Kerala, a famous state of South India is a popular destination among Indians as well as Foreigners. Surrounding by the Arabian Sea, Western Ghats, networked by 44 rivers make it unique among the other states of South India. It is the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. A tranquil environs, pristine beaches, exotic lakes, along shoreline, high hills, waterfalls, sprawling tea plantation and the most probable thing is a night on houseboat make you feel marvelous.
kettuvallam (Kerala houseboat) by Nick Williams on flickr |
Kerala Houseboat by Flash Graphics on flickr |
Houseboats of Kerala are much similar to those of “Shikara” of Kashmir. There are a large number of houseboats available in Kerala due to its large demand among the visitors. They are basically a slow moving raft used for leisure trips. These are the modified model of Kettuvallam (Boat tied with ropes of coconut fibers), that was used in the earlier times by most of the people for trade purposes. Rice and many kinds of spices were carried by these boats from one place to another and considered as the convenient way of means of transportation. But now-a-days, those Kettuvallam modified to form a beautiful houseboat used for visitors.
Many houseboats are available there for tourist purpose. Some of the houseboats are motorized while the other ones are stationary ones. All the amenities are provided by them in these houseboats. So, the main classification of the houseboat is: Deluxe Houseboats, Premium and Luxury Houseboats.
Inside view of Kerala Houseboat by monishamanral on flickr.com |
Kerala Houseboat Inside by Flash Graphics on flickr |
First of all, we will discuss the qualities and amenities provided by the varieties of houseboats. Deluxe houseboats are the famous ones as well as the costlier one. Eco-friendly measures are adopted on-board with them to provide the deluxe facilities to their visitors. A right example to show it eco-friendly is the toilet facility. Toilets of this houseboat run on the biodegradable system as the waste developed is brought to land not to the rivers and disposed properly. It does not pollute the rivers and beautiful Lakes. These boats contain spacious hall, two bathrooms attached to the bedrooms with facility of both hot and cold water. For cooking purposes, there is a kitchen in which all the needed things are available. One can cook one’s food by oneself or a maid is available to cook the delicious South Indian food and serve you the quality food in the boat itself. Also, a generator powered the boat for full time light and a/c facilities is available there.
Luxury houseboat cruises by Muthoot Hotels on flickr |
Luxury Houseboat by Kerala Boating on flickr |
Secondly, there are Premium and Luxury Houseboats that provide the same facility as the deluxe one but, some things can be found different in all the boats. It’s like a dream come true when you float like a leaf on the fluctuating waves of the river or lakes. This type of feeling can easily feel by traveling in Luxury houseboats as these are just like the floating fortresses on wood. With five star facilities these Luxury houseboats are comfortable enough as like a house. These are fully air conditioned boats, elegantly decorated and contains all the modern facilities as per the comfort of the person. Reading, playing and other activities are now easy on backwaters while traveling in a houseboat. Well furnished rooms and magnificent view of the countryside allures anyone. Spacious bedrooms with total privacy make anyone feel majestic. Each room of the boat has attached bathroom facility. Kitchen on-board with palatable cuisine like Karimeen, Kappa and toddy erect your taste buds to the fullest. Many varieties of dishes delight you surely.
Luxury houseboat cruises by Muthoot Hotels on flickr |
For honeymooners, riding on a houseboat especially on a moonlit night creates the atmosphere of romance everywhere. The upper deck of the houseboat is another good place to hold a party as it is spacious enough with a seating capacity of fifty persons.
So enjoy the beauty of Lakes, Rivers, Flora, Fauna, Tea plantations, Hill side views and many more while on-board on the houseboat. One can enjoy the extreme beauty of the Kerala through the houseboats itself. It became a long lasting and unique experience for anyone riding on the backwaters.
That looks lovely for a holiday..... great photo's again.
ReplyDeleteGreetings, Joop
Oh, this looks so wonderful!
ReplyDeleteLoved reading your post about the houseboats. I stayed in one in Kashmir in the mid seventies. It was a great experience. You are so close to nature it makes for a wonderful bird watching experience.
ReplyDeleteWow those aew somw houseboats!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteSeems wonderful to live on such a boat for a while.
ReplyDeleteNice photos!
looks lovely
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic boat. That looks like such a neat way to travel.
ReplyDeleteThe houseboat is very attractive.
ReplyDeleteFab post ET, I traveled down the Nile in a boat and it was an experience I'll never forget..this looks like it would be right up there also!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a wonderful way to have a relaxing vacation.
ReplyDeletewow. those are beautiful!
ReplyDeletewould love to do that.
ReplyDeleteFloating down the river in style! :)
ReplyDeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteExcellent relationship. Fantastic photos.
I admire, for me it's exotic.
Thank you for visiting. Nice to meet you.
Greetings.
Lucia
Wow these are quite luxurious, love all the amazing details
ReplyDeleteI'm inviting you to join us for Travel Photo Mondays, the link runs all week so I hope you can join us for the next installment?
What wonderful houseboats!! I would love to take a "cruise" on one of them! Terrific captures for the day and wonderful information!! Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful images. It looks like the perfect way to visit. I am wondering what the weather temperatures are at the coolest (and best time) to visit.
ReplyDeletethank you for visiting our blog & we will display all details in next post soon.
Deletemany thanks & pls continue with us!
Beautiful little house boat.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful boat!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day! RW & SK
Such a beautiful color of wood in the boats. It seems to fancy for India.
ReplyDeleteId love to do that!
ReplyDeleteLovely houseboat and what fun to travel with! Happy WW!
ReplyDeleteI've seen the house boats in Britian I would never of guessed though in India. How awesome this would be. Its going on my bucket list!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this.
wow, it looks very relaxing!
ReplyDeleteVery nice pictures! Kerala is a paradise!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful boat, what a cool way to travel. Wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful place with a very interesting comments... Very nice photos...Thanks for sharing...
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos! And the houseboat looks very exotic :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting!
ReplyDeletebeautiful houseboats! how fun!
ReplyDeleteWhat a marvelous holiday that would be! Those houseboats are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteHow elegant!
ReplyDeleteLooks very comfortable!
ReplyDelete