Everything you need to know about Houseboats in Kerala.

Kerala- God’s own country! This place indeed a place to visit with scenery stretching a nature line, and everything is beautiful magic vibes across this magical place. This enchanted land is home to one of the largest backwaters in the world and an attraction to many from India and abroad.

What are backwaters:

Backwaters are entwined network of water that runs for more than 900 km across the state. The significant characteristic of backwaters is the amalgamation of freshwater into the seawater of the Arabian sea, creating a honeycomb across many cities and towns midst these backwaters.

Flora & Fauna:

The backwaters support plants and vegetation around and also support a living ecosystem of Fish, crabs, frogs, and even water birds like the kingfisher, darters, etc. along with thriving animal species of turtles and otters.

How did Backwaters become famous?

Backwaters are naturally formed serpentine channels that cascade across the state, adding up to the beauty of the place, increasing its value as a whole.

Best time to visit backwaters in Kerala

The Kerala backwaters are open to people throughout the year and is an ideal place for a honeymoon or family trips. The backwaters allow people to lose their beauty and offer very frequent rides across the backwaters. For those who enjoy the rain, heavy rain might hamper the backwater’s day trip. The best time to come see the backwaters and indulge in its beauty is between August and may where you will avoid the monsoons and enjoy a calmer climate.

Categories and types of houseboats in Kerala

Houseboats in Kerala are constructed from sustainable and eco- friendly things like coconut harps and leaves. These cruises are available for rent either for a day trip or an overnight trip.

They are structures in an aesthetically pleasing way with two decks or double decks for a bigger number of people. These houseboats can also come with a double deck. The accommodations over these cruises have some view of the stunning backwaters and free spaces where you can come out and spend the time silently beside the backwaters. The upper deck’s usually clear area serves as the perfect spot for stargazing, overlooking the backwaters. The upper deck usually comes fitted with a comfortable and clean double bedroom and attached bathroom, entertainment units like TV & music system along with space for a sun deck.

For the lower deck, the bigger cruises also have additional space for a sitting area, a dining area along with snugly fit double comfortable accommodated bedroom with space enough to accommodate a larger group.

The Wi-Fi is not guaranteed, but all rooms come with Ac’s and comfortable mattresses and own bedding sets. The cruises are built such that two families or one big family can comfortably stay and have a priceless time.

Most of the construction of these houseboats are done with biodegradable and environmentally friendly things so as not to harm the environment and preserve the natural beauty of this place. Entertainment units ensure that nobody should get bored from anything during these trips, and hence an alternate source of entertainment has been risked to make people settle down. The cruises are well accommodated and well- built and serves as a perfect getaway for people who wish to revel in the beauty of nature.

The three major categories of cruises in Kerala from which you can choose from are:

• Standard Houseboats:

These houseboats are built with basic amenities onboard like bed and linens and bathroom essentials, but no AC or TV and the accommodation is not that plush. Built with coconut fiber, these houseboats are stereotypically made like houseboats keeping it devoid of any luxury.

• Deluxe/Premium Houseboats:

These come with AC’s which can be included for 10 hours during humid nights. The rooms are luxury clad with ACs and common sitting areas. This boat is much preferred by the majority.

• Superior Deluxe Houseboats:

These luxury houseboats come with an all-time uniformed butler and unlimited AC usage. These match-like those big star hotels where all luxuries are provided with someone to help you at your disposal. Additional luxuries that are aesthetically advanced than the other houseboats are provided on this one.

• Premium houseboats:

This is the premium houseboat that can be used for overnight stay. Apart from a personal butler, services like the personalized menu, entertainment will be on that cards of those staying here. This opulent cruise is nothing short of a 5- star hotel with excellent living and relaxing conditions. A slouch couch for relaxation with utmost comfort is also a part of the décor. The welcome drinks, fruit basket, everything is a part of this luxury.

Booking and appointments:

Booking is heavily waitlisted in terms of booking a houseboat in Kerala. Thus, booking at the earliest online and reaching them out over the phone will definitely help.

Types of cruises:

Cruises can be a day cruise, night cruise, an overnight cruise, or a 4- day-long cruise, all options are available online and thus should be booked beforehand to avoid any cancellation.

The houseboats in Kerala are booked for the majority part of the year, thus picking a phone right away, and booking might actually save you some money.

Food:

Food onboard will be major local cuisine that you can taste to understand the region well.

Therefore, In a nutshell, Alleppey or Alappuzha is the place that comes to the mind when saying backwaters as this is the stacked with natural lakes, freshwater river bodies, and heavily endowed lagoons and offers a serene sight of the backwaters. This should be a bucket list for all nevertheless.