The next place we visited was called Kerala Backwaters. Here, spindly network of rivers, canals and lagoons nourish a seemingly infinite number of rice paddies and coconut groves. Houseboats lesuirely wander up and down in the waters. Everything is at a slower pace.

This part of our trip enabled us to visit a family and stayed in their home. As we were a large group we were split between 3 families, ironically all named Matthew. We were given a home cooked lunch before a tour of the area.

This area is more predominately Christian and has a high level of literacy and employment. There is more of a sense of community than experienced elsewhere and a very relaxing place to be. The islands are mainly manmade and are flooded most years. Despite this homes and buildings are still flourishing. We took a canal boat down the river whilst our guide sang to us local songs as the sun set. It was a surreal experience.

Our family cooked us dinner and it was nice to have some home cooked food. We had a chicken curry which was the nicest meal I have had in India. Our family did leave us alone quite a lot so we were able to discuss how different this state appears to be compared to the states we experienced in the north.

Morning again brought a home cooked meal. My stomach though could not deal with curry so early in the morning. Curry and idling did not sit well. Being a good guest I did what I could. The banana fritters made it a lot easier though!

Despite their beauty and sense of community. I could not live in the backwaters however. As much as it was a most enjoyable experience I would need more land around me.