Melaka River, Malacca

After the power packed visit through the history of Malacca of which only the name was known to us till then, we thought of cooling off our heels, and felt the banks of river with cool breeze will help us rejuvenate after a long humid day.

A short walk through the street along the river bank lead us to a bright coloured street art. The walls of various shophouses and guest houses became the canvases of artists. The graffiti artists transformed the entire drab blocks into a stunning landscape. Is it true art reflects the chaos inside the artist? 

A legend has it Sumatran Prince Parameshwara was catnapping under a Melaka tree (Indian Gooseberry) on the banks of river in between a hunting expedition. A commotion jolted him up from the nap. One of his hunting dogs was trying to attack a mouse deer. In retaliation the deer pushed the dog into the river. An idea struck exactly at that moment and he decides to built an empire in that very place, considering it as an auspicious sign. Weak mouse deer's valor reinstated his confidence in himself. He built his royal residence along the east side of river embankment. And called the beloved city as Melaka (remember Gooseberry tree!), and the river Melaka as well.

European sailors nicknamed Melaka River as "Venice of the East". In late 16th century it was the major hub for European and Asian traders because of the strategical presence of Melaka Straits. The river even feeds into Straights. The river passes through various colonial buildings, old bridges, shops, hotels, restaurants, guesthouses, classic monuments, and pubs at a stretch of 10 kilometers.   

The banks of the river Melaka comes to life as the sun sets in the Melaka straights. Soft lights glowed brightly in the night.  Ripple of waves from passing cruise on one side and blasting music on another set the ambiance right for a perfect evening. And we ended the perfect day letting our hair down with a mug of beer.