Kerala, situated in southern India, is famous for its gorgeous backwaters, green landscapes, and rich cultural legacy. 🤩
Among its numerous attractions, one experience that sticks out is staying on a traditional houseboat known as a “kettuvallam.” These floating beauties provide a unique opportunity to explore the tranquil backwaters of Kerala while revelling in the region’s diverse culture and natural beauty.
In this blog, we look into the fascination of houseboats in Kerala, their history, design, facilities, and the fantastic experiences they provide.
Historical Significance & Design of Houseboats in Kerala
The roots of houseboats in Kerala may be traced back to the state’s early days when they were employed mainly for transporting goods and people over the vast network of backwaters. Traditionally, these houseboats were constructed utilising indigenous materials like bamboo, coir, and wood, bound together with ropes made from coconut fibre.
They were cleverly engineered to traverse the tortuous canals while providing a suitable living place. Over time, when contemporary transportation alternatives evolved, the houseboats morphed into magnificent floating hotels intended to give tourists comfort and an immersive experience.
Houseboat Types & Features: 👇
Kerala provides a range of houseboats, from modest, rustic alternatives to lavish and expensive ones. Houseboats are crafted entirely from wood, offer a cosy, homely atmosphere, surrounded by peaceful backwaters and stunning scenery. Inside, you’ll find a fully furnished space with formal living and dining rooms, bedrooms, and intricately carved wooden furniture, all beautifully decorated.
Most houseboats feature 1 to 5 bedrooms, each with attached bathrooms, along with a shared dining area and a balcony to soak in the views. The interiors reflect the vibrant Kashmiri style, showcasing bold colours and regional artistry.
Exploring the Backwaters
Embarking on a houseboat excursion is a riveting experience that lets guests observe the calm beauty of Kerala’s backwaters up close. The backwaters, consisting of a network of interconnecting canals, lagoons, and lakes, provide a lifeline for the local populations.
You can even witness country life blossoming along the banks as the houseboat quietly glides through the labyrinthine canals, accompanied by lush foliage and swaying palms. The backwaters look at the everyday routines of the people who depend on the waterways for transportation, fishing, and agriculture.
Cultural Immersion & Local Cuisine 🍜
A vacation aboard a houseboat gives a beautiful chance to immerse oneself in Kerala’s rich cultural history. Many houseboats come with a crew of a captain, a chef, and other staff members who provide a pleasant experience for the visitors.
The crew members generally come from the surrounding towns and are willing to provide tales, folklore, and information about the region’s customs. They may also organise cultural events abroad, displaying ancient art forms like Kathakali or Mohiniyattam.
During their stay, guests are treated to various delicious Kerala delicacies created utilising fresh local ingredients and time-honoured traditions. From fiery fish curries to coconut-infused vegetarian dishes, the cuisine aboard a houseboat is a genuinely gourmet feast. Guests may sample the genuine cuisines of Kerala while enjoying the scenic views of the backwaters.
Sunset & Night on the Backwaters
As darkness sets, the backwaters adopt an excellent air, making a houseboat voyage even more captivating. After dusk, the houseboat gently docks for the night, enabling visitors to experience the tranquillity and serenity of the surroundings. The star-studded night sky casts a fascinating spell, providing a serene ambience for relaxation and contemplation.
Popular Houseboats in Kerala 🚣♂️
1. Punnamada Houseboat
Punnamada Houseboat is a prominent houseboat in Kerala, famous for its opulent facilities and comfortable lodgings. It affords a selection of well-designed hotels with wifi, tasty traditional Kerala meals, and beautiful views of the backwaters. Ideally located in the Alleppey area, it provides easy access to local attractions and dining spots. Be sure to visit the renowned Halais Restaurant before you go!
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2. Rainbow Cruises
Rainbow Cruises are famous houseboats in Kerala. They offer properly-appointed accommodations, courteous employees, and tailored offerings to provide an extraordinary level for its traffic.
Rainbow Cruises’ houseboats are categorised into Luxury, Premium, and Deluxe, each featuring one to four bedrooms with attached bathrooms, an open lounge, deck, kitchenette, and a dedicated crew, including a Captain, Chef, and multilingual guide. At present, Rainbow proudly operates its fleet of 25 houseboats.
3. Spice Routes Luxury Houseboats:
Spice Routes Luxury Houseboats offer luxury houseboat experiences in Kerala. Their houseboats are attractively crafted, with huge bedrooms, modern conveniences, and stunning décor. Guests may additionally devour traditional Kerala meals and take pride in the beauty of the backwaters.
Spice Routes offers 6 ultra-luxurious, air-conditioned houseboats, with options ranging from 1 to 5 bedrooms-perfect for solo travellers, couples, or groups of any size. For ultimate privacy, each houseboat is exclusively reserved for one booking, ensuring you have the entire boat to yourself, including the lounge, dining room, and deck.
This way, you can fully immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the backwaters at your own pace. While the exterior showcases the charm of traditional thatched roofs, the interiors boast modern luxury, complete with ensuite bathrooms and high-end amenities for a truly premium experience.
4. Xandari Riverscapes:
Staying in Xandari Riverscapes Houseboat, you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking ecosystem surrounding Vembanad, the largest lake in Kerala and the longest in India.
With the mission to ensure that their operations benefit the local community, Xandari Riverscapes’ dedicated crew and chef hail from the area, bringing their deep knowledge of the land, captivating local stories, and fascinating insights about this unique habitat to your experience. It’s a journey that not only delights the senses but also connects you to the heart of the community!
5. Aqua Jumbo Houseboats:
These Houseboats are well-known houseboat operator in Kerala, supplying a choice of houseboats attractive to various budgets and hobbies. It’s a leader in eco-friendly houseboat tourism in Kerala, has been navigating the serene backwaters of Kumarakom and Alleppey since 2005.
Committed to sustainable practices, Aqua Jumbo Tours adheres to the guidelines set by the Kerala Department of Tourism to promote eco-friendly backwater tourism.
We offer exceptional tour packages that seamlessly connect houseboat cruises with other captivating destinations throughout Kerala. And for those seeking a unique experience, guests can enjoy an elephant ride after checking out.
6. Symphony Cruise Houseboat:
Symphony Cruise Houseboat Hotel in Alappuzha offers car rental services for guests and is conveniently located just 3.7 km from Meenappally Kayal. On-site parking is also available for added convenience.
Situated approximately 75 km from Cochin International Airport, the property is just 4.2 km away from cultural gems like the Revi Karunakaran Museum.
This 5-star hotel is also close to notable landmarks, including the Commercial Canal (4.7 km) and the iconic Kerala Backwaters. Additionally, the revered Mullakkal Bhagwati Temple is only 3.1 km from the accommodation, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and cultural exploration.
Advantages of Houseboat Retreats
Staying aboard a houseboat in Kerala provides various perks to visitors:
- It gives a calm and refreshing getaway from the stress and bustle of daily life. The slow-paced ride around the backwaters allows for reflection and relaxation, allowing tourists to relax and revitalise their senses.
- The houseboat experience enables guests to interact directly with nature. The backwaters of Kerala are rich with various flora and fauna, giving chances for bird viewing and animal observation. Guests may watch uncommon birds, such as kingfishers and herons, as they fly over the river or rest on the rich foliage.
- A houseboat ride gives a unique viewpoint on Kerala’s rich cultural legacy. Travellers can interact with the crew members. They can also immersion in local traditions allow guests to obtain insights into the region’s customs, rituals, and way of life.
- The houseboat experience gives you privacy and exclusivity. Unlike standard lodgings, where visitors are surrounded by numerous tourists. The personnel’s individualised attention ensures that every need is attended to, making the vacation unforgettable.
Plan your Trip to Kerala now!
A vacation on a houseboat in Kerala is a fantastic experience. It blends natural beauty, cultural immersion, and the tranquillity of the backwaters. It gives a unique perspective on Kerala’s rich legacy, enabling guests to observe the slow pace of life.
So, if you find yourself in Kerala, go on a houseboat trip and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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