One of the most unique concept which sets Kerala apart from many other destinations is the Houseboats of Kerala backwaters. The uniqueness of the houseboats has attracted millions of travelers across the world to Kerala. The combination of the traditional and the modern elements makes it a very interesting and attractive concept.
The inception of the houseboats was way back in the late 80s when a group of youngsters from Alleppey started off with a project of developing a huge rice barge into a house with bedrooms, Kitchen and a dining area. They were successful in their venture and soon it became very popular attraction for the visitors of Alleppey. They used to take guests for trips in the houseboat and stay in the boat overnight. The boat was move by oarsmen and was entirely a very eco- friendly concept.
Later on as the demand increased more houseboats starting floating over the backwaters and more guest kept coming. As the time passed by the houseboat were fitted with engines, and generators for faster movements and air-conditioning. And the boats became bigger with more number of rooms and space. The boats interiors became cozy and the facilities like television were added on.
Houseboats are of different types and size. The types range from standard to premium. Most boats are of the deluxe category. And there are boats with up to 6 individual bedrooms with all the rooms air-conditioned. The bigger boats would not be able to go through the remote areas of the backwaters because of its size, at the same time smaller boat move through almost all areas of the lake. As the number of rooms increase the length of the boat increases. The layout of the houseboat would be with an dining and drawing area, the rooms would be towards the center and the kitchen will be at the back end. The toilets will be attached to the bedroom.
The houseboat itinerary starts by 12 in the noon, the boat starts moving through the water highways of God’s own country. You are welcomed with a tender coconut drink. The cruise through the swaying coconut trees and the breezy winds take you entirely into a new level of experience. The birds, people, toddy shops, and the fish markets make it a worth visit. The lunch is served in the boat. The boat cruises through the small islands and the villages where you could see women spinning coir. You would never know how fast the time moves on. By evening tea is served with snacks and the boat halts on the bank of the Vembanad backwaters for the night. The dinner is served. One could board a small canoe and go the remote villages. The air conditioning in the rooms would be on by 9 pm and would be operational till 6 in the morning. Next day the cruising starts by 8 in the morning and would reach the boat Jetty between 9 or 9:30 AM. Meanwhile the breakfast would be served.
Food would be non vegetarian, and upon request vegetarian food will be prepared. The lunch would be of traditional style where rice would be main course accompanied with fish fry or curry, and other vegetable dishes. For dinner it would be mostly Indian breads, chicken preparation and rice with vegetables. Snacks include local varieties of snacks like dal “vada” or biscuits.
Houseboats are mostly availed at Alleppey and Kumarakom. A houseboat cruise is the best way to discover the beauty, the flora, and fauna of the vast back waters of Kerala.