest gossip maybe.
For centuries locals gather to taste the sweet sap of the coconut palm after letting it ferment to create a mild alcoholic brew called Toddy.  A few of us sampled the fizzy white palm wine along with several of the spiciest dishes in India.
The Kettuvallam were traditionally used as grain barges, to transport the rice harvested in the fertile fields alongside the backwaters. Thatched roof covers over wooden hulls, 100 ft (30 m) in length, providing protected from the elements.
As you can see there are different varieties of Kettuvallm, One and 2 story.  Ketuvallam are motorized but generally proceed at a slow speed for smooth travel.

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