Kerala backwaters - a miracle of nature and an unforgettable paradise cruise of a lifetime

  Kerala backwaters - a miracle of nature and an unforgettable paradise cruise of a lifetime

What are Keralan backwates?

In this post I would like to bring you closer to the atmosphere that you can feel on the boat during a paradise cruise on the unique Kerala backwaters. The backwaters of Kerala are undoubtedly a natural wonder which is made by network of lagoons and lakes situated parallel to the coast of the Arabian Sea, as well as canals and rivers forming a 900 km labyrinth.

Unforgettable houseboat cruise

If you are going to Kerala do not forget to spend at least one night on the boat going by  extremely relaxing and unique cruise with accommodation along with all amenities, personal service and a chef who pampers his guests with seafood dishes and Keralan specialties. Houseboats are ecological, which means that they are built using environmentally friendly and easily available materials, such as coconut fibers, bamboo, ropes, bamboo mats, bread tree, palm wood. The boat is made by tying wooden boards with coconut fibers. You can hire a houseboat in Alleppey and from this place you will be taken to various backwaters like Kumarakum, Kottayam or Alukadavum, but destinations can by suited to your preferences. The best option for one night cruise is to choose Allpazuha and Kumarakum route due to interesting, scenic and less busy route in Kumaraum. The distance which the boat covers is around 40 or 50 km each day. There are one or more rooms on each houseboat as well as a bathrooms and the dining area,  where the chef's dishes are served. If you choose more luxury houseboat there is also an upper deck, and on more luxury houseboats there is also a jacuzzi. All the rooms are air conditioned and nicely decorated. If you are in a group, you can hire a bigger houseboat with a few bedrooms for each couple because there are also big houseboat available too, so you don't need to seperate from one another.

Children coming back from school in  Alleppey 

What to expect on the houseboat?

During the cruise you will have the opportunity to relax and sunbathe watching beautiful nature of Kerala and numerous birds, surrounding villages, fishermen and local people as well as try dishes made by the chef of the boat. Besides, you can sign up for Ayurvedic massage during some stops after docking up, go fishing and admire the beautiful sunset and the sunrise. There are usually 3 meals included in one night stay on the houseboat but it depends on the package you wish to choose. You start your cruise with lunch, which consists of non veg or veg dishes like fish, chicken or some veg masala. You can also stop at the seafood shop and purchase your own prawns, shrimps or fish which the chef prepares for you for dinner. You will be given to try some coconut water, fruit juice and some Keralan snacks like banana chips.

Is the houseboat really worth its price?

Although the attraction of spending  1 night on the boat costs much more than an overnight in a middle class hotel, the attraction is definitely worth its price. There is a choice of both one-bedroom boats for couples, but also multiple-bedroom boats ideal for a group. The prices depend on the number of people, the standard , the number of meals and additional amenities, and range between  200 and 400 USD per night (boat with 2 bedrooms). Hiring a houseboat, check carefully  the reviews and recommendations about the houseboats and the service providers just to avoid disappointment because some of them are in a really bad state. Maybe, it is even better to pay a bit more and opt for a premium houseboat. 

The cruise usually starts at around midday with a scrumptious lunch on the boat and ends at 9 am after breakfast in the  Keralan style. The memories from the stay are really pleasant, undoubtedly worth its price and make you love Kerala even more. 

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