Backwaters of Kerala

If you are nourishing the idea of spending some good time come to Allappuzha and then step into a country boat and wind through the labyrinth of canals.

While cruising through these canals, one would come across many interesting aspects of day-to-day life on the land as well as on water.

Here, at Alappuzha, one can easily find boats according to one's requirement, starting from small country boats to luxury houseboats and small speedboats to big motorboats. Small boats are preferred for cruise through the canals. Once you have the transport ready, pick one of the canal systems in and around Alappuzha for your cruise.

In Kerala, the total expanse of backwater stretches over 1500 kms, with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes from north to south. Alleppey which forms the main part of this network has the peculiar geographical feature of having the water in level with the land. This gives the advantage of getting a closer look at the village life on shore while on a backwater ride.

A glide in a "Kettuvallam" (Houseboat) through the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey is sure to rob your heart. Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either sides of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found on the way. Flocks of ducks swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this unique land.

It is a unforgettable experience as this is as close as one can get to feel the vibrant life in the countryside of god's own country.

Backwaters form a micro region in God's Own Country

During the cruise, one would also be able to drop at some villages to check out the techniques and procedure involved in coir making. Also, if interested one may try any of the wayside eateries serving ethnic food, especially fish delicacies, and also toddy, the natural beverage produced from coconut trees.

VENICE OF THE EAST

Alappuzha district whose share of land is dwarfed by its immense water ways-sea, rivers, backwaters, lagoons, and ponds.  Alappuzha's flora and fauna are of the water – born like the Venus herself.  This water filled landscape is projected as the Venice of the East.

Houseboats

The houseboat ancestry can be traced to the traditional kettuvallams, native rice barges.  The modern Houseboat is constructed with eco friendly local raw materials.  To cruise down the meandering backwaters the hull carved from Anjili Wood is treated with traditional lore to make it water resistant.

The energy for lighting, air conditioning, chilling and TV is provided by Solar Panels

Kettuvalloms or Houseboats (Rice boats) are country boats that were used in the early days for the transport of goods from the isolated interior villages to the towns. With the advent of roads, bridges and ferry services, gradually the kettuvalloms went off the scene. Now these kettuvalloms are back again as a major tourist attraction. A ride on a kettuvallom is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.

A house boat is about 67 feet in length and has a width of around 13 feet in the middle. The materials that go into the making are all local and Eco friendly bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, coir carpets etc. The main wood used is "Anjili".

There are air-conditioned & non air-conditioned houseboats. The house boats have fully furnished single and double rooms with sundeck, private balcony with comfortable chairs, kitchen and toilet with WC. In addition there is also separate rest room for the crew. Traditional lanterns are used as lights.

Each houseboat has a three member crew - a chef, driver & cabin assistant. The cuisine is traditional Kerala flavor with the local specialties; delicious local fish (Pearlspot - Karimeen) & prawns. There are single bedroom houseboats for two people and two bedroom houseboats for four people.

• The tourists can choose from a wide variety of Houseboats, from a one roomer to two, three and four bedroom Houseboats with or without Air Conditioning.
• Skilled and experienced crew mans the craft and lifeguards at important points enhance the foolproof security system. 
• Excellent reading materials can also be accessed
• Skillfully equipped with every safety and luxury amenities and ensured that the highest standards are maintained onboard

• The Kerala Tourism has categorized the 250 odd Houseboats to Gold star and Silver Star categories according to the facilities and Quality standards.

• We introduce you only the Gold star category operator who have quality, experience and fame .

Check into the finest Houseboats in God's own Country with Gold Star Rating

So get set for a memorable cruise through the canals of Alappuzha .

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Meetings and conferences

Hold a board meeting on a houseboat or craft a corporate strategy on an island in the backwaters. Let your business bloom in God's Own Country

God's own country is now being touted as an ideal place for business to bloom. Houseboatskerala.org offers exclusive packages of ` working vacations ' to Corporate warriors looking, for out of the ordinary experiences while on a vacation. Who wants to combine a spot of work with a holiday, to hold a board meeting or brainstorm on the latest corporate strategies, while relaxing on the lap of opulence. The houseboats are well equipped to meet such business needs.

Palace on Waves    

           
A new concept of mixing business with pleasure.  Palace on waves flaunts a magnificent conference on the upper deck with a seating capacity close to 150 businessmen.  This conference hall is decked with high tech state of art gadgets.  A/v presentation facilities Public address system, LCD/OH projectors, on board Computer facilities with special lighting and provided with secretarial assistants.
   

The living quarters in the lower deck harbor five Air Conditioned Suits – harboring a kitchenette, living, dining area, attached bathrooms, a sit out and Television to Vile away the Time. The hand carved furniture, health gym, traveler's library and an emporium are the additional features.  There is provision for fish “n” cook besides traditional and international cuisines.  Big Corporate Houses have evinced holding conferences, in house meeting in this double-decked floater. Conferring on a board offers the pleasure of a cruise for the participants and the fact that none can leave venue midway .

Ayurvedic houseboat

     Another innovation to attract tourists to Kerala was floated on as a mobile Ayurveda clinic on a houseboat set sail on the backwaters here. The boat from the Alappuzha is equipped with all the facilities for Ayurveda treatment, as famous as Kerala's beaches and its backwaters with tourists.  

For reservation and more information mail to us at

houseboatsinfo@gmail.com

Snakeboat Festivals of Kerala