SURPRISING Kerala Backwaters Houseboat Experience (Travel VlogS 2023)

Foreigners Live On A Houseboat in Kerala Backwaters in this Kerala Travel Vlog 2023
We attempt to tick another thing off our bucket list by staying 24 hours on a houseboat in the Alleppey backwaters of Kerala - God's Own Country
If you like the videos, please dont forget to Subscribe and you will be notified when our next video is published / thosehappydays
The accomodation that we stayed in in Alleppey was a homestay called Manna Homestay
Our overall plan in India is to travel via rickshaw/tuk tuk from the South to North (if it's possible?) The next leg of our journey is to travel all the way through Kerala, and then a bit more of Tamil Nadu before reach Karnataka
WE POST VIDEOS EVERY WEDNESDAY OR THURSDAY 8PM AND SUNDAY 9AM (British Time
We have only just arrived in India, after a crazy time back home doing van life and living full time in our camper van conversion for two years in the UK. But after some serious engine problems that cost us a fortune, we came to India on a mission to honour Liam's Grandad's legacy who sadly died earlier this year. With the inheritance money Liam got from that, we bought the tuk tuk and named it after Liam's Grandad.
OUR JACKERY POWERBANK
We are in fact travelling with a Jackery Explorer 1000 and we LOVE IT! Does what we need. But Jackery have just brought out the NEW Jackery Solar Generator 1500 Pro - which is more powerful and it's quicker charging too. Here are the links to check it out:
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[@ThoseHappyDays]

Got any questions for us? We are making a Q&A video for Thursday...so if you have any questions at all, let us know and we will answer 😀

[@wanderingwilcoxs]

Are you going to any van life meets this summer ?

[@sanalsankar3094]

Where is you next location?

[@BenWalkerPhotos]

When you set off on new adventures or road trips, do you get nervous & if so, how do you overcome the nerves? There is many road trips I want to try, but i do worry abit ! 😅

[@AshokDeva666]

What would be you like the most in India

[@nickymercer4398]

Hi Liam and Janine, I am really loving your vlogs from this amazing country my question is: have you set yourselves a time frame to complete your India adventures or are you just going with the flow? 🥰

[@jinumathew8702]

Hi Liam and Janine thank u for ur excellent review and comments about our Home stay(Manna Home stay)It was an honour to host u in Manna. We are expecting ur next visit soon. Furthermore,Thank you all for ur good comments about our daughter (Rahel)for poem recitation🥰 Manna HomeStay Alleppy

[@pmf598]

Rahel did very well indeed with the poetry , such a shame the battery died . 👍

[@blip2012Toon]

Beautiful house and people... on the list to stay one fine day

[@lesleyhubble2976]

How lovely the daughter recited her poem, hope she watches your channel. She’s brilliant

[@ThoseHappyDays]

I hope so!

[@pamelawatson2366]

I have been a vegetarian (not vegan) for 45 years. You have made me want to visit India because it seems to be the one place where I won't have to explain myself. Loving these videos. Xx

[@ThoseHappyDays]

As a veggie, you will LOVE it!

[@chetan_naik]

Vegetarianism is much easy in India, Veganism is slightly difficult as ghee and dairy products are big thing in India. Ghee has religious significance. Best Indian desserts are made using ghee and milk.

[@0arjun077]

Vegetarian diet is very religious in India, its not exactly vegetarian but Satvic (which excludes uprooted foods, like onions garlic etc). In spiritual Traditions (Indian religions like Hindusm/ Buddism/Jainism) of India foods are classified into 3; *Satvic (strict vegetarian excludes onion garlic etc) *Rajasic (spicy foods) *Tamasic (include meat and every other food). People who pursue good Karma or enlightenment sticks with Satvic food.

[@ss-ye4nu]

Chetak, no veganism is not difficult in India. It's easy. Ghee is anyway expensive and not all shops will use it. Even in places it's used one can request no ghee and it easily turns vegan. Not all desserts and sweets are milk dairy based. Gulab jamun, puran poli, jaggery made sweets dnt contain milk, they use coconut milk

[@shanecarter3071]

Another great video! Thank you for bringing back so many memories, just love India. I even named my first daughter, India!

[@ThoseHappyDays]

So cool!

[@0arjun077]

I admire the confidence of people who name their kids after celebrity or Countries. For example what if the country or celebrities did awful. ✌🏼 Anyway good gesture love from India.

[@susannoonan1]

I think this trip to India is one of the best I've watched on KZbin. One reason is because you seemed to have slowed down and are enjoying yourselves as well as experiencing new things.

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Thank you so much

[@wave263]

Now i understand why new york had Kerala in its " top 50 destinations you should visit once in your life "

[@landb3893]

What fun. We just returned from our south India tour and did the houseboat stay about ten days ago. Our boat was a two bedroom, with three staff. It was very clean, no bugs (I got the gentle warning to close our windows and turn on the air), and working air and fan. Our boat looked like a hobbit house, so cute. Our stops were different, one at a seafood selling spot where we purchased some prawns for supper (not necessary as all food was provided, it was just an extra) and the other at a church and market area. Our food was not strictly vegan (we are not) so for those interested there are other options. We cruised all day, until around six when the houseboats must allow the locals to fish. We started up again at 7 and had a lovely omelette, coffee, fruit, toast and other goodies. There was far too much food and I’m sure what we didn’t eat went to the crew (it was all served buffet style). Tea and snacks were served also. The rest of our small tour group were on a three bedroom boat and they enjoyed their tour also (same company). Our tour was booked with our company and was rated as first class and I have no idea of the cost. It was lovely and clean and the staff were great. Too bad you guys didn’t visit Munnar (but I understand with the winding and steep roads), it was one of my favourites ! Thanks for the great videos!

[@krishnapriyachakravarthi5570]

Prices vary accordingly ..from Rs. 15000 -25000 per night. So are the facilities .

[@0arjun077]

Munnar is on the way hope they will get there

[@wave263]

Oh nice adventure you got there.

[@abraham12348]

That poem recitation by the daughter of the family was just superb!!! Blame it on the battery that you couldn't film it all. Enjoy the rest of your stay in Kerala.

[@sage.rivendell]

Is that kid a transgender? Why she has such a deep base to her voice.

[@macktlo9]

@@sage.rivendell Jesus christ man that's your takeaway? No, I'm pretty sure she isn't and it's sad, THAT was your observation.

[@CarolP-uk]

Your videos are so interesting and to see the real India has been fascinating. Well done guys and thanks for bringing us along on your brilliant adventures in India 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Thanks for watching!

[@wendyroberts4769]

Liam and Janine, your videos are a highlight of my viewing week, better than most of the stuff on the major channels. A travel vlog full of fun and information, and your enjoyment is completely infectious. Keep up the amazing work. Wendy, Cheshire, England. X

[@ThoseHappyDays]

That's very kind thank you, we really appreciate the feedback 🙌

[@hisgrace151]

Getting addicted to your channel....have a safe and happy stay

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@sammie44]

😊 keep it up guys! Amazing journey!!! You’re living my 30 year old wish to travel India. Keep on and take care. 🌷Sam and Pedro 🇨🇦

[@lorraineselby]

Another amazing episode. All the beautiful scenery, amazing food and wonderful people. How welcoming was the security guard at that roadside restaurant 🤗 The homestay looked lovely. What a shame about the cleanliness of the houseboat, it looked wonderful on the surface. You live and learn. Lovely for you to have a break from driving and the Ayurvedic massage sounds just up my street. Lovely to see the white-throated kingfisher and all the swallows in the evening getting ready to roost. How brave of the young girl to tell you her poem in English and from memory. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us. Stay safe and happy travels xx

[@joanneromano1234]

I am loving this series! So genuine, scenic, and entertaining! Thanks for sharing the memories!

[@karenstorch9285]

Another great vid. It brought back amazing memories of a time spent in Kashmir on a houseboat. It was during a time of conflict so people thought we were crazy going there but it was so peaceful on the lake and we spent 3 weeks moored on a houseboat with one family looking after us. That was in 2000. They hardly had any tourism because of the conflict. I can't remember how much it cost but it was minimal compared to what we pay in the West for any accommodation. The family were great and obviously we tipped them heavily on departure. They accompanied us on all our outings keeping us safe. Brilliant place, (Srinagar) brilliant people. And it was spotless!!! Carry on enjoying the delights of India.

[@archanasingh3806]

@@creativethinkers3214 yeah its slowly normalizing

[@pqr6614]

Compare to 2000 a lot has changed since in terms of stability. Tourists r safe anyway

[@karenstorch9285]

Hi pqr, I always felt protected and we'll looked after in India. I was referring to house boats in Srinigar, Kashmir province though, not Kerala. It was a dangerous place to be in 2000. I never regretted going though. I love India. ❤

[@Iamashik_]

Wow…that girl is just amazing…great presentation of poem and of course powerful voice she has..i wish i could hear all of it

[@lisah.5559]

You guys need your own tv series, this is amazing to watch. Thank you so much 🤗

[@wave263]

The student has a quite the speaker. She had a really really good voice and spoke really well

[@Theodorussfo]

This whole travel vlog has been seriously amazing. Every thing seems so outside the box and the two of you are simply charming.

[@ThoseHappyDays]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Trekon2]

Amazing boat trip, great home stay, amazing food, your gaining more Indian travel experience along the way and lovely video well done Liam and Janine ✅☺️

[@ThoseHappyDays]

So pleased you liked it 😀

[@God-fc2yq]

I went to south india ( Kerala and goa is my favorite) almost 8-9 times its so beautiful but i found some difficulty in north india 😅 but it was ok but one thing i am gonna say south and some of northeast india and is so good You got a new subscriber ! 😄 be safe

[@abhishekghosh4384]

Which area in North did you visit?

[@zenedd]

the security guard was so lovely. Now I've a beaming smile too. You guys are indeed the bringers of happiness

[@badcampa2641]

Exactly!!

[@sherimillman53]

Loved the way she had dressed and l loved her poem.

[@ThoseHappyDays]

💓💓

[@xvsupremacy7190]

Yes , they pay attention to detail in India. Bless her sweet soul. This week was wow. I love Janines attitude, and grateful approach - attitude is everything . Don’t change that Janine. There are sea Gypsies but you don’t see them. This trip is so full of life and unsurpassable .

[@sasthrisreenivas3997]

Divine Soul

[@kathleenchambers2544]

You and your channel provide an island of peace and fun the crazier the world gets. I see your faces and hear your voices and all is well with the world.

[@ChrisPelletier73]

Gorgeous images, music and people in this video….It literally brings tears to my eyes. The lady and the poem made my hair stand on end…and i’m not halfway through the video🙏☮️❤️from🇨🇦

[@yvonnethorpe5224]

Fabulous photo. Loved the poem😀

[@radhavenkat333]

Honestly you guys are amazing, I love your positivity and the empathy you guys show on all, its wonderful to see. I’ve been seeing your videos since you landed in my birthplace Madurai TN, but I grow up in London Surrey. I was in Alleppey last Aug, it truly was heaven so relaxing in the boat seeing nature pass by. Stay blessed and be safe!😊

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Thank you so much, i hope we are doing it proud ❤️

[@MarkGibbs-wi3fk]

so good, you two are never going to want to leave India, safe travels!

[@mcmagdayoga]

To answer your question- I first noticed your Sivananda neyyar dham ashram post, was great to see that place again, in January ( used to be anyway) they hold one month long international teachers training course, I attended in mid 80’s and stayed on as a teacher there for few months before moving on to the Himalayas for few months, then back to New York where I opened a yoga studio , I am now 76 but according to my annual check up/ no more then 45, I take no medicines, walk over 5 miles daily and still roam around India from time to time- so I hope your short stay there will give you an inspiration to practice on your own- you got good basics there 👍🌈

[@lesleylee458]

We were in Kerela in November, reliving our trip through you. So glad you had a houseboat, we loved our trip. Try to get up to the tea plantations, absolutely beautiful. Can't wait for next video. Have fun 💕

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Thanks so much, some cool air sounds about right right now

[@maggiej253]

You both look a picture of glowing health. I love your channel and travelling vicariously with you. Safe and happy travels to you both ❤

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Thank you for commenting and joining us each week, really means a lot ❤️

[@junerobinson8169]

What another lovely video guys. Loved to see the boats and the river such a different place. The food again looked amazing. What a lovely poem, loved her beautiful clothing. Thanks once again..😊

[@aliciabalchin4559]

I'm so enjoying your tour of India, what a beautiful country and lovely people. You two are amazing.

[@MarkmanOTW]

Another amazing vlog, guys. Fascinating insight into Kerala - the people, the sights, the nature, the food. Enchanting!

[@grogalot2]

Another brilliant video that just gets better . thanks for sharing your awesome adventures with us. Van life in the UK will seem pretty tame after this trip.

[@suzannemcqueenie9572]

Have to say this is one of your best series yet! Really enjoying it. Continue having a great, safe, adventure and looking forward to seeing what comes next x

[@juliejenkins2513]

Yet again , beautiful filming, editing and perfect music. Such a pleasure to watch every Sunday morning. Thank you 💕

[@marthapage4756]

Wow! So enjoyable to follow your latest adventure within the your BIG adventure of India! So enjoy your insights into the culture and people along the way. The quality of filming and editing of these videos is outstanding! Thanks so much for sharing your journey. My favourite youtube channel and a highlight of my weekend. Always curious to see where you head to next. Health, happiness and all good wishes as you move down the road in fabulous India.

[@nigelturpin3533]

Gotta say...that breathtaking boat! Brings back memories of a Nile boat trip a few years back...thanks Sue! One for your bucket list maybe? Another fab episode...such happiness in evidence all over...

[@JustMe-iy7li]

As always another great video. I hope you both realise how much joy you are giving, thank you for sharing x

[@KatherineBright]

Love your experiences and positive attitude. Good to see the authentic India. You guys are so cool in a great way. Love the peaceful vibes.

[@junegrimley5697]

It's a pleasure to watch these vlogs, you too have just thrown yourselves into the whole experience, brilliant as always xx

[@shirleywormald3197]

How lovely,the poem so beautifully spoken,have to admit I shed a tear 😢

[@ThoseHappyDays]

❤️❤️❤️

[@sherimillman53]

What a lovely exciting experience on the boat. The food looked amazing and the boat looks fabulous. Sounds crazy a fruit massage 🤣

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Took me ages to get the fruit out of places where fruit should not be 😅

[@hazelhamilton2593]

I'm amazed at what you both get up to. Incredible journey. Fearless and always very informative. Well done. I'm enjoying it very much. xx

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Thanks so much!

[@laurelcoverly4449]

Another wonderful video, thank you so much ❤️

[@hilarywallace9927]

Wow, what incredible experiences ! You 2 are so brave ! The people all seem so friendly everywhere ...I do hope your tummies will be ok if you are saying the house boat could have been cleaner. Still it did look serene . Look forward to seeing the next adventure !

[@nickymercer4398]

I am enjoying your vlogs so much, each week your finding even more amazing places to visit, it's just wonderful 🥰

[@jacquelineturbitt5509]

Absolutely beautiful...India is one of my bucket list places to see and I am doing that vicariously through you two...thank you...HUGS HUGS HUGS from cold damp Nova Scotia Canada

[@Sk-ie4qn]

Thanks for bringing cheer to my Sunday mornings ❤

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Any time! Thanks for watching & commenting

[@Lou_Kyr]

Another great video and chapter in your amazing adventure. Really enjoy it

[@shellycottrell433]

Tears again you guys melt my heart 💜 What a relaxing experience and well needed. Brilliant content and editing so look forward to seeing you next week happy days to you both much love ☮️

[@stevenkenny3454]

Fantastic video as ever guys Take care and stay safe

[@barbb]

What a wild and wonderful experience today! Lovely video. Good thing you have that spoon to help you through your meals!

[@keithbrandon8540]

Good morning from Morocco. This was great to watch so thankyou for showing us your amazing experience, also information. From start to finish we were glued to the screen! Music great and filming/editing brilliant. Good to see Kerela has recovered from the terrible flooding there ( must be at least 5yrs ago but time has passed so quickly) wish you well with your continuous journey🌄✌️👍

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Thank you so much, yeah it had left so much damage though without no govt support

[@keithbrandon8540]

@@ThoseHappyDays Thankyou for replying. It shows what fortitude and strength the peoples if Kerala have. Goverments are crap when helping those in genuine need. I wonder if they tax them high now as tourism has taken off there big time. Now Kerala is worth something Maybe I speak out of term so I hope I dont offend anyone.

[@aleenaprasannan2146]

@@keithbrandon8540 Spot on. Our budget was just released and it was entirely 'tax hikes' and absolutely nothing for people but more expense.

[@keithbrandon8540]

@@aleenaprasannan2146 I had a feeling that was the case there. Same storey worldwide but peope are what makes a place, open hearts, open minds that connect where ever anyone is from. Namaste.

[@dasdas4762]

Namaste🙏 it feels amazing that even, people from Morocco care about us ( am a keralite). We wish everyone to visit Kerala and experience the nature's blessing which not only belongs to us, but belongs to you as well. Welcome home 🏡 one day !

[@businessadvance]

Love watching this series. Thank you for documenting your journey. I even upgraded KZbin to watch without adverts!

[@jeffjones9792]

Good day, beautiful people. That was a bit different. Did a backwater river trip in Thailand a few years back. From one riverside tat shop to the next. Yours looked terrific. Liked the idea of a fruit massage! You two are having a terrific time, it would appear. Good for you. Take care, and I can't wait for the next episode.

[@starone72]

Awesome 👌

[@cyndeeh]

I thoroughly enjoyed this one! I bet Liam loved the break from driving!

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Definitely! Was just what I needed

[@Lola-wv1cy]

Fantastic video guys. I really look forward to each new video, you are both brilliant at what you do, thank you so much.😊

[@shaunbarton-collins1180]

Great Vlog

[@o.6775]

I love the music you guys pick!!

[@jillianwhite4601]

What a great week thank you. Stay safe ❤️

[@lindab4028]

INCREDABUL!!!

[@billywoolgar4511]

I love your positive attitudes towards each and every situation, keep on living the dream and making great memories 🙏

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Thank you! Will do!

[@paulinehumphreys8780]

That was so interesting and amazing to watch! Every holiday has ups and downs, I hate mosquitoes they seem to love me but the boat trip did look amazing and the food! Looking forward to your next adventure ❤

[@jpennturner]

Thank you for this I really enjoy your vlog.

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Really pleased you are enjoying

[@TheRoba64]

Another excellent vlog. Keep it up please absolutely fascinating.

[@stephenrenwick8781]

Great video guys

[@glendaandbill1562]

Love you both and agree with other comments! I especially love your editing and music! So much attention to detail, I don’t know where you find the time!

[@marilynthomson9564]

Oh my gosh you guys are the best! I can’t wait until next Sunday.

[@rickonnye2001]

Amazing experience great video thank you

[@aravind4090]

Wow what a great journey ☺️👏💞 That is the beauty of Kerala 🥰

[@anandgopanag1535]

Thank you. Good journey.

[@davidmarshall5596]

Well Pete +2 in the hour of need yet again the locals came to the rescue which is very good to see..the houseboat looked very nice but like you said Liam it could & should have been cleaner.! The young lady reciting the poem was very good & she delivered it very well indeed. Another excellent & entertaining vlog by you both..stay safe,well & Liam keep concentration on them crazy roads 👌

[@roseogrady8785]

So good...What a amazing Adventure and more to come!!.

[@ThoseHappyDays]

More to come! 🙌🇮🇳

[@mariamiskimmon5437]

Great video❤

[@wokthisway1991]

Awesome content! love your work! 😍

[@elizabethdunn2992]

Amazing video, so interesting & informative I’m loving watching your journey 😊

[@leasaalvarenga352]

Thank you Enjoyed it.

[@lilianakubecek6612]

Oh my goodness what a great video 👍 your both definitely getting the most out of your journey so many different experiences 🙌 love following along keep them coming, thanks again 👍❤️

[@thelord2000]

Without doubt a truly inspiring channel. Love what you're doing.

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Thanks so much for watching & commenting

[@TriciaKing-kv2sr]

Hi you 2 I came across your channel a few weeks ago and I love it I look forward to Sunday mornings to see what you posted Thank you for sharing your adventures

[@AllMy78s]

Another fantastic adventure, this has to be the best Indian adventure ever done on YT! I think you guys are heading for stardom well done you both deserve every success... Thank you so much for all the effort you put into making this amazing travelog, life would not be the same without at least one Happy Days Video to watch every week... 🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@julietjones385]

What a great series xx

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Thank you

[@risenshine2783]

Lovely poem, what a magical place

[@lorrainemadden869]

Each and every time I see your vlogs, I learn so, so much more about the world around me. Thank you so VERY MUCH!

[@Magesh01]

Great shots and great editing so aesthetic

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Thank you so much!!

[@Lindsay.k3492]

Just a wonderful vlog guys I’m in awe. Thank you for sharing 🙏 xx

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting each week, means the world

[@Lindsay.k3492]

@@ThoseHappyDays ❤️ always so enjoyable! Much love xx

[@michellegouda3170]

What a beautiful journey x

[@karencase420]

Ahhhh, the perfect Sunday. A big cup of coffee, my feet up, and my favorite vloggers. Brilliant episode, yet again. Would love to hear the rest of that poem 💗 The houseboat looked so relaxing until the chef practically had to dunk Janine in an ice bath after his curry 🤣 Then you had to mention cockroaches. Reminds me of several holidays in my early twenties, with one or another of a half dozen very drunk, very sunburned, seriously over dramatic girls screaming “arrrrrgggggghhhhh there’s a cockroach, someone burn the effing hotel down….” Probably Spain. Or Romford maybe🤔 Anyway, I digress. Loving the whole India vlog. The people are hands down the smiliest, sweetest peeps I’ve ever seen. And you two are the absolute best. Janine, the editing is beautiful. The choice of music is exceptional. And I say every week, with absolute sincerity, THANK YOU for taking us all with you. Getting to see India through your eyes is such a privilege. Stay safe out there ❤️

[@carolwyatt9643]

Yet another amazing video. Feel like I am travelling with you without the discomforts 😂. Thank you so much for sharing your travels and experiences. Keep well ❤

[@AM-di8if]

@5:31 that little hand gesture at the end by the guard is him blessing your journey.

[@bevholton8905]

Thankyou guys absolutely brilliant video ,really enjoying your Indian trip. I love the beautiful smiley people and so friendly. See you on next video safe travel xx

[@hgglass8905]

What a Really good time enjoyed this video one of our favourites. You definitely getting to see India. And the wonderful experiences the food the relaxing all looked amazing.well done you two great filming

[@yorkshirecoastadventures1657]

Thank you Mr n Mrs Day,your videos are superb yet leave me thirsting for more. Your summing up,of your experiences, seems to be fair without becoming condescending when discussing bad the bad parts. A gift only a few professional documentary makers have. The food seems to become more n more amazing along your journey. That banana salad...

[@jayneboulton4672]

What a lovely break from the tuktuk and the river looked amazing. I’m finding it funny how Liam’s voice changes when he talks to locals. I remember my father in law did the same when speaking to locals on holiday lol

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Haha I noticed I do too! It's because in English we use lots of pleasantries that just confuses non-native English speaking people. So I try emphasise the words that even none English speak people know, and it helps us get by. If I were to add the "excuse me, please can you tell us where to find the...." then there will be some blank faces. Better to just say the place with rising intonation...it sort of works anyway 😅

[@paulhorton5594]

Amazing video as usual

[@deniselewis3108]

Really enjoyed my trip with you two Amazing XX

[@janinesawyer5746]

ANOTHER AMAZING Vlog! Incredible!!! Just got back from a fab day in Bakewell and smiled at the garage where you tried to get gas the other Christmas!!! Love to you both x

[@ThoseHappyDays]

Haha aw love it there