subject: Kerala Houseboat Cruise [print this page] Kerala Houseboat Cruise
A Kerala houseboat cruise is unforgettable. Cruising down on the scenic backwaters of Kerala, you can have the experience of a dream joy ride. You can have your choice, whether you would like to embark on a traditional Kettuvalam or a luxury boat. Cruising on a houseboat you can explore the water lilies, lush paddy fields, coir villages, rustic homes, temples and coconut groves.
The 900 kms backwater stretches of Kerala are formed by lagoons, lakes, canals, estuaries, and deltas of forty-four rivers. Kerala backwaters flow through the four districts mainly like Kollam, Alleppey (Alappuzha), Kottayam and Kochi (Cochin). The largest backwater stretch is Vembanad Lake which flowing through Alleppey and Kottayam empties into the Arabian Sea at Kochi harbor. The second largest backwater body is Ashtamudi Lake.
The traditional houseboats of Kerala are known as Kettuvallam made up of wood and bamboo thatched roof. Now-a-day the houseboats are embellished with fine decors and decked with furniture. The houseboats are handiwork of the rural artisans.
The houseboat ride is indeed the most thrilling experience of a Kerala tour. While in Kerala one must experience a houseboat cruise on the scenic backwaters. The bank of the backwaters is rich in various flora and fauna; while cruising on a houseboat one can explore the scenic paddy fields, the villages, coir factories, wildlife, etc.
In the houseboats, you will get all the basic modern amenities. You can have the best of Kerala cuisine. A crew comprising of a cook, captain and an oarsman is the main family of a houseboat who will take care of you during the ride.
There are luxury houseboats also in which you can cruise down on the backwaters. You can have more luxury and comfort in a luxury boat.
The backwater destinations which have houseboat cruising facilities are Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kottayam, Kochi, Kollam, etc. Reach any backwater destination and take a long houseboat cruise.
