Kerala is one of the most charming and captivating states in India and this exceptional natural beauty claims for it being named to be “God’s Own Country”. Backwaters is one of the major tourism product of Kerala, being unique to the state.The lakes, canals and rivers connect these water bodies forming a very useful inland water navigation system. A houseboat cruise along the miraculous waters of Kerala is one’s chance of gaining an insight into the natural wealth, tradition, culture and cuisine of the state.
Exploring backwaters in a houseboat is one of the must things to do in Kerala and the best way to experience the Kerala’s village life , enjoying the beauty through the palm-fringed backwaters – a chain of criss cross lakes, canals and lagoons The lakes, canals and rivers connect these water bodies forming a very useful inland water navigation system.. What else is better than experiencing it as a life time experience !!!
Kerala Backwaters are one of the unique attractions in Kerala, a chain of canals extending about 1500 kms, with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes
History of Houseboat
The traditional cargo boats are called “KETTUVALLOM” – KETTU in malayalam language means to tie, VALLOM – means boat. So literally translated means boat which are made by wooden planks tied together with coconut ropes and painted with cashew nut oil outside. They are 70 to 100 feet long and 13 to 20 feet wide.
Best time to visit
Kerala backwaters is ideal for a visit at any time of the year but if you have a choice then plan your visit to backwaters between August and May so that you avoid monsoons and enjoy the experience of tranquil, palm fringed backwaters of Kerala to the maximum.
Day Cruise or Overnight Stay
A customer can opt either a Day- Cruise or Overnight Kerala Houseboat
Tourists have an option to choose from a day-trip in a houseboat on hourly basis or overnight stay in a houseboat. The day cruise normally begins earlier. Both type of houseboat rides ie Day- Cruise and Overnight tours cruises till 5’30 in the evening as per the order.
What can i see in Kerala Backwaters
The backwaters are home to different species of aquatic animals including frogs, crabs, mudskippers, along with water birds such as darters, cormorants, terns, and kingfishers. Turtles and others can also be found here. Thick bushes, palm trees, several leafy plants and pandanus shrubs on the banks of the backwater, form a lush sight.
Prime Destinations of Backwater Tours in Kerala
- Alleppey Backwaters
- Kollam Backwaters
- Kuttanad Backwaters
- Kumarakom Backwaters
- Ashtamudi Backwaters
- Munrothuruthu Backwaters
- Alumkadavu Backwaters
- Thottappally Backwaters
- Mannar Backwaters
- Vembanad Backwaters
- Fort Kochi Backwaters
The largest water body of the place is the Vembanad Lake while the second largest happens to be the Ashtamudi Lake. There is a fair bunch of backwater destinations to explore like Alappuzzah, Kovalam/,Thiruvallam, Kollam, , Kuttanad, Kumarakom, Kottayam, Kozhikode, etc
Facilities in houseboat
The most popular accommodation is a suite that has one or two bedrooms, based on your booking with attached bath, one living room, a small kitchen, an open lounge. There are houseboats with even eight bedrooms. Separate houseboats are there which handles small conferences / meetings and incentive tours of corporate companies. Normally the crew comprising of an oarsman, a cook and a helper. Generally powered by a small outboard engine, .Airconditioners will work in the bedrooms at night.
A typical overnight journey in a Kerala Houseboat.
The check-in normally starts at 12:00 hours and the guests are welcomed with fresh coconut water or fresh juice. As you settle into your rooms, the houseboat starts cruising on the backwaters. You can view the village life and also can buy and experience toddy, a special liquor made from Coconut in Kerala. Around 1’o clock, the houseboat halts in the shore in amid the backwaters, for lunch including a vast menu. You are accompanied by a cook who prepares meals on the boat and if you wish, you can also visit him in the kitchen. He uses freshest of ingredients, whether vegetarian and non-vegetarian. While booking the houseboat you can inform whether you are veg or non-veg.
Then at around 04:30 in the evening, the guests are served evening tea/coffee with traditional Keralite snacks such as, banana fry or finger chips. Finally at 05:30 PM, the boat anchors at the shore. Kerala Government doesn’t permits a boat to cruise after that, for the safety of the fishing nets of local fishing mens. This is the time when the guests have a chance to indulge in the activities of their interest such as a visit to the nearby villages, a leisure walk etc. Once the guests are back, they are served a vast spread of delicacies at dinner time.
Next day the boat starts cruising at 07 am. Breakfast will be served. By 9.30 – 10 am, you will be dropped in the finishing point. The journey of a lifetime experience ended here with sweet memories !!!
Things to take care while booking a houseboat
- You will get houseboat on hourly basis and overnight basis. According to your budget please select the product.
- For those who want just to experience the backwaters, motor boats will be available (Not house boat)which will be damn cheap.
- At the time of booking please inform them about your preference of food, whether veg, non veg or jain food.
- Please carry mosquito repellent creams.
- It is recommended to wear loose, long sleeved shirts and pants to avoid mosquito bites
- Please avoid plastic bottled water–the boat already has drinking water-just bring a reusable container, or reuse the few plastic bottles that you do bring.
- As the houseboats have a docking station for music listerners please bring your ipod and music
- For catching the beauty of backwaters please make sure your camera has enough memory plus your battery charger.
- Hot water facility for bating will not be available in most of the houseboats.
- Consider bringing fishing gear.
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