City centre of Alleppey with lagoons of water and market stalls selling fruit, veg and spices.

Two young boys selling trinkets on the road.

First day in paradise between palm trees and water ways.

The second day, we spend on a house boat, cruising the backwaters of Alleppey, peaking into people's lives at the water side and enjoying the ride.

Enjoying the crushing heat, made bearable by the breeze on the water.

The perfect little hide-away: our retirement days are booked!

The Alleppey backwaters at 6 o'clock in the morning - a breath-taking view.