Sailing Serenity: A Blissful Voyage Through Kerala Backwaters In A Houseboat

Kerala is a State tucked in total tranquility and in fact it is a hidden gem on the South West Coast of India.  Aptly and deservingly referred to as “God's Own Country”, there are a few experiences that only Kerala can offer and which is not found in any other part of India.

One such experience is the house boats plying in the backwaters of the Vembanad lake which incidentally is the largest lake in Kerala, thereby giving ample space and scope to ply house boats on the lake.

One may wonder why a houseboat in Kerala is extremely popular with tourists. For one, is the uniqueness in the design. The boats in the local vernacular language are called kettuvallam. The name is derived from two words kettu meaning tie and vallom meaning boats.

The boats were held together and thus the name. The uniqueness is in the design where not a single nail is used in the construction of the boats. The raw material is the wood from jackfruit tree glued together with resin to give it shape.  

These boats are exquisitely furnished so as to provide top class amenities that one would normally find in 4/5 Star hotels. In short it is a floating hotel to be experienced!

What is really mesmerizing is the surrounding land abutting the lake, is below mean sea level, with vast expanse of paddy cultivation. There are numerous smaller canals that a discerning traveller can cross with low overhanging coconut plantations, partially jutting into the water.

All the exotic scenery can be experienced from the safety of the house boat. Due to paucity of time, if a traveller is unable to avail a houseboat package, then an option exists to hire a shikara.

Now, a shikara may not have all the luxuries of a house boat, but nevertheless, it will play in the back waters and cover the circuit, for a shorter duration of time.    

As mentioned earlier, the house boat is a floating home on water. It has well appointed rooms, with TV and a spacious ensuite for guest comfort.  It also has a sitting lounge generally located in the aft of the boat. The lounge area also has a dining space for comfortable seating to have meals.

The boat has a crew consisting of a boat captain and kitchen staff, who will extend personalized boarding service. The icing on the cake is for the honeymoon couple, there will be a wedding cake, set in the backdrop of a candle lit plate, to the sound of lilting music. All in all, it is an experience to remember!

There are generally three classes of house boats available plying on the lake. The first is a classic model, where the common area is non air conditioned, but the sleep area is air conditioned.

The second is the luxury boat, where the entire guest area is air conditioned. Finally, there is an elite category of boat where live music performers are called to perform when the boat is anchored in the evening.  Depending on the budget and comfort level, one can choose a houseboat that best fits into their scheme of things.

There are normally two popular routes that the boat uses. One is starting at Kumarakom and ending at Kumarakom. The next is starting at Alleppey and ending at Alleppey. These are essentially round trips.

A passenger can also opt for starting at Kumarakom and ending at Alleppey or vice versa, at an additional cost. As well, you can read at 10 Best Backwater Resorts in Kumarakom, Kerala.

Skyway tour and their expertise

Being in the business as the best tour operator in India for guests from all over the world, they have tie ups with different boat agencies covering the Vembanad lake.  It will be worthwhile to discuss a tour plan and convert a dream holiday into reality.

The team in Skyway will be ever willing to give a helping hand to plan and organize a house boat tour in Kerala. Please talk with our tour executive on mobile no. 9845144118 or  9845188115 and enjoy an exotic water tour!