Houseboat

House Boats in Kerala

Regionally termed as ‘kettuvallams’ or tied – boats, these hand-crafted boats are built with strong planks of wood probably with jack wood. These wooden planks are tied together with coir ropes and polished with fish oil, encompassing almost 85 feet, these floating houses accommodates 2 to 10 people in it. During the olden days, these houseboats were used to transport all the agricultural products to the seaports of Kerala – Alappuzha, Kollam and Kochi. That’s why these houseboats were also called as ‘Rice Boats’.  Today, houseboats are the star attraction of Kerala. Most of the travellers visit Kerala to experience a trip in this ‘floating paradise’, because it offers you with all sabbaticals that you get in a five star hotel!

You will be amazed to know that not even a single nail is used during the construction of these leisure arks. After joining it with ropes, these arks are coated with a corrosive black resin made out of boiled kernels of cashew nuts. The other raw materials which are included in the making of this vessel are bamboo mats, carpets, bamboo poles and all other furniture. If this vessel is carefully handled, it will last for generations.

There are huge houseboats which are 108 feet long and 19 feet wide. In a houseboat, there are three crew members who assist us throughout our journey, they are: – a driver, a chef and a cabin manager.  Nowadays, as houseboats of Kerala are raising the graph of tourism in ‘God’s Own Country’, many changes have been made in the décor of the boat by bringing many new luxury items, so that travellers can have a happy journey through the waterways of Kerala. To increase the level of comfort, we have warm living rooms, bedrooms, a kitchen, modern toilets and even an opulence balcony to view the colourful nature.

The advanced houseboats have swimming pools, ayurvedic spas, houseboats for arranging conferences and business meetings, double – deck houseboats and also houseboats that are driven by females. Some houseboats are driven by local drivers but the advanced one has engines. We can also have a train of boats by joining two or more boats together, which is normally used for groups of voyagers.

Kerala houseboats are distinct from all other houseboats in the world. It’s like a chocolate in a new, glittering and fancy wrapper!!!  We have some exclusive houseboat tour packages for you that will enable you to get high on the waves of Kerala like Houseboat Holidays, A Toast to the Coast, Honeymoon Packages, Lake Placid and many more , which are waiting only for you. Have a memorable experience with these enticing vessels that will take to a dream world!!!

Backwaters

THE BREATHTAKING BACKWATERS OF KERALA

The backwaters of Kerala are the seventh – heaven of serenity and surprise. There are a chain of briny lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea Coast. The vast network includes five large lakes linked by canals, both manmade and natural, watered by 38 rivers, and stretching virtually half the length of the State.

Amidst of this beautiful landscape, there are a number of towns and cities, which serve as the starting and ending points for backwater cruises. At the centre of the network lie Kerala’s two largest lakes. The biggest is the Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom, which spreads over three districts. Three large rivers pour their contribution into the Vembanad Lake – the Periyar at Kochi, the Meenachil at Kottayam and the Pamba, near Haripad in Alapuzha. The second largest lake is the Ashtamudi, which covers almost one – third of Kollam district. The famous backwaters in Kerala are Alappuzha, Kumarakom, Kollam, Cochin, Kozhikode, Thiruvallam, Kannur, Kasaragod, Kuttanad and Thottapally.      

Kasargod

Kasargod Backwaters
     

Kasargod is the north most district of Kerala with a 293 kilometre long coastline. It is also an admirable backwaters destination. Popular as the land for cultivating rice, coir processing and panoramic terrain, Kasaragod is worth a visit. Kasaragod presents various occasions for cruising, but the most demanded backwater cruise is to Chandragiri and Valiyaparamba.

The hamlet of Chandragiri, positioned 4 kms to the Southeast near the meeting point of the Payaswini River and the Arabian Sea, is popular for its flamboyant prehistoric fort which is settled on the ridge of a small hill. Cruising through Chandragiri will provide you with vast and varied vistas of palm grooves swaying in the cool breeze, small children playing in the water and sandbanks that separate the smoothly flowing river from the scintillating sea. The fishermen dwelling near the Chandragiri Bridge will take you to a ride on boats and arrange trips to nearby islands. There is also a Chandragiri Boat Club, which has speed boats, houseboats, island camping and wildlife tours to the surrounding place.    

Valiyaparamba is located 5 kilometres south west of Cheruvathur separated from the mainland by back waters and about 30 kilometres from Bekal.

Valiyaparamba is a quaint backwater fed by five rivers speckled by infinite small islands. The place derives its name from Valiyaparamba Island which is the longest in this region, stretching 24 kms from Azhithala to Ezhimala. Valiyaparamba is gradually developing as a tremendous backwater resort which gifts fascinating cruises. It is a land which is fully carpeted with greenery. From here just an hour’s drive will take you to Bekal.

 

Kannur

Kannur Backwaters

Kannur situated in the northern part of Kerala is blessed with adequate number of rivers. Vallapatanam River which originated from Western Ghats is the longest river in this district. Anjarakandy, Kuppam, Mahe and Thalassery are the other rivers which are crossable. So a cruise through Kannur backwaters will give a glance through palm trees, pandanus shrubs, various leafy plants and bushes are a common feature along the Kannur backwaters, painting the landscape, a rich green shade. You will also get opportunity to glimpse through the coastal villages and rustic lives of the natives.

Kannur has extensive forest areas which are classified as reserve forests and vested forests. You will also see unique species of aquatic animals as well as water birds like king fishers, darters, terns and cormorants.

Cochin

Cochin Backwaters

Cochin reputed as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’ is one of the supreme backwater destinations in Kerala. The backwaters of Cochin are a world of serenity and surprise. You can relish an exciting trip in the houseboat cruising on the beautiful islands, lagoons and small brooks of swinging coconut and palm trees. These waterways will give you unforgettable moments in the heart of Cochin. Cruising through Cochin will take you to Bolgatty Island, Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Vypeen and Willingdon Island. Most of the backwater tour selects Cochin as their starting and ending point.

 

Kozhikode

Kozhikode Backwaters

Just off the shore and sometimes identical from it, clinging to the coastline like a conjoin twin, lies the maze of the waterways that make up Kozhikode’s beautiful backwaters.Kozhikode has the charm of unexplored backwater cruise which will take you through the magical splendour and make your holiday a most exciting one. Coconut palms leaning over the water, hoping to catch their reflections in the static blue depths. Children sitting on the banks, hailing the traveller expansive waves are the stimulating sights of Kozhikode backwaters.

The cruise through the Elathur, the Canolly Canal and the Kallai River are the beloved spots for spectacular boating. The famous Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary with its colourful range of birds and Korapuizha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam is coming up as a happening water spot destination.

Thiruvallam Backwaters

Thiruvallam Backwaters – Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvallam is about six km south of the Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) city. It endows an excursion on the Thiruvallam Backwaters. A pleasure trip in a narrow boat which cruises through the shades of trees, listening to the music of sweet singing birds, the cool breeze and the ballads hummed by the village women is the most enthusiastic sight which you will never get from anywhere else.

This majestic backwater is at the union of two rivers, Killi and Karamana. The natural elegance is enhanced by these two rivers. The main tourist attraction apart from the backwater tour is the ancient temple which is dedicated to Parashurama on the banks of Karamana River. A shrine of Parashurama built with granite can be seen in this temple.

Kumarakom

 

WELL – KNOWN   KUMARAKOM

Kumarakom has some of the finest resorts in the country. Portrayed against the background of rich green paddy fields and the blue waters, Kumarakom was for years a silent and sleepy place; enriched with beauty but with no place foe accommodation facilities. So when tourism took off in Kerala, along with the charm of backwaters, travellers also discovered Kumarakom. Then it was the golden era for tourism as innumerable resorts came up over here and transformed this quiet area into a highly demanded destination.

The name ‘Kumarakom’ means the house of Lord Subramanya (kumara). Kumarakom’s biggest advantage is that it can be reached easily by road from Kottayam, Kochi and Alapuzha. This is nice destination for the experience- loving independent traveller. The peculiar thing about Kumarakom is that there isn’t much activity to do here in this lazy, idyllic place. You can just sit back and enjoy the colourful nature and the gentle smooth life.

India’s former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, once visited Kumarakom and was mesmerized by its enchanting looks and wrote a poem ‘Kumarakom Musings’.      Paul McCartney, musician and former Beatle, who visited Kumarakom for two-weeks, wrote that ‘truly, this is God’s Own Country’.

Exotic cruising…

You can experience the thrill of cruising in a house boat or kettuvallam which takes you altogether to a different world. The reason of the immense popularity of houseboats cruises lies not just in the tranquility of the experience. There is also the setting that gives an intimate glimpse into another world. Navigating through the backwaters, you will understand what it is like to live in an environment where there is water everywhere. Other interesting waterside activities like coir manufacturing, copra (dry coconut) drying, fishing and rice farming is done on reclaimed land below sea level.

You will also experience the hospitality of the people, which make your cruise even more interesting. You are welcomed to the boat with refreshing tender coconut, you are introduces to the members of the houseboats, meals mostly typical Kerala food, bedrooms, bathrooms and a vast range of other facilities. Just enjoy this groovy feeling!

The Legendry Lake

Vembanad Lake is one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia. Kottayam has a vast network of rivers and canals which empty into the great expanse the Vembanad Lake. Vembanad was formed because of the union of three rivers— Periyar at Kochi, Pamba at Alapuzha and Meenachil at Kottayam with its widest point at Kumarakom. The lake is an enchanting spot and a developing Backwater Tourism destination, which provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences.

The Kumarakom tourist village offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages. Vembanad Kayal, as it is called in Malayalam, is a tank that acts against the floods. We can see the local folks searching for the Karimeen (Pearl spot Fish). The serene lake comes alive during Onam with spectacular snake boat races. It is amazing to watch oarsmen, slice their way through the waters to the fast rhythm of their traditional boat song.

Arundhati Roy’s Booker Prize winning book ” God of Small Things “ describes the village ‘Ayemenem’ which is nearby from Kumarakom. The best way to discover the stretch of backwaters from Kumarakom to Vembanad Lake is to take a leisure boat ride. Every monsoon, the ancient Thaneermukkam Dam is opened to maintain the level of water and prevent flooding. The waters of the Vembanadu Lake become venomously saline but the roots of the mangrove trees in the lake absorb this salinity, and make the water fresh again.

A Wooded Museum

This is an outstanding museum that showcases a large range of elegant sculptures, collected from Andaman and Nicobar Islands.  There are many sculptures like the Jarawa women (tribal), elephant, monkey, lion and the most attractive one is the ferocious crocodile which looks as if alive and pieces of KargilWar. Here we can also observe the wide variety of flowers and buds.

Free birds…

In a vest area of 14 acres of rubber plantation which was earlier known as ‘Baker’s Estate’, these birds are free to fly. It is vastly spread across 14 acres of rubber plantation formerly known as ‘Baker’s Estate’. During the dawn and dusk, we can hear the sanctuary becoming alive with shrill cries and unmusical loud calls. You can find the trees dotted with night herons, Brahminy kites, purple moorhen, teals, darters, egrets and large Indian fruit bats. Indian Shag, white ibis, local waterfowl and pond heron. June to August is the breeding season of resident wetland birds. Between November to May is the season of the migratory birds like pintailed duck, garganey teal, osprey, marsh harrier and steepey eagle and many more. Take a pair of binoculars with you and have a close view of beautiful creation of God.

Fact file:
Location: – 12km west from Kottayam.
Best Time to visit: – September to February is the best time to visit.
                                 If you want a monsoon break, June to July is ideal.

Kollam

 KEEN   KOLLAM

Kollam has been known by different names at various times. If the Arabs called it “Kaulam”, it was “Coilum” for the 13th century Venetian traveller Marco polo.  Kollam or Quilon was an old sea port town on the Arabian coast. The Ashtamudi Lake, known as the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala, covers about 30 percent of Kollam. It is also known as “The Land of Cashewnuts”.

The district has enormous tourism potential as it is blessed by nature’s reward of sun-dried beaches and backwaters, straggling verdant valleys, wild forests, fertile plains with vast green fields producing tropical crops. It also has historic monuments and numerous temples built in the traditional architectural style. The district has about 37.3 km long coastline and has a good network of backwaters and canals. It also has fairly developed coir and bamboo industry. It has handicrafts, fancy goods, cane, paddy and wood carving.

There are two beautiful rivers which flow through this state, they are Kallada and Ithikkara. The Sasthamkotta Lake, the one & only major fresh water lake in the State or rather in India, is here. Two other major lakes are the Ashtamudi Lake and the Paravur Lake. Edava and Nadayara ponds partly lie in this district.

 Placid Backwaters 

The visitor can spend an entire day at Alumkadavu because it is worth a visit. Alumkadavu is situated 28 kms north of Kollam town on the northern backwaters of Kollam. You can have a glimpse through the making of the traditional houseboats at the Houseboat Building Yard. Since a long time, Alumkadavu has been a centre of boat building. The village of Alumkadavu is filled with the earthy fragrance of coir and wood on water. You can observe how the coir- rope is made with the hard and rough coconut – shells.

A 40 minute drive from the cashew factories will take us to Munroe Island, with its village, a quaint little place tucked away in the backwaters of Kollam. Munroe Island is wonderland with its village, a quaint little place tucked away in the backwaters of Kollam. Formed by the backwaters of Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River, this island is named after Colonel Munroe, the British Resident of the earlier Travancore State. Cruise in a typical country craft for the three hours criss-crossing the intricate canals, drinking in the scenic charm and experience the simple lives of the villagers. You can Book DTPC canal cruise packages for the trip.

The trip between Kollam and Alapuzha is one of the most popular backwater cruises in Kerala as the eight hour trip gives you an intimate experience of the famed waterways. You can visit Alumkadavu to see the skills of the artisans fabricate kettuvalloms at the boat building yard, Ayiramthengu to visit the coir village, then Kayakulam Lake, Kuttanad region and the coir village of Thrikunnapuzha, where you will find a locking system below the bridge to separate fresh water and salt water. At Karumadi you will see the statue of Buddha of 11th century. After that you will enter at Punnamada, the venue of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race and then you are treated to a spectacular view of the sunset on the Vembanad Lake.

The one day cruise in Ashtamudi Lake will take you to Panama Beach, Alumkadavu and various other places. You can also go for an overnight stay in a houseboat with a Kathakali performance.

 

Allappuzha

 

ALLURING   ALAPUZHA

 

Admiring Alappuzha (Alleppey) is universally known as ‘the Venice of the East’. This district is one of the rare destinations much sought after for its placid backwaters. This the utopian land where so many colours of nature paints our mood, where there is criss-crossing canals, fertile paddy fields, twisting lagoons and wide spread coconut fields which treat our five senses, where your ears are introduced to the enthralling snake boat races, where you can still see the age old splendour of being an erstwhile commercial seaport and many more. Discover a new life at this dream location.

Although now regarded as a natural inclusion in the travel itinerary of any tourist to the State, this is fairly new industry, with barely a decade under its belt. And though houseboats operate throughout the State’s backwaters, the highest growth in the industry has been in Alappuzha, as it has the maximum network of waterways. Preferably located as a base for backwater cruising, Alappuzha attracts visitors all year round for that singular experience. The speciality of Alapuzha is that we can see this fairyland by travelling through boat.

Cool Cruising…

Cruising along the backwaters is a great experience for bird watchers. Cormorants, egrets and herons skim the placid waters and perch on floating clumps of water hyacinth looking for prey, while eagles, kites and gulls soar overhead. The pretty pastures with its flickering waterways also has rich plantation of bananas, cassava and yams, which serve as the accompaniments. Inland waterways which flow above the land level are the amazing facet of Alapuzha. With the maze of shimmering waterways composed of lakes, canals, rivers and brooks. Lined with dense tropical greenery, it offers a glance into the bucolic Kerala life-styles. Most of the area is drenched throughout the year.

 

THOTTAPALLY BACKWATERS

Thottapally backwater cruise take you through the legendry Punnamada Lake, the venue where the world famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race takes place. While sailing, you can glimpse through the traditional wooden houses on the embankment. You can visit to Chavara Bhavan and St. Mary’s Church which has historical significance. Then, as you sail ahead, you can see a huge Buddha image made up of granite. Experience the serenity and magic of calm nature and observe the beauty of the water birds. You can try fishing and angling rods are provided on request. So enjoy your cruise and try out a new sport, which is very interesting!

 KUTTANAD BACKWATERS

Kuttanad cruise is like touching the soul of rural charms. If you are cherishing the idea of spending a great time amidst the sights and sounds of the hydrosphere, then step into a houseboat  and wind through the labyrinth of canals, rivers, brooks and small streams in Alappuzha.

Kuttanad exists as a squeezed terrain between sea and knoll. While cruising one would come across many interesting sights of day – to – day life on the land as well as on water. This could be in form of panoramic paddy fields, coconut lagoons, and pied king fishers dashing down to catch fish and many more. Other common sights are isolated islands, men or country boats engaged in fishing and guiding their ducks to new pastures, cargo being moved in huge boats, school children being ferried across the canal and much more.

Kuttanad is a backwater paradise of Kerala. You will get the opportunity to float from slender channels to wide fields of banana, cassava, and yam, which festoons the area. The exclusive trait of Kuttanad is that many of these fields are below sea level. There are only two places in the world where, you can see agriculture below sea level. One is Netherlands and the other our own Kuttanad. You can see houses in Kerala style, churches, temples and many other edifices while cruising.

Cruising along the backwaters is a great experience for bird watchers. Cormorants, egrets and herons skim that placid waters and perch on floating clumps of water hyacinth looking for prey, while eagles, kites and gulls soar overhead.

The gentle sound of the water relaxes our mind and soul with its soft music. Kuttanad in Alapuzha is such a place which will entice you and attracts you again and again towards itself.