KERALA BACKWATERS.

• Brief Description on the Kuttanad region.
• Concept of staying in a Keralan Houseboat (Kettuvalem houseboats).
• Other Keralan Products apart from houseboats that feature the Backwaters trip.

The Kerala Backwaters (the stretch in Kerala from Quilon (Kollam being the Keralan name) - Cochin (Kochi) is the Kuttanad region and is one of the most beautiful regions in the whole of India. It is a network of rivers, streams, canals and lagoons that occupy the alluvial plain between the Indian Ocean and the Western ghats. In a trip along this region, you can view: village life in narrow strips of land (either side of the canals); waterside activities of coir making, fishing, toddy tapping, rice making along the strips of land lined with coconut trees. There are many trips along the backwaters. Some of the major points which act as excellent bases for the Kerala Backwaters are: Allepey (Allapuzha); Kumarakom; Cochin (Kochi); Quilon (Kollam). There is no better way of seeing the beauty of this region other than travelling by boats. You can either go in traditional punted boats or motorized ferries. You can also stay in traditional Keralan upmarket hotels such as Coconut Lagoon and see the backwaters by motor boat. Alternativley, for a completely different experience cruise the backwaters in a in a traditional Keralan houseboats made out of coir and wood and spend the night on board (details given below). Houseboat Holidays for 2 nights, 3 nights & 5 nights

Keralan Houseboats

• External view of the Kettuvalem Houseboat.
• The sitting and lounge area for dining and viewing the Kerala Backwaters scenery.
• A typical twin/double room.
• Attached shower/toilet facility to the bedroom.

External view of Houseboat.

Sitting and dining area.

Twin/double bedroom.

Attached shower/toilet facility.

• Standard NAC houseboats do not have a motor. Boats are moved by barging. Technically more traditional in keeping with oldern times where the boats were used as a traditional transport service for trade. Perfectly, good if used for short distances (eg: Allepey cruising for one night only). Unsuitable for longer distances or longer periods. These are being phased out.
• Superior NAC houseboats have a motor. Ideal if you wish to use the houseboat to get quickly to the most scenic points and then slow the boats where the scenery is more beautiful. Meals may have a greater variety.
• Superior AC Houseboats have a motor and have air conditioning in the bedrooms. Particularly good if you are travelling in the spring / autumn summer times (Sep - Nov and Mar - early June). Late Jun - August is the monsoon times. During this time, you may prefer to stay at hotels rather than houseboats.

Products apart from Keralan Houseboats that feature the Kerala Backwaters

• Cochin - Periyar - Kumarakom - Cochin (4 nights): Cochin (1 night) - Kumarakom (for Kerala Backwaters trip) - Periyar (2 nights) - Cochin (1 night). Optional: Add overnight stay on a Keralan houseboat.
• Cochin - Kumarakom - Periyar - Munnar - Cochin (6 nights): Cochin (1 night) - Kumarakom - Periyar (2 nights) - Munnar (2 nights) - Cochin (1 night). Optional: Add overnight stay on a Keralan houseboat.
• Kerala Backwaters + Madurai + Periyar (6 nights).
  Trivandrum - Kanniyakumari (1 night) - Madurai (1 night) - Periyar (2 nights) - Allepey or Kottayam (for Kerala Backwaters boat trip) - Cochin (2 nights) - Trivandrum. Optional: Add overnight stay on a Keralan houseboat.
• Kerala Backwaters + Madurai + Periyar + week in Kovalam (13 nights).
  Trivandrum - Kanniyakumari (1 night) - Madurai (1 night) - Periyar (2 nights) - Allepey or Kottayam (for Kerala Backwaters boat trip) - Cochin (2 nights) - Kovalam (7 nights). Optional: Add overnight stay on a Keralan houseboat.
• Kerala Sampler: Cochin, Periyar, Kumarakom and Mararikulam. Starts and concludes in Cochin (10 nights).
  Cochin (2 nights) - Periyar (2 nights) - Kumarakom (2 nights) - Mararikulam (4 nights).
• Stress Buster: Starts and concludes in Cochin (10 nights).
  Cochin (1 night) - Periyar (for 6 nights Ayurvedic herbal oil therapy). Spend a further 2 nights of pure relaxation before proceeding to Cochin (1 night).
• Keralan Cuisine: Curry and Rice. Starts and concludes in Cochin (7 nights).
  Cochin (2 nights) - Periyar (2 nights) - Kumarakom (2 nights) - Mararikulam (1 nightt) - Cochin.
• West Coast Supreme plus Kerala (Cochin, Backwaters, Periyar & Munnar) plus Ootacamund, Mysore, Coorg region - Gokarna - Bombay (21 nights): Start in Bombay and conclude in Bombay.
  Bombay - Canacona for Palolem (3 nights) - Cochin (2 nights) Cochin - Allepey for Backwaters boat trip - Periyar wildlife park (2 nights) - Munnar (2 nights) - Ootacamund (1 night) - Mysore (2 nights) - Coorg region (2 nights) - Mangalore.rs boat trip - Cochin (2 nights)). Cochin - Gokarna (4 nights) - Bombay.