By Michael Smith
Backwater tourism in Kerala, God’s Own Country, an Indian state situated on
the southern tip of the country, is gaining popularity rapidly. Backwaters and
backwater destinations of the state are unquestionably among major attractions
of the state. Tourists don’t want to forgo to enjoy breathtaking beauty of
scenic backwaters of the states.
I think if Kerala is globally famous tourism destinations then the region
behind it is backwaters and houseboats sailing over tranquil water of country
waterways like lakes, canals, lagoons, rivers, inlets, etc forming vast
stretch of backwaters. But do you think backwater tourism without a
well-organized houseboat cruise? I think certainly not. How tourists can
explore endless beauty of scenic backwaters of the state without a houseboat,
rice boat, vessel, or canoe?
Now I want to give a short description about house boats of the state.
Traditionally houseboats in Kerala were called Kettuvallams. Literally
Kettuvallam means “Boats with Knots”. Coir ropes tied in knots are used to
tie entire structure of Kettuvallam together.
There is an interesting fact that not a single nail is used during the entire
process of assembling Kettuvallams or house boats. In ancient times
Kettuvallams were excellent means of transportation. They were used as cargo
carriers. They were used for the transportation of rice, spices, etc.
Today Kettuvallams are known as houseboats and are known for excellent
accommodation with facilities like luxurious hotels. Today houseboats are
major attractions of backwater tourism in the state.
Journey through the scenic and panoramic backwaters of the state is an
unforgettable experience. Tourists from all over the world visit this state
and enjoy house boat stay as well as backwater tourism. A well-organized
houseboat tour in the Kerala can be the most relaxing experience of your
lifetime. Exceptional nature beauty never fails to grab the heart of tourists.
Sunset views over the sapphire backwaters make honeymoon couples romantic.
Tourists also get opportunity to see coconut groves, lush paddy fields,
ancient temples, rustic homes, traditional villages, etc from the deck of
houseboat. Some of houseboat cruise also takes tourists to the periphery of
wildlife sanctuary. I think taking a house boat tour in scenic backwaters of
the state will be the most magical moment of your life.
There are several backwater destinations in this heavenly state. Alleppey,
Kumarakom, Fort Kochi, Trivandrum, Kozhikode, Kuttanad, etc are names to few.
Alleppey houseboats are more popular than of other backwater destinations of
the state. At Alleppey, house boats can be seen in quite good numbers.
Rightly, Alleppey is described as the citadel of houseboat.
Kumarakom is also a very famous backwater destination of the state famous for
the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and the Vembanad Lake. Vembanad is an ideal
destination to start kerala house boats tour.
A well organized cruise promises tourists amazing tourism and wonderful
holiday with excellent accommodation. For honeymoon couples cruising is the
most magical experience and experience of lifetime shared together. It is
delight of nature lovers and photographers. Well, you too can enjoy the charm
of houseboats Kerala tour by visiting this blissful state of India that is
Kerala – God’s Own Country.
Michael Smith is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel & Tourism related
topics. He has authored many books on tour guide for houseboat kerala and
houseboats kerala. Now he is rendering his services to Kerala
Houseboat
