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Exploring backwaters in a houseboat is one of the must do things in Kerala and the best way to experience Kerala’s beauty through the palm-fringed backwaters – a chain of lakes, canals and lagoons.
Houseboats in Kerala is an exclusive attraction in the ‘God’s Own Country’ that has gained a lot of popularity amid tourists from all across the globe. If you are planning a tour to Kerala but confused to whether to stay in Houseboat or Resort at Alleppey then this blog is for them.
A network or channel of lakes, cannals, inlets and rivers have been given the name of Kerala Backwater, which form over 900 km of waterways. At different places on the state’s landscapes, there are cities and towns, which act as starting and ending points of houseboat cruises. These backwaters have been blessed with a unique ecosystem, where the waters of the Arabian Sea meet the freshwater of the rivers. At some places, for instance, Vembanad Kayal (Kumarakom), a bank has been made so that the freshwater of the lake doesn’t gets mixed with salt water of the sea. This water is used for the purpose of irrigation.
Locally known as Ketuvallam, Kerala houseboats are made up from indigenous eco-friendly material. Well-equipped with contemporary comforts like a hotel, most of these have a thatched roof, made from coconut leaves. These houseboat can available for a day cruise as well as for night stay.
These houseboats have option of single/double/triple and five bedrooms with a private balcony with chairs, a sundeck, a toilet and a fully-loaded kitchen. There is another separate rest room that also has a TV. You are accompanied by a trained cook, and 2 skilled oarsmen who maneuver 2 heavy plans of Anjili tree. Timely inspections are held by the KTDC for the safety of the tourists.
The prices of the houseboat vary depending on the category and type of boat which the tourist picks. They range from basic, deluxe to luxury houseboats. The government of the state rate the houseboats from Platinum or green, Gold and Silver. However, this is not mandatory. It is advisable that you should read the reviews before booking a houseboat.
Following are the categories of houseboats in Kerala:
Exploring backwaters in a houseboat is one of the must do things in Kerala and the best way to experience Kerala’s beauty through the palm-fringed backwaters – a chain of lakes, canals and lagoons.
The check-in is 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 also be taken to get your hands on toddy, a special liquor made from Coconut in Kerala. Around 1’o clock, the houseboat halts wither 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. Sambar, rice, fish fry, vegetarian delicacies, salad, papad and sweet are present in a meal. If you have any special requirement, it is advisable that you inform the cook, while on the shores.
Then at around 04:30 in the evening, the guests are served evening tea/coffee with traditional Keralite snacks such as tapioca chips, banana fry or finger chips. Finally at 05:30 PM, the boat anchors at the shore at the Kerala Government doesn’t permits a boat to cruise after that, for the safety of the fishing nets. 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 along the river banks or partaking in canoeing. Once the guests are back, they are served a vast spread of delicacies at dinner time.
On the next day, tea/coffee is served in the morning at around 06:30. While sipping your tea, savor the sunrise views. Later, at 8’0 clock, breakfast is served to the guests where there is option between South Indian items like Dosa, Idly, Upma with sambar and Chutney along with tea/coffee or Bread, Butter, Omelet and Jam.
On request of the guest, alterations can be made in items in the menu, depending on their liking. Houseboats have trained chefs and other staff members with valid license for cooking with complete hygiene.
Tourists have an option to choose from a day-trip in a houseboat and overnight stay in a houseboat. The day cruise begin earlier than the overnight houseboat and cruises till 5’o clock in the evening. Usually day cruise starts from 2 Hours to max 5 hours & for 5 hours cruise timing is from 12 PM to 5 PM in which lunch & evening tea & snacks will also be included.If you are low in costing the its always recommend to explore backwaters of Alleppey by Shikara ride (same like small boats like in Dal lake at kashmir).This option is better for those who are travelling with kids or senior citizens who might not be comfortable in night as well as for those who have an early morning flight.
The starting point of both these cruises is either from Alleppey or from Kumarakom. Kerala houseboat booking can be done at both the places. It is necessary to specify the food preference- vegetarian or non-vegetarian. Arrangements for fishing and canoeing can be done on request.
