Houseboats – Cruising In Luxurious Havens

By Author: Rajesh Raj
Total Articles: 103
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Kerala, fondly called God’s own country, is a region located on the Malabar Coast of south-west India. Kerala is a narrow strip of coastal territory that slopes down the Western Ghats in a cascade of lush green vegetation and reaches to the Arabian Sea. Blessed with pristine beaches, mist shrouded hill stations, supine backwaters, clement weather and vibrant and varied culture, Kerala is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.
Backwaters are a unique attraction Kerala has to offer. Backwater tours Kerala are high on reputation and are mostly sought for. Backwaters are an exclusive Kerala occurrence. It is a complex network formed by manmade and natural canals and inlets, estuaries of over forty rivers and five lakes. The shores of backwaters are blessed with swaying coconut trees, exotic flora and lush green paddy fields, abodes, fishing nets and various activities of life, forming a picturesque landscape. The network of Backwaters of Kerala was earlier used as means of transportation by local people. They for ...
... centuries depended on backwaters of Kerala for fishing and agriculture. Backwaters of Kerala sustained the efforts of local people to earn a livelihood. The Backwaters of Kerala are now playing the economic role in continuance by earning millions in revenue by seducing tourists to its pristine beauty. The call of nature is irresistible to many. They folk persistently to this immaculate thing of beauty – a joy forever.
Kochi, Alleppey and Kollam are the main destinations where Backwater tourism thrives, even though Backwaters is an all Kerala phenomenon. Houseboats are the new mantra of Backwater tourism. Houseboats are modern day luxurious versions of “Kettuvallams” of yester years. “Kettuvallams” were used to transport rice and household items by local people through Backwaters.
“Kettuvallam” came with thatched roof over wooden hull. Alleppey Houseboats come in same shape but are two to three storied affairs with one to five bedrooms. Apart from sleeping space, there are dining space and sit out open on all sides from where tourists can savor the breathtaking landscape that is Kerala Backwaters. Houseboats are equipped with western style toilets and generator is attached providing for twenty four hours air-conditioning. A crew of three including a cook accompanies guests. The menu is mainly Kerala variety with local fish but other styles are also available according to wishes of guests.
Houseboats come in varying lengths from ninety five meters to hundred and fifteen meters and width from thirteen to fifteen meters. The hull is made of wood of “Anjili” (Wild Jack). The accessories that go into making are local and eco friendly. It is to be noted that nails are not used but wood is tied with coir.
Cruising through backwaters in meandering pace, one could sometimes see endless water, network of canals and inlets, rivers joining Backwaters and shores marked by swaying coconut trees, emerald landscape formed by exotic flora and lush green paddy fields, abodes, fishing nets and various activities of life. Although Houseboats are motorized, it is run in a sluggish pace.
Spending a night docked in Backwaters is a relish able experience. One could have the glimpse of boats with lanterns moving, houses as dots of illumination far off and fireflies. One also has the choice of switching off electricity and spending time in light of lanterns alone to get a local feel.
So what are you waiting for? Organize a suitable Kerala houseboat tours and enjoy the journey of lifetime cruising over the charming backwater with immense fun, pleasure and delights.
Rajesh Raj is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel & Tours related topics. He has authored many books on Kerala Backwater & Kerala Houseboats. Find more information related to Kerala backwater houseboats log on http://www.keralabackwaterhouseboats.com