The summer vacation is over and schools all over the state of Kerala have reopened. While it is just back to the pavilion for most students, it is a return to adventure for students residing in the Alappuzha district. For the students in Alappuzha, surrounded by water, their journey to school is unique and picturesque. In this region, the primary mode of transportation for students is not buses, but boats.
It is a fascinating sight to see students arriving at school on government service boats and small canoes. While students in urban schools travel by school buses and other means, in Kuttanad, the main mode of transportation for students is small boats.
Kuttanad, often referred to as the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala,’ is known for its low-lying paddy fields that are below sea level and its intricate network of waterways. This unique geography makes conventional road transportation impractical in many areas. As a result, small boats and government service boats have become the primary means of travel. The canals that crisscross Kuttanad are home to tall coconut trees that sway with the breeze. One sees ducks quacking around as youths dive into the water to hunt for shells. Some of the tastiest cuisines can be found at the shacks nearby.
Each school day, students begin their journey by boarding boats and canoes from the backwaters near their homes. Some of these boats are powered by engines, while others are rowed manually. Recognising the transportation needs of the students in Kuttanad, the government has set up special boat services. While this mode of transportation is undeniably beautiful, it does come with its own set of challenges. Changes in weather conditions can disrupt travel and pose potential dangers. However, for the students of Kuttanad and their families, this is an integral part of their daily lives.