In the gentle backwaters of Kumarakom, where life moves to the rhythm of water and wind, a small wooden boat carries more than just tea. It carries warmth, stories, and the soul of Kerala itself.
For over 11 years, Chaya Chechi has been gliding across the waters near Coconut Lagoon, serving her signature spiced masala chai from her humble floating stall. There are no grand signboards or modern machines. Just a simple boat, the aroma of freshly brewed tea, and her ever-present smile that has become as famous as the chai she serves.
There is something magical about tea when it is served this way. As the morning mist slowly lifts or the evening sun melts into the water, travellers find themselves pausing. In that moment, her chai becomes more than a drink. It becomes an experience. Paired with traditional Kerala snacks like sukiyan and crispy banana fritters, every cup carries the taste of home, even for those who are miles away from theirs.
But Chaya Chechi’s journey was not always afloat. She once ran a small tea stall on land. When that chapter ended, she chose not to give up, but to begin again. With courage and imagination, she took her passion onto the water. The backwaters became her road, and her boat became her identity.
Life on water was not easy. The monsoon rains were unforgiving. Supplies were harder to manage. Some days brought crowds, while others brought silence. Yet, she stayed. With resilience in her heart and hope in her hands, she kept brewing tea. Over time, her floating stall became more than a business. It became a symbol of determination.
What makes her truly special is not just her tea, but her kindness. She has offered free cups to tired boatmen, comforted strangers with warm conversations, and welcomed every visitor as if they were family. In her presence, people feel seen, not as tourists, but as fellow travellers in life.
Today, she is not just a tea seller. She is a living reminder that success does not always come from chasing the world, but from creating something meaningful where you are. Her boat floats gently, but her story stands strong.
In a fast-moving world, Chaya Chechi reminds us to slow down.
To sit.
To breathe.
And to taste life, one warm cup at a time.
Source / Image Credit : Deccan Herald , Coconut Lagoon, CGH Earth
