An Unexpected Boat Ride Through Periyar

Some travel experiences stay with us not because we planned them carefully, but because they happened unexpectedly.

Last Sunday, we set out for a leisurely outing. On our way back from Cherai, we decided to visit the historic Chendamangalam Synagogue, hoping to explore its rich heritage and learn more about the Jewish history of Kerala.

However, when we arrived, we found the synagogue closed.

It was a little disappointing, especially since we had been looking forward to the visit. But instead of letting that spoil our Sunday outing, we decided to look around the area.

And that was when an unexpected adventure began!

Not far from the synagogue, we noticed a small boat jetty where a motorboat was resting peacefully by the water. The sight immediately caught our attention.

We approached the boat driver and asked if he could take us on a short ride through the nearby waterways. He agreed to take us on a one-hour trip for ₹1,500.

Without much hesitation, we decided to go ahead.

What began as a spontaneous decision soon turned into one of the most enjoyable parts of our Sunday. We had no elaborate plans, no fixed itinerary and no particular expectations. All we wanted was to enjoy the ride and discover what lay beyond the jetty.

Sometimes, that is all a journey needs.

Cruising Through the Beautiful Waters of Periyar

As the motorboat slowly moved away from the jetty, we found ourselves surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Periyar River.

The gentle movement of the boat, the cool breeze brushing against our faces and the lush greenery along the riverbanks created a wonderfully refreshing atmosphere. The familiar sounds of traffic and everyday life gradually faded away, replaced by the soothing rhythm of the water and the quiet beauty of nature.

From the middle of the river, the landscape looked entirely different. Green banks stretched along the water, trees leaned towards the river and the changing scenery unfolded before us as the boat continued its journey.

There is something special about exploring a place by water. Unlike travelling by road, where the scenery often passes by quickly, a boat ride allows us to slow down and appreciate the little details.

We could simply sit back, enjoy the breeze and watch Kerala's beautiful river landscape reveal itself.

Our journey was taking us towards Malavana Paara, a distinctive rocky formation in the Puthenvelikara area of North Paravur.

Located in the riverine landscape of Puthenvelikara, Malavana Paara is a rocky formation that adds a distinctive character to the surrounding waterways.

Unlike popular tourist attractions with elaborate entrances and facilities, this place feels closely connected to the natural landscape around it. The rock, the water and the greenery together create a setting that invites us to pause and appreciate the beauty of the region.

For Malayalam cinema enthusiasts, Malavana Paara has an additional point of interest.

The location is associated with Kakka, a Malayalam film released in 1982, featuring Rohini and Raghuvaran.

It was fascinating to discover this cinematic connection while exploring a place that otherwise seemed so peaceful and removed from the bustle of everyday life.

Locations like these often have several stories to tell. They may be interesting because of their natural features, their connection to local history or the films that were shot there.

For movie lovers, discovering a familiar location in an unexpected setting can make a journey even more memorable.

Another highlight of our boat ride was the view of Majali Bridge from the water.

The bridge looked different from this perspective. Instead of seeing it from the road, we could appreciate how it fitted into the surrounding river landscape.

As our journey continued, we turned towards the Chalakudy River channel.

The scenery along this stretch was particularly beautiful. Both sides of the waterway were lined with lush greenery, creating the feeling of travelling through a quiet natural corridor.

We were delighted to spot waterbirds along the way. Watching them near the river added another little highlight to the trip.

There was no need for elaborate sightseeing or organised activities. The natural surroundings themselves provided everything we needed to enjoy the moment.

The interconnected waterways in this part of Kerala also make the region geographically fascinating. The Periyar and Chalakudy river systems are important features of the landscape, sustaining the surrounding wetlands, agricultural areas and communities.

Exploring these waterways by boat offered us a glimpse of a side of Kerala that is easy to overlook when travelling along the highways.

It was refreshing to experience the region at such a relaxed pace, surrounded by water, greenery and birdsong.

Kerala never ceases to surprise us. Sometimes, its hidden treasures are not along the highway or inside a popular tourist attraction. They are waiting quietly along the riverbanks, ready to be discovered by those willing to take a little detour.