Paddling the Backwaters of Kerala, South India
It's 05h00 when Unni rattles the flap of our tent at Hornbill Camp. "Wake up! The sun is rising. We must get the kayaks in the water and paddle before it becomes too hot! We have many kilometres to cover and much to explore!" How can you say no to Unni? Once National Kayak Champion and annually the most sought after...
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Paddling the Backwaters of Kerala, South India
It's 05h00 when Unni rattles the flap of our tent at Hornbill Camp. "Wake up! The sun is rising. We must get the kayaks in the water and paddle before it becomes too hot! We have many kilometres to cover and much to explore!" How can you say no to Unni? Once National Kayak Champion and annually the most sought after great 'Dragon Boat' paddler, Unni feels most at home on the water. He is an inspiration and despite weariness and the desire to laze about in the Indian sunshine, his eagerness and enormous Keralan smile infects us all. We are drawn to follow our gifted guide. What better way to carry your night dreams into daydreams along the silky soft backwaters of Kerala. We are the tourists gliding by in our brightly coloured kayaks and though everyone is intrigued by our presence, daily life continues. The morning bath, washing dishes, chasing chickens and hanging the laundry all happen at the water's edge. With waves and welcoming smiles we paddle through what the locals call, 'God's Own Country'.
Full feature text by Jillian Macdonald Adventure4ever.com available for publication at Adventure4ever.com
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