On our way back, we chanced upon a 'boat warming party'; the locals were innaugurating a new house boat.

We finished our backwater trip in about four hours and we paid Sukumaran for the extended hours, which he took quite reluctantly.

We picked up souvenirs -- miniature versions of beautiful houseboats -- that ranged from Rs 200 to Rs 750 from the KTDC souvenir store.

On the way back, we had lunch at the famous K R Bakes, which serves a wide range of small eats. It is especially famous for its chicken and fish dishes.