We were back at Goa's Dabolim Airport via local bus for two consecutive flights that would take us to Kerala - India's southwestern coastal state known for its palm-lined beaches, tranquil backwaters, and rich cultural heritage. Our destination: Alappuzha, known as the 'Venice of the East' and famous for its backwaters, traditional houseboats, and magnificent natural beauty.

The Journey South

The local bus from Bogmalo Beach to the airport cost just ₹15 and took 10 minutes. We'd become quite efficient at navigating Goa's public transport system.

Our first flight took us from Goa to Mumbai - just an hour northeast. A short layover at Mumbai's chaotic domestic terminal, then we boarded the second flight southwest to Kochi (also known as Cochin), Kerala's largest city and main transport hub.

As we descended into Kochi, the landscape transformed dramatically. The dry, rocky terrain of Karnataka gave way to lush tropical greenery. Palm trees everywhere. Rice paddies glowing impossibly green. Networks of waterways and canals snaking through the landscape - the famous Kerala backwaters we'd come to experience.

Landing in God's Own Country

Kerala proudly calls itself "God's Own Country," and from the air, you could see why. Everything was green - emerald rice paddies, coconut groves, rubber plantations, spice gardens. The Western Ghats mountains rose in the distance, covered in jungle. The Arabian Sea sparkled along the coast.

We landed at Kochi International Airport in the late afternoon. The air felt different here - more humid, more tropical, fresher than the dusty plains of Hampi or even coastal Goa. The smell of spices and flowers seemed to permeate everything.

To Alappuzha

From Kochi airport, we took a prepaid taxi for the 55-kilometer journey south to Alappuzha (also spelled Alleppey - the British colonial name). The drive took about 90 minutes through quintessential Kerala scenery.

We passed through small towns with Portuguese and Dutch colonial architecture - reminders that Kerala's coast had been a crucial spice trade hub for centuries. We saw coconut vendors selling fresh toddy (palm wine), fishermen mending nets, women in colorful saris, and an astonishing number of communist party flags (Kerala is one of the few places where a communist government has been democratically elected repeatedly).

As we entered Alappuzha, we started seeing what we'd come for - the backwaters. Canals paralleled the roads. Traditional rice barges slowly motored past. Massive houseboats - Kerala's famous kettuvallam - were moored along the banks.

Arrival and Rest

We checked into our hotel exhausted from the day of travel - local bus, two flights, long taxi ride. We freshened up and collapsed onto the beds. Tomorrow we'd explore Alappuzha properly and book our houseboat experience. But tonight, we just needed sleep.

From our hotel window, we could see a canal. Palm trees swayed in the evening breeze. The air smelled of coconut and curry leaves. Somewhere in the distance, we could hear temple bells and traditional Kerala music.

We'd made it to Kerala - the final state on our Indian adventure before eventually heading back north. And tomorrow, we'd discover why Alappuzha's backwaters are considered one of the most beautiful places in all of India.

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Getting to Alappuzha: Gateway to Kerala's Backwaters

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Have you traveled to Kerala? How did you get from Goa to Alappuzha? What were your first impressions of Kerala's backwaters?