Dani and Jess took a three-day cruise that began and ended in the touristy city of Alleppey.
Source: The Globetrottergirls
They paid 7,000 Rupees ($125) per night for a two-bedroom boat with all food and transportation costs (including a personal chef, meals, and a captain) included.
Source: The Globetrottergirls
Though the houseboats vary in style and range in level of accommodations (from hostel-style to five-star floating hotels), the standard boats are traditional kettuvallam with an upper deck and thatched roofs made from bamboo poles and palm leaves.
Source: The Globetrottergirls
Jess, Dani, and their two friends shared two double rooms with en-suite bathrooms, as well as a lounge and dining area.
Source: The Globetrottergirls
The Kerala houseboats float no faster than 10-15 mph, so they were able to take amazing pictures of the scenery and people they saw.
Source: The Globetrottergirls
Known as the Kerala backwaters, the rivers and lakes are a deep blue color and surrounded by greenery on all sides.
Source: The Globetrottergirls
As they traveled down the river, they were able to see schools, shops, and churches. Even an occasional village.
Source: The Globetrottergirls
It was common to spot people doing their laundry in the river against the stone steps.
Source: The Globetrottergirls
Here's one of the villages the couple saw along the backwaters with women gathering for their daily shower and laundry.
Source: The Globetrottergirls
The water is filled with a patchwork of tiny strips of land and rows of palm trees.
Source: The Globetrottergirls
They were able to visit in some of the villages along the canals. Here's a photo of a Keralan street food vendor.
Source: The Globetrottergirls
Though neither Jess or Dani spoke any Indian dialects, the children and people they met were extremely friendly.
Source: The Globetrottergirls
Each morning, they would wake up at 8 am to eat breakfast, and start to sail.
Source: The Globetrottergirls
They were provided with three meals per day, including an afternoon snack. Jess and Dani ate a Keralan breakfast, but traditional Western breakfasts were also available.
Source: The Globetrottergirls
They were served coffee, tea, and a sweet snack at 4 pm when the heat broke, and the boat would dock for the night at around 7:30 pm for dinner.
Source: The Globetrottergirls
...As well as equally-bright Hindu Temples. Here, a detail of the art work on a Hindu Temple in the backwaters.
Source: The Globetrottergirls
Dani and Jess were struck by how much the water impacted the lives of the people they saw — it was where they washed, fished, bathed, and transported building materials.
Source: The Globetrottergirls
They were also struck by how hard it was to make a living by fishing along the streams. Here, a villager poses with a tiny fish he caught.
Source: The Globetrottergirls