House Boats / Backwaters

One of the major reasons that make Kerala a great holiday destination is its backwater stretch made up of a network of more than 900 kilometers of brackish lagoons fed by 44 rivers, covering about half the state of Kerala. Soothe your senses with the sound of rippling waters that you hear while drifting across on a houseboat over the backwaters.

Backwaters in Kerala are green and graceful. A trip to the renowned backwaters in Kerala is considered more amazing than a tour to the backwaters in Milan! Those in quest of tranquility will enjoy being amidst the sparkling and green backwaters.

A backwater cruise is surely the most exciting way to explore Kerala. One can choose a boat according to one’s interest and budget. One can even hire a wooden canoe for a single day which will work out cheaper but by far the best way is to hire a houseboat and barge through the gentle river along the palm-fringed backwaters and watch village life as you weave in and out of rustic villages.

Most towns and villages in Kerala are connected through a watery maze, so you can start a cruise almost anywhere, but Alappuzha, the gateway to the waterways, may be the best start to a cruise. Cruising by Kuttanad can be an amazing experience as the cultivated land is below sea level and one often finds oneself drifting higher than the paddy fields. Kochi, a cluster of little islands makes an interesting backwater destination. Kasargod, the northern-most part of Kerala is one of the most picturesque backwater destinations. Alamkadavu, a beautiful little village 25 kilometers north of Kollam in the kettuvallam building centre and a popular destination for houseboat cruise.

Houseboat cruise has become a choice for every tourist visiting Kerala. A houseboat is equipped with all those luxuries and comforts that a modern-day traveler demands. An open lounge, a balcony, a bedroom and a kitchen. Some houseboats are air-conditioned and adored with exquisite wood carvings. In order to lit up the houseboat during the night, lanterns are used.

Throw in a halt at an ayurvedic resort in between cruises, for an unforgettable experience. Stay at one of the many exotic backwater resorts and take a two or three hour sunset cruise, for a truly romantic evening. Drift down the serene waters and watch the soft orange light of the sky fade to black as the sun sinks.