Boating in Kerala isn't just a journey across waters, but a voyage into the very soul of 'God's Own Country,' a place where every ripple narrates tales of nature's splendor and the age-old traditions of the local populace. Glide along and let the whispered secrets of the palm-fringed banks and the melodious call of distant birds transport you to a realm of tranquility and wonder. Let's delve into this extraordinary element about this South Indian state and everything that is boating in Kerala.
Houseboating in Kerala
Known as Kettuvallams in Malayalam, this world originated from 2 separate words; Kettu meaning tying and Vallam meaning country boats. This name attributes to its framework as HouseBoats are made of hundreds of jack wood planks held together by coir knots. The brownish-black coating atop this skeleton is a caustic black resin extracted from boiled cashew nut kernels. Kettuvallams once made well are said to last generations, and in olden times, they were used to ship commodities like rice, coconuts, rubber, and spices across cities.
Top Places For Houseboating in Kerala
1. Alleppey
Alleppey or Alappuzha fondly nicknamed Venice of the East is most often considered the Citadel of Houseboats in Kerala. With a labyrinth of inland canals, beaches, and lagoons, Allepey is the most often than not considered the starting or ending point to most Houseboat tours. From Alleppey, depending on the duration you wish to stay on the boat, there are different packages offered by numerous tour operators.
Duration & Route: Houseboat tours pan from day tours to up to 5 days and can be tailored made to your needs and requirements in most cases. The most popular route from Alleppey for boating in Kerala is through Kuttanad with enchanting greenery and mesmerizing sights.
Experiences: During your time on the houseboat, the crew catches fresh fish from the water and cook it in front of you, to your taste. Certain houseboats have wooden cabins which are perfect for an afternoon siesta after the sumptuous Kuttanad meal. Certain tour operators arrange for village walks, canoeing sessions, and fishing expeditions at an additional cost.
Boating Operators
- Lakes & Lagoons: One of the largest and oldest houseboat operators in Kerala, they offer a variety of packages and boats.
- Cosy Houseboats: They claim to be the only deluxe houseboats in Kerala and have a range of packages available.
- Punnamada Houseboats: Attached to the Punnamada Resort, their houseboats provide a luxurious experience in the backwaters.
- Rainbow Cruises: Winner of several state and national tourism awards, they have a fleet ranging from one-bedroom houseboats to ones with up to seven bedrooms.
- Angel Queen Houseboats: They provide custom packages, letting you choose routes, menus, and more.
- Evergreen Houseboats: Known for their personalized service, they have a variety of boats and routes to choose from.
- Soma Houseboats: Part of the Soma Kerala Palace group, they offer both houseboats and traditional Kettuvallams.
- Southern Backwaters Houseboats: They have a fleet of luxury houseboats and provide a range of packages.
2. Kollam
Kollam is another fine backwater destination on the Malabar coast. Renowned for its flourishing Cashew industry, a tour on the houseboat in Kerala across the waters here is bound to give you distant views of ancient ruins and historical sights from the boat, alongside the eco drenched milieu.
Duration & Route: The route from Kollam to Alleppey is the longest backwater cruise and is covered over a span of 2 days. It is only 8 hours long, but only 4 hours of travel is covered in one day and the rest on the second day.
Experiences: This cruise is likely to give you sightings of paddy fields which lie lower than sea level, Chinese nets galore, pink lilies and coir villages toiling away. The beauty of the trip is said to be enhanced even further during monsoons, so you could plan your trip accordingly and experience the postcard-perfect scenery the right way.
Duration & Route: The route from Kollam to Alleppey is the longest backwater cruise and is covered over a span of 2 days. It is only 8 hours long, but only 4 hours of travel is covered in one day and the rest on the second day.
Experiences: This cruise is likely to give you sightings of paddy fields which lie lower than sea level, Chinese nets galore, pink lilies and coir villages toiling away. The beauty of the trip is said to be enhanced even further during monsoons, so you could plan your trip accordingly and experience the postcard-perfect scenery the right way.
Boating Operators
- District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) Kollam: They have their own fleet of houseboats and offer various backwater packages.
- Kollam Boat Club: Operated under DTPC, they offer houseboat cruises from Kollam to Alappuzha.
- Southern Backwaters: This operator, while primarily associated with Alleppey, also has services in the Kollam backwaters.
- Ashtamudi Houseboats: Named after the famous Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam, they offer various houseboat cruises and packages in the area.
- Lake N River Resort: Apart from being a resort, they also have houseboat services that explore the serene waters of the Kollam backwaters.
- Ayana's Houseboats: They offer houseboats that give you a chance to explore the less crowded backwaters of Kollam.
3. Kumarakom
The views one sets eyes upon from a houseboat in Kumarakom is very different from that of other backwaters. Mangroves, Meandering canals and millions of Migratory birds are the three M's that could sum it up! One of the best views you can get from boating in Kerala. Kumarakom is a snug green stretch skirting narrow canals situated around 16 km from Kottayam along the Vembanad Lake. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary on the banks of these pristine backwaters is a sight behold, especially when you're wafting by on your houseboat.
Route: The round trip from Kumarakom to Alleppey is a popular route one can take.
Experiences: You will notice a change in the scenery when you move from Kumarakom to Alleppey, the kind of villages on the banks, the absence of migratory birds in Alleppey, the narrowness of canals etc. Kumarakom style Karimeen fry is a speciality, so don't leave your boats until your guide has prepared that for you!
Boating Operators
- Kumarakom Houseboat Holidays: They provide various packages for cruising the backwaters, with both traditional and luxury houseboats available.
- Lakesong Houseboats: Part of the Lakesong Resort in Kumarakom, they offer houseboats ranging from single-bedroom to family-size vessels.
- Soma Houseboats: This group, also operating in Alleppey, offers houseboat cruises in Kumarakom with both day cruises and overnight stays.
- Coco Houseboats: This operator provides houseboats with a variety of amenities, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury vessels.
- Aqua Jumbo Houseboats: They specialize in Kettuvallams (traditional rice barges), offering both day cruises and overnight stays.
- Paradise Houseboats: Known for their luxurious and spacious houseboats, they provide a variety of packages to cater to tourists.
- Kumarakom Lake Resort Houseboats: Part of the Kumarakom Lake Resort, they offer an upscale houseboat experience with well-appointed interiors and premium services.
- Royal Grove Houseboats: They offer houseboats that cater to different needs, from honeymoon packages to family trips.
4. Kuttanad
Gliding through the rice bowl of India is an experience that surpasses words. Situated in the Alleppey district, acres and acres of paddy fields rich in produces like yam, banana and obviously rice constitutes the topography of Kuttanad. Adding on to the uniqueness of this place, the level of water in Kuttanad is slightly higher than the level of surrounding lands making the drift seem all more godly. Soak in all of this, because such scenic perfections are rare.
Experiences: While travelling on the backwaters of Kuttanad, you might catch a sighting of snake boats elegantly rowing in unison past the lapis lazuli water. To certain corners, there maybe fishermen casting their nets sitting on narrow strips of Greenlands under the shade of the sky-piercing coconut trees.
Route: As Kuttanad is close to Kumarakom and Alleppey, most routes pass all three or either one, depending on the package/ tour operator you have chosen.
Experiences: While travelling on the backwaters of Kuttanad, you might catch a sighting of snake boats elegantly rowing in unison past the lapis lazuli water. To certain corners, there maybe fishermen casting their nets sitting on narrow strips of Greenlands under the shade of the sky-piercing coconut trees.
Route: As Kuttanad is close to Kumarakom and Alleppey, most routes pass all three or either one, depending on the package/ tour operator you have chosen.
Boating Operators
- Kuttanad Houseboat Holidays: Offers a range of houseboats for tourists to experience the lush greenery and calm waters of Kuttanad.
- Green Palace Kerala Resort: Apart from resort facilities, they also offer houseboat services that provide a serene cruise experience in Kuttanad.
- Kuttanad Tours and Travels: Provides houseboat cruises that let tourists explore the intricate waterways and witness the unique below-sea-level farming of the region.
- Evergreen Houseboats: Offers various houseboat packages to navigate the tranquil backwaters of Kuttanad.
- Backwater Routes: Provides customized houseboat trips tailored to visitor preferences, showcasing the beauty of Kuttanad.
- Marvel Cruise: Offers luxury houseboat experiences in the Kuttanad backwaters.
5. Kasaragod
Kasaragod is in the northernmost district of Kerala and not too many people know about its mystic backwaters. With the Western Ghats to its east and the Arabian Sea to its west, Kasaragod is endowed with verdant landscape and four tiny islands; a heavenly treat for nature lovers. Unlike Alleppey and its nearby water bodies that are heavily commercialized houseboating hubs, Kasaragod is refreshingly untouched. Those of you seeking to be one with nature on these waterways while soaking your eyes in postcard-perfect view, Kasargod is your go-to spot for houseboating in Kerala in the northern part of the state. Two famous backwater cruising spots here are Chandragiri and Valiyaparamba.
Boating Operators
- Bekal Ripples: A known name for houseboat services in the Kasargod region, offering trips in the serene backwaters of Bekal and Valiyaparamba.
- Azhithala Houseboats: Provides traditional houseboats that offer tourists a chance to explore the tranquil backwaters of Kasargod.
- Thejaswini Houseboats: Offers trips in the beautiful Thejaswini river with traditional Kettuvallam houseboats.
- God’s Own Houseboats: While they operate in various parts of Kerala, they do offer services in the Kasargod region, specifically around the Valiyaparamba backwaters.
- Malabar Houseboats: Provides a serene houseboat experience in the northern backwaters, showcasing the lesser-seen beauty of Kerala.
Best Time For Boating In Kerala
Today, Houseboating is the backbone of the Kerala's tourism and is a prime attraction wherein you can opt for packages that offer you stay on these houseboats along with a plethora of additions like a cultural performance, diving into the backwaters, preparing food with the locals, toddy stops etc.; all while gently meandering through the green waters. You can even choose the type of houseboat ( deluxe, luxury, upper deck etc.) you'd like to glide on.If you so happen to go to Kerala and want to experience this enticing affair, you could opt to go to one of these popular houseboating locations across Kerala and indulge in a once in a lifetime escapade from routine. After all, it is all about a leisurely experience in the lap of nature and experiencing this through boating in Kerala is the absolute right way to go about it. Hop onto any of the houseboats mentioned above for some carefree wind in your hair fun and you won't regret it!