Kerala Houseboats – The Essential Guide (Part 2)

In Part 1 of Kerala Houseboats – The Essential Guide we explained that houseboats are converted rice barges hand built from traditional materials, that now feature comfortable and luxurious interiors and facilities for tourists. They are a wonderful way to explore the beautiful backwaters region. In Part 2 we let you know what to expect on a houseboat trip.

What do trips on Kerala houseboats involve?

Kerala houseboat trips typically last 22 hours, leaving at around midday and finishing at about 10am the next day. They don’t usually stop during the day, or include any activities – it’s all about leisurely crusing along and drinking up the sights floating past. At dusk the housboats moor at the riverbank in time for a beautiful sunset. You’ll stay here overnight and set off for your final destination in the morning.

You can decide to start and end at the same place for a circular route (typically Alleppey-Alleppey) or travel from one place to another (i.e Alleppey-Kollam), which can be a great way of covering distance while having a break from public transport.

You can hire an entire houseboat to yourself (popular with couples) or share a multi-room houseboat. Arrangements are very flexible and it is likely that you will be able to arrange a trip to suit your needs.

You’ll have your own staff of 3 locals including a cook and 2 crew members. They generally stay in the kitchen area at the back of the boat, except for the captain who’ll be up front steering while the boat is on the move . Our crew were very friendly – the captain even let us have a try at steering the boat ourselves. An upper deck means even greater privacy, but generally the staff don’t feel instrusive of this romantic experience.

The main living area of our houseboat

The main living area of our houseboat

Who takes a houseboat trip?

Kerala houseboats are a popular trip for many visitors to the region, both domestic and international. When we came across other houseboats they were most commonly occupied by honeymooning Indian couples. It is a lovely romantic trip for couples, but can also be great for groups of friends.

What’s the food like?

Delicious! You have your own chef and three meals are included in the price, plus a big basket of tropical fruit, fruit juices and tea. It’s a great chance to sample traditional Keralan food made with fresh and tasty ingredients. Lunch is the main meal – we enjoyed a feast of nine different dishes! Rice, chutneys and a variety of vegetable curries.

Our Keralan feast

Our Keralan feast

Dinner was simpler – rice, chapatis and two vegetable curries, but still lovely. We’re vegetarian and it was fantastic for us, but fresh fish is available and I’ve heard people raving about it.

Breakfast was also Keralan style – dosas with coconut chutney, bananas cooked in honey and fresh pineapple. Again, very delicious and much more interesting than toast!

Part 3 of Kerala Houseboats – The Essential Guide is now available and talks about the wonderful sights and sounds you’ll experience on a houseboat trip. Sign up to our RSS Feed to receive new articles direct to your reader.

Comments: 1 - Join the discussion »

Kerala Houseboats – The Essential Guide (Part 1)

Kerala Houseboats

Kerala Houseboats

Kerala houseboats are one of the most popular activities for visitors to Kerala. Lonely Planet listed a trip on Kerala houseboats as one of the ‘Top 10 things to do before you die’, and we agree that it is one of the best ways to experience the Kerala backwaters.

It is a wonderfully relaxing experience to cruise through the beautiful backwaters in such comfort. However, visitors are often confused about whether taking a houseboat trip is right for them, and how to go about booking a trip. This multi-part guide will give you all the information you need to plan your trip.

What are Kerala Houseboats?

Kerala houseboats are converted rice barges, know as kettu vallam, that were once used to transport rice, spices and building materials to backwater towns and to the port at Cochin. In recent years the increase in roads reduced the need for these cargo boats, so locals converted them for use by tourists, which have become increasingly popular.

The kettu vallam are still made by hand, using the ancient boat building techniques that we learnt about on our canoe trip. The wooden hulls are constructed from jackwood, amazingly without using a single nail or artificial substance. Instead the huge planks are kept together using coir (coconut fibre) rope tied in knots, and then waterproofed using cashew oil. The attractive canopies are made from bamboo and plaited palm leaves. All of the materials are natural and ecofriendly.

What are houseboats like inside?

The Kerala houseboats are now designed with tourists in mind and most feature very comfortable and luxurious interiors. Our houseboat was typical – it had 2 bedrooms with private bathrooms, a covered lounge area with open sides to make the most of the views, and an upstairs uncovered deck for even better views. There’s a small kitchen at the back, used by the staff to cook you delicious meals, which are eaten on a table in the lounge.

Relaxing on a houseboat

Relaxing on a houseboat

The bedrooms are fairly small and simple, but you don’t spend much time shut up in here anyway. We spent most of our time relaxing in the reclining chairs or cushioned chaise longues in the main living area. Nothing beats lying back in comfort watching the beautiful backwaters go by.

This was pure decadence for us, but many houseboats are even more luxurious. Facilities can include air conditioning, jacuzzis and even televisions (why you’d need one I don’t know). Some houseboats are huge, with up to 10 bedrooms.

Part 2 of Kerala Houseboats – The Essential Guide takes you through what to expect on a houseboat trip.

Part 3 talks about the sights and sounds you’ll experience on your journey.

Part 4 focuses on the practicalities of booking your houseboat trip, including the cost.

Part 5 addresses the environmental considerations of Kerala houseboats, and answers the question ‘Is it worth it?’.

Sign up to our RSS Feed to make sure that you don’t miss out on future posts.

Comments: 8 - Join the discussion »

Top 10 Places to Visit in Kerala, India

Kerala is a region in India that is rich with attractions and beautiful scenery. There is no shortage of incredible places to visit. Here are the Kerala India Travel recommendations for the top 10 places to visit in Kerala.

1) The Backwaters – Wherever and however you choose to explore the backwaters, this emerald watery paradise is a definite highlight of Kerala. Find out more with our introduction to the backwaters and best ways to experience the backwaters guides.

2) Fort Cochin – The oldest part of this seaside city is more laid-back than other Indian cities and features Portuguese and Dutch colonial architecture, art galleries, churches, spice markets and the famous Chinese Fishing Nets.

3) Munnar – A beautiful, tranquil hill station with a cool climate, plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and visits to tea plantations. Read our Guide to Munnar, Kerala and Quiet Alternatives to Munnar, Kerala.

4) Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – A fantastic place to take boat, jeep or hiking trips to spot elephants, monkeys and even the elusive tiger. Read our Guide To Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and some Quiet Alternatives to Periyar.

5) Kollam – This small market town isn’t an obvious attraction, but it’s the southern gateway to the backwaters, and a quieter alternative to Alleppey for organising houseboat and canoe trips. We also enjoyed the untouristy and authentically Indian feel of the town.

6) Varkala – A gorgeous beach below rocky cliffs lined with chilled out cafes- the perfect place to watch the spectacular sunsets. Read more about beaches in South Kerala.

7) Kumarakom – At this bird sanctauary near Kottayam you can walk or take a boat ride to spot comorants, herons, egrets and storks.

8) Thrissur – A religious and cultural centre featuring one of the largest temples in Kerala.

9) Kozhikode – This historic town is the gateway to the quieter beaches and backwaters of Northern Kerala, with temples and museums to visit too.

10) Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary – A quieter alternative to Periyar as a great place to spot elephants in the wild. We also featured it as a Quiet Alternative to Munnar, Kerala as a more peaceful hill station retreat.

Need Help Planning Your Trip to Kerala?

Fill in the form below and our partner agency will contact you with itinerary suggestions and quotes for trips to Kerala.


Comments: 47 - Join the discussion »

Kerala, India – Travel the Backwaters by Canoe

<em>A canoe in the Kerala backwaters</em>

A canoe in the Kerala backwaters

Travelling the Keralan backwaters by canoe is a fantastic way to explore. It’s cheap, easy to arrange, and you can see the village life and wildlife of the backwaters up close. We featured a canoe trip as one of our favourite ways to experience the backwaters in the last Kerala India Travel blog post. Here’s some more information on our backwaters canoe adventure.

We arranged our first canoe trip from Kollam (Quilon), a typical small market town in southern Kerala. We were here to arrange our houseboat trip to Alleppey, but while we were waiting we decided to visit Munroe Island by canoe. The trip was easily arranged at the DTPC tourist information centre by the jetty and bus station next to Ashtamudi Lake. The half day tour costs 300 rupees per person (US$6), and is well worth it. Children under 12 even ride for free.

The day began with an hour’s rickshaw journey by road (included in the price) through the rural landscapes on the outskirts of Kollam, to a backwaters village where we met our boat. The traditional wooden canoe could seat up to 20 people but luckily we had it to ourselves, along with a boatman and our guide Suji. We began meandering slowly through the network of tiny canals and rivers, our canoe gently propelled by punting with a long bamboo pole. It was very peaceful and relaxing, amongst the green coconut palms, blue kingfishers and still waters.

One of the most interesting parts of the canoe trip is getting to see village life up close and learn more about life here. We saw how people make a living by numerous means: collecting sand by hand from the river bottom to be used for making cement; fishing from canoes; prawn farming; and keeping cows and goats. We got so close that a goat even jumped into our boat at one point!

It was fascinating to see aspects of village life that have remained unchanged for centuries. Boats (including the canoe we travelled in) are made using sustainable and local materials –  wood from a jack fruit tree, woven together with coir (a coarse fibre found on the outside of a coconut shell) and sealed with fish oil. The boats last for up to 65 years, with a yearly application of fish oil.

We took a break from the canoe at one point, to explore the village on foot. Here we saw (and tasted) the locally grown spices – vanilla, tumeric, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper, grown in gardens alongside pineapples, bananas and more. It was a fascinating experience, and far less commercial than a visit to a spice farm.

A canoe trip through the backwaters is definitely recommended as an affordable and fascinating way to explore this wonderful part of Kerala. In later Kerala India Travel blog posts we’ll be telling you all about our houseboat trip, and another magical canoe trip at our backwaters homestay. Sign up to our RSS Feed so that you don’t miss out.

Comments: 5 - Join the discussion »

Kerala India Travel Guide – The Best Ways to Experience the Backwaters

In the last Kerala India Travel blog post we gave an introduction to the beautiful Kerala backwaters. Now that you’ve decided to visit, here are our recommended ways to experience the Kerala Backwaters. We’ll be giving you the complete lowdown on our favourite backwater adventures (Canoe trip, Houseboat and Homestay) in later blog posts.

Canoe Trip

There are plenty of locals willing to take you out in a traditional dugout canoe propelled by a bamboo pole, and this is a great way to explore the smaller waterways. Many trips give you the opportunity to visit villages along the way and learn more about traditional life here. You can even hire a canoe from many guesthouses and resorts to explore on your own. Recommended for everyone – a range of trips are available to suit all budgets and timescales.

Kerala Houseboats

One of the most popular ways of exploring the backwaters is in a houseboat designed like a kettuvallam (rice barge), typically on an overnight trip from Alleppey. All worries disappear as you watch the world go by from the luxurious comfort of your own private floating home. Recommended for honeymooners, travellers with limited time, and those wanting to experience the backwaters in comfort.

Homestay

There are plenty of opportunities to stay with Keralan families and really experience backwater life and culture. Nothing beats some of the finest home-cooked food in India and the chance to meet the locals. We’ll be revealing our best-loved homestays (and our favourite place in the world!) in later posts. Recommended for sociable travellers with more time who want the full backwaters experience. Budget and more comfortable options are available.

Lake Resort

There are many luxurious backwater resorts offering comfortable, private accommodation in tranquil locations. They offer a wide range of facilities and activities including air conditioning, swimming pools, boat trips, Ayurvedic treatments and yoga classes. Recommended for honeymooners, and those wanting to experience the backwaters in comfort.

Local Ferry

Travelling through the backwaters by local public ferry is a cheap and untouristy way to explore. You’ll witness many of the same sights as on a houseboat and have the opportunity to meet the locals. Some boats can be noisy, crowded and uncomfortable, but they are fine for shorter journeys. We travelled by local ferry to our backwater homestay. Recommended for adventurous travellers and those on a budget.

Tourist Day Cruise

The most popular backwater cruise is the eight hour trip from Kollam to Allappuzha or reverse. These are set up specifically for tourists and include stops for lunch, chai, a temple visit and a kathakali demonstration. Visitors can also be dropped off at the Matha Amrithanandamayi Mission to visit one of India’s only female gurus, known as Hugging Mother. You can stay at the ashram and pick up an onward or return cruise a day or two later. Recommended for travellers on a budget, and those who want to travel between Kollam and Allappuzha.

At Kerala India Travel we recommend combining as many of these as possible, to get a fuller experience of the backwaters. In particular, a homestay, houseboat and canoe trip should not be missed (you can read more about these in later posts). We really recommend that you allow plenty of time for the backwaters. Do this place justice by taking the time to soak up the luxuriously slow pace of life, and really get to know the people and culture. If you are anything like us, you’ll never want to leave.

If you enjoyed this post sign up to the Kerala India Travel RSS feed to receive new articles direct to your reader.

Have you travelled in the Kerala backwaters? Leave a comment and let us know what your favourite way to explore is.

Have you travelled in the Kerala backwaters? Leave a comment and let us know what your favourite way to explore is.

Comments: 14 - Join the discussion »

Kerala India Travel‘s Introduction to the Kerala Backwaters

In our first two posts here at Kerala India Travel we gave our Top 10 Reasons why we think Kerala in India is a fantastic, unique place to visit. One of these reasons was the Backwaters – a highlight for most visitors to the state.

The Keralan Backwaters are a vast interconnecting system of rivers, canals, lagoons and lakes, lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast, and forming more than 900km of navigable waterways. They connect tiny villages and farms on islands with the mainland, and are used by the locals as aquatic highways.

They are a wonderful way for visitors to travel too – it’s an incredibly relaxing experience to float along the rivers lined with swaying palm and coconut trees, watching village life go by. This lush green world is instantly enchanting, and a great respite from the dust and hassle of other parts of India- we didn’t want to leave.

The Kerala backwaters have a unique ecosystem, as freshwater from the rivers meets seawater from the Arabian Sea, and there is a vast array of aquatic and birdlife. On our houseboat trip we were amazed at the number of eagles and kingfishers we spotted along the way – they were commonplace. On canoe trips we even witnessed water snakes gliding by, and got to see the beautiful water lillies and lotuses up close.

One of the best aspects of travel through the backwaters is being able to witness Keralan village life without feeling intrusive. Whether you take a local ferry, hire a canoe or rent a houseboat, you’ll discover a colourful lifestyle hidden from the roads. Life is focused around the rivers and you’ll see women in bright saris washing clothes; grinning children waving hello; fishermen in lunghis raising Chinese fishing nets; canoes overflowing with freshly picked coconuts; and toddy-tappers implausibly high in the coconut palms collecting sap for the local brew.

Another highlight of the backwaters (and a reason to visit India during the monsoon) is Alleppey’s Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race which takes place each year on the second Saturday in August. Thousands of locals and tourists line the river banks to see the huge chundan vallams or snake boats race through the waters powered by up to 100 oarsmen, shaded by colourful silk umbrellas.

The backwaters are commonly reached from the towns of Alappuzha (also known as Alleppey), Kollam (Quilon), or Kottayam. Much less explored are the backwaters reached from Kozhikode (Calicut) in Northern Kerala – we’ll be talking more about discovering this little-visited part of Kerala in a later blog post.

So, you’re convinced – the Kerala backwaters sound amazing, but how do you go about exploring them? In the next Kerala India Travel blog post we reveal our recommended ways to experience the backwaters. Don’t miss out on future posts by signing up to the Kerala India Travel RSS Feed to receive new articles direct to your reader.

Comments: 3 - Join the discussion »

Kerala India Travel – Top 10 Reasons to Visit Kerala (Part 2)

A village in the Kerala Backwaters, India

A village in the Kerala Backwaters, India

At Kerala India Travel we previously started our Top 10 Reasons to Visit Kerala, which included: Diversity of Attractions, The Backwaters, Fantastic Homestays, Delicious Food and Beautiful Scenery. Continuing with the top 10, here are even more reasons to visit Kerala.

6) Keralan People – Keralan people are incredibly laid-back, friendly and welcoming. There’s much less hassle here than in other parts of India – the locals are more likely to give you a big smile and try to find out more about you, rather than try to sell you anything.

7) Easy to Get Around – In such a huge country, Kerala’s compact size makes things much easier for the traveller. Attractions are never too far apart (no 24 hour train journeys here!) and with such beautiful scenery to enjoy, the journey is part of the fun (especially on Kerala houseboats). It also helps that English is commonly spoken throughout the region. Even if you don’t fancy trying out the local buses and trains (although we do recommend them for the more adventurous traveller), you can hire your own car and driver inexpensively.

8 ) Perfect Introduction to India – Many people are worried about travelling in India, and have heard plenty of horror stories. Most of these just don’t apply in peaceful Kerala. It’s the ideal place to adjust to Indian life before moving on to other parts of the country. Kerala suits all types of travellers, from independent backpackers to those who would rather stay in a luxurious resort.

9) Weather – In this tropical climate, from November-April there is guaranteed sun and 28 degree celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit) temperatures. If you prefer cooler temperatures, then the Hill Stations aren’t far away. While the monsoon season sees higher temperatures and plenty of rainfall, it doesn’t rain all day, and you’ll find fewer tourists, lower prices, and even greener, more luscious scenery.

10) Ayurvedic Medicine – Kerala is the home of Ayurvedic Medicine, one of the oldest forms of traditional medicine in the world, which focuses on a holistic approach to wellbeing. Important Ayurvedic techniques include yoga, meditation, diet, massage and the application of oils. There are plenty of opportunities in Kerala to try Ayurvedic treatments, as well as to learn and practice yoga. Many hotels and resorts offer treatments in luxurious, peaceful settings.

So, there you have our top 10. Have you been to Kerala? What are your top 10 reasons to visit? Post a comment and let us at Kerala India Travel know!

Here at Kerala India Travel we’ll be providing you with all the information you need to plan an amazing trip to Kerala. Subscribe to the Kerala India Travel RSS Feed and get all of the latest information direct to your reader.

Comments: 1 - Join the discussion »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »