Bluejelly Blog

BOOK ONLINE
Menu
  • InCreative, Fashion, Travel

    Capturing Elegance: Alleppey Houseboat Photography with Unmatched Luxury

     

    Houseboat photography allows us to capture the rich cultural heritage of Alleppey. The houseboats themselves are the epitome of traditional craftsmanship, with their intricately designed wooden architecture and elegant interiors. Photographs of these magnificent vessels reflect the historical roots and architectural brilliance of the region. The backwaters of Alleppey provide a breathtaking backdrop for photography enthusiasts. The lush green paddy fields, swaying coconut trees, and shimmering waterways offer a feast for the eyes. Capturing the interplay of light and shadow on the tranquil backwaters creates stunning compositions that showcase the natural beauty of Alleppey.

    Houseboat photography offers an opportunity to document the lives of the local communities residing along the backwaters. Photographers can capture images of villagers engaged in daily activities like fishing, coir-making, and farming. These images portray the simplicity, warmth, and resilience of the people, providing a glimpse into their traditional lifestyle. Photographing on a moving houseboat can be challenging due to constantly changing lighting conditions. The strong sunlight reflecting off the water can cause harsh shadows and overexposure. Photographers must be adept at adjusting their settings and using techniques like bracketing to capture well-balanced exposures.

    Houseboat photography allows us to document and preserve a unique cultural perspective. It offers an opportunity to showcase the beauty and traditions of Alleppey’s backwaters, allowing viewers to appreciate and understand the local way of life. Engaging in houseboat photography in Alleppey can enhance a photographer’s skills in various aspects, including composition, lighting, and quick decision-making. The challenges faced during the process contribute to personal growth by fostering adaptability and creativity.

    Alleppey houseboat photography offers a gateway to exploring the exquisite beauty and cultural heritage of this enchanting destination. From capturing the stunning landscapes to documenting the lives of the locals, houseboat photography provides an avenue for visual storytelling and personal growth. Despite the challenges it presents, the rewards are immeasurable, as it allows us to preserve the essence of Alleppey and share its captivating allure with the world. So grab your camera, set sail on a houseboat, and let your lens capture the magic of Alleppey.

  • InFashion, Heritage, Lifestyle

    Discover Alappuzha’s Traditional Clothing with Blue Jelly Cruises

    The traditional clothing of Alappuzha, like the rest of Kerala, is influenced by the state’s rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Here are some traditional clothing items associated with Alappuzha:

    Mundu: The mundu is a traditional garment worn by both men and women in Kerala. It is essentially a piece of cloth that is draped around the waist and extends to the ankles. The mundu for men is usually plain white or off-white in colour, while the mundu for women can be colourful and adorned with decorative borders.

    Neriyathu: The neriyathu is a blouse-like garment worn by women along with the mundu. It is typically made of silk or cotton and is intricately designed with gold or silver zari work. The neriyathu is worn over the upper body and is draped in a specific style, creating a graceful look.

    Settu Mundu: The settu mundu is a variation of the mundu worn by women in Alappuzha and Kerala. It consists of two pieces of cloth, one draped around the lower body like a skirt (mundu) and the other used as a shawl (neriyathu) over the shoulder. The set mundu is often embellished with beautiful embroidery or golden borders.

    Kasavu Sari: The kasavu sari is a traditional attire predominantly worn by women in Kerala, including Alappuzha. It is a cream or off-white-coloured sari with a gold border known as kasavu. The sari is usually made of cotton or silk, and the kasavu border can feature intricate patterns or designs.

    Mundum Neriyathum: The mundum neriyathum is another traditional clothing style found in Alappuzha and Kerala. It consists of a set of two pieces: the mundu (skirt) and the neriyathu (blouse). The mundum neriyathum is typically made of handwoven cotton or silk fabric, and the designs and patterns may vary based on the region and occasion.

    These traditional clothing items are still worn on special occasions, festivals, and cultural events in Alappuzha, preserving the cultural heritage and charm of the region.

  • InFashion, Heritage, Lifestyle

    Discover the Artistry: Luxury Houseboat Experience in Alappuzha

    Alleppey is a beautiful city in the state of Kerala, India, known for its backwaters, beaches, and serene beauty. While it is not widely recognised for its art and crafts scene, there are still some traditional crafts and artistic endeavours that you can explore in Alappuzha. Here are a few examples:

    Coir Craft: Alappuzha is famous for its coir industry. Coir is the fibre extracted from coconut husks, which is then spun into ropes or woven into mats, carpets, and various other products. You can visit coir manufacturing units and witness the skilled artisans creating intricate designs using coir.

    Pottery: Pottery is another traditional craft found in Alappuzha. The artisans here skillfully mould clay into various shapes and sizes, creating beautiful pots, vases, and other clayware. You can visit pottery workshops to observe the pottery-making process and even try your hand at it.

    Bamboo Craft: Bamboo plays a significant role in the cultural heritage of Kerala. Skilled craftsmen in Alappuzha create exquisite bamboo products like baskets, mats, furniture, and decorative items. You can explore local markets or visit craftsmen’s workshops to witness the intricate bamboo weaving techniques.

    Kathakali Masks: Kathakali is a traditional dance form of Kerala known for its vibrant costumes and elaborate makeup. Artisans in Alappuzha create Kathakali masks using wood or papier-mâché. These masks are beautifully painted with bright colours and intricate designs. You can find Kathakali masks in local markets or visit specialised mask-making workshops.

    Mural Paintings: Kerala is renowned for its mural paintings, which are traditional art forms depicting mythological themes and stories. Though Alappuzha might not have a bustling mural painting scene, you can still find some artists or studios specialising in this art form. These vibrant and detailed paintings make excellent souvenirs or decor pieces.

    Additionally, Alappuzha hosts the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, where traditional snake boats are beautifully decorated and adorned for a spectacular race. The decoration of these boats involves skilled craftsmanship and artistry.

    While Alappuzha might not be as well-known for its art and crafts scene compared to some other places in Kerala, you can still discover local artisans and their craftsmanship by exploring markets, workshops, and cultural events.

  • InFashion, Lifestyle, Travel

    Discover Luxury Shopping Spots in Alleppey with BlueJellyCruises

     Alleppey offers several shopping spots where you can find unique local items. Here are some notable shopping spots in Alleppey:

    Canal Bazaar: Located near the Alleppey backwaters, Canal Bazaar is a bustling market where you can find a wide variety of items. From handicrafts and souvenirs to clothing, spices, and fresh produce, this market offers a vibrant shopping experience.

    Mullakkal Market: Situated near the Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple, Mullakkal Market is a popular shopping destination. Here, you can find an array of goods, including textiles, jewellery, handicrafts, spices, and traditional Kerala sarees.

    Alleppey Coir Market: Known for its coir products, Alleppey has a dedicated coir market where you can buy carpets, mats, rugs, and other coir-based items. The market showcases the skill and craftsmanship of the local artisans.

    Gold Souk Grande: If you’re interested in jewellery shopping, head to Gold Souk Grande. This mall features a variety of jewellery stores offering gold, silver, and diamond ornaments, as well as traditional Kerala jewellery designs.

    Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan: Located near Alleppey Beach, Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan is a government-run store that promotes handmade Khadi products. Here, you can find a range of textiles, including clothing, bed linens, and towels.

    Nehru Trophy Finishing Point: During the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, which takes place in August every year, the area near the Finishing Point turns into a bustling market. You can find stalls selling handicrafts, clothing, accessories, and local snacks.

    Alleppey Street Market: For a local shopping experience, explore the streets of Alleppey, where you’ll find numerous small shops and street vendors selling a variety of items. This is a great place to shop for spices, tea, coffee, and other local products.

    While exploring these shopping spots, don’t forget to bargain and compare prices before making a purchase. Enjoy your shopping experience in Alleppey.