Kettuvellam

Tourism is the main source of income for people living along the backwater zones in Kerala. Kettuvellam are a popular attraction here. Many tourists opt to go on a 24 hrs cruise in the Houseboats made of bamboo. This picture was taken in Allepy in the backwater areas, and you can see the man rowing the boat with the long casuarine stick. The boat moves very slow, which is the ideal pace to enjoy a trip in the backwaters.

Giggling Women

Homes in the Hiamalayan villages are made of finely carved panels of wood, with stone slabs for the roofing. The women stay at home and take care of the household chores and the kids, while the men work as porters and trekking guides. Women in this region of the country are beautiful. This picture was taken in Dalmit Village, Uttarkashi District, Uttaranchal.

Fishing - Karwar Style

In the backwaters at Karwar, local fisherman use really small boats and a flat oar..like the one in the picture. They catch fish with a thread that has a hook at its end. Simple. Fishing net is not used. This fisherman is having a great time fishing here and is smoking beedi.

Maggi, Omelette or Chai

All along the trekking route that leads to Har Ki Doon valley, there are several Maggi stalls such as these. You can buy Maggi for Rs. 20, double omelette for Rs. 20 and Milky Sugary Hot Chai ( absolute must in these places ) for Rs. 5.

Ferry with Ration

There are a 5 islands off the coast at Karwar. Devbagh is one of them, and all the 5 have island resorts and holiday homes set up. This picture was taken at Devbagh Island, Karwar. This boat carries ration to the island every day, ration which includes diesel to run the generators.

Mithai, Rupiah, Kalam..

When you trek through villages in Himachal, Uttaranchal or any other village in the Himalayan region, you will come across a lot of enthusiastic kids. They come running whenever they see a trekker, they will walk along with you for a while, asking questions like 'What is your name ? Where are you from ? Do you have Chocolates, Pen or 5 rupees? They will insist on seeing your camera and will pose happily for a photo.....and will want to see the image in the LCD..if you have a digicam. These children are truly happy, and it is seen in their smiles. This picture was taken in Osla Village, Uttaranchal.

Goats in a village

People in rural India rear live stock - cows, buffaloes, goats and sheep for their milk, wool and even meat. Therefore, cattle grazing is the daily occupation of many people here. This picture was taken in a village in Karnataka.