The best things in life are (nearly) free

Alleppey was amazing. My Austrian friend and I took the early train down the coast (through some spectacular scenery – tranquil backwaters, tiny hamlets, bustling villages) and arrived just in time for the afternoon ferry ride through the backwaters to Kottayam. It’s the best 20 rupees I’ve ever spent. Alongside the locals, we sailed past the hundreds of private (and expensive) houseboats, coasting across Vembanad Lake and arriving in time for chai by the river in Kottayam – all before catching the last return trip back into the setting sun. It was breathtaking.