Houseboat Holidays.
 External view of Houseboat. |
 Sitting and dining area. |
 Twin/double bedroom. |
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 nights on board (details given below)
Keralan Houseboats
The houseboats are a wonderful way of viewing the Backwaters region and a very relaxing experience, after the rigours of travel in India. Mornings and evenings (especially during sunrise and sunset) with the houseboat parked in the centre of the Lake and hearing the natural sounds of birds, animals and local villagers is a memorable experience. You can even have single apartment houseboats where 2 persons have the whole boat to themselves. Thus complete independence. You can stop the houseboat at any time for taking photographs. You can either spend one night in a houseboat or spend 3 night's cruising the backwaters and also try to fit in a visit to a coir making factory en-route. The houseboats are not like luxury hotels but you have the luxury of your own private boat. The houseboats are made out of coir and wood. One extremely good addition to the trip would be a visit to the coir factory and view coir making which is an essential part of the construction of the houseboat. The boat has a private cook who can cook traditional food on board, an oarsman to take you along the backwaters. Houseboat stays are on a full board basis inclusive of boat cruises. Each houseboat has a private sitting area, a private double or twin bedroom and attached shower/toilet facility. For those planning to go for more than 2 nights could have the luxury of adding extras to their trips such as: cookery course on selected keralan dishes in the small kitchenette on the back of the houseboat; line-pole fishing in the calm waters and having the catch cooked for you by the houseboat cooks.
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