Houseboats In Kerala
Cruising along the backwaters of Kerala is an unforgettable experience. If you have not experienced it, here is a golden opportunity to do it at a fraction of its original cost. You could get in any houseboat of your liking, saunter down the cool placid waters of our world-famous backwaters, have a merry time, and get back home either the same day or after spending a night as well out floating around.
House Boats are huge, slow-moving, exotic barges designed for sheer leisure trips. They are the new versions of traditional Kettuvallams. Kettu means tying and Vallam means country boats. These Kettuvallams were earlier used to ship rice spices and other goods between Kuttanad and the Cochin port. It was a three-day affair those days. A standard House Boat, which could be about 100 feet long, can hold up to 30 tons, and that is as much as three big lorries can.
A House Boat (which is made of hundreds of fine but heavy-duty planks of jack-wood) is held together absolutely by coir knots (not a single nail is used). This framework is then coated with a caustic black resin extracted from boiled cashew kernels. And it lasts for generations. Ancient principles and techniques are used by the local carpenters for constructing houseboats. Anjali wood is used for this purpose. Normally our houseboats are of an average 70 ft long and 15 ft wide in the central section.
Various types of houseboats in Kerala
Standard Kerala Houseboats
This is a basic houseboat and for an authentic experience of Kettuvllam of a bygone era. Most of these boats come without an air conditioner & are devoid of any entertainment services. The bedrooms & living rooms are merely not plush.
The interior decor would resemble 20th-century designs like the traditional houseboats that have dominant usage of bamboo and coconut fiber ropes. Some do have only oil-lit lamps for lighting and don’t have a backup for supply in case of power failure. As most of these types of houseboats are operated by an outboard engine their speed is restricted to 2-3 knots.
Deluxe Houseboats
Each Deluxe type of houseboat in Kerala is furnished comfortably and attractively while hewing close to tradition. The boats have one, two, or three air-conditioned bedrooms. All have an open-air living area and a fully equipped kitchen. From the viewing deck, or through your bedroom’s picture window, and on a canoe through the backwater heartland, you will see simplicity in action, and the result is immediate: slow down, de-stress, and rejuvenate They are much more comfortable houseboats that air conditioner is also provided.
Tourists who approach backwater tour package operators are mainly provided with these kinds of houseboats. Deluxe houseboats offer deluxe accommodations and facilities.
Superior Deluxe Houseboats
As the name suggests, these are superior to the Deluxe category of Houseboats with extensive services such as uniformed butlers and 24-hour air conditioners. People or travelers who are accustomed to star hotels should hire super Deluxe houseboats the types of Houseboats in Kerala to enjoy their cruise & stay experience. These houseboats are highly-priced as they provide some additional services along with deluxe accommodation facilities.
Premium houseboats
The above houseboat is ideally suited for enjoying overnight cruises and Backwater holiday trips of 3 or more days. Spacious, bright, and comfortable Houseboat with well-appointed elegant bedrooms for an opulent voyage on backwaters. Exclusivity and comfort at all times. Enjoy the highest degree of relaxation with the services and facilities in these premium types of houseboats in Kerala. It provides a bedroom with a double bed or two single beds. There is also a cozy slouching area with a decorous upholstered lounge sofa where guests can relax.
Being eco-friendly Premium houseboats come with an evac system or bio-chemical alternatives are provided and have sewage treatment plants of their own. Hot water supply with showers & western-style closets is available. lip-smacking dishes to relish en-route. The menu features culinary delights that appeal to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
Luxury Houseboats in Kerala
Though on the higher end, one is assured of a lavish cruise in these majestic houseboats on the placid Kerala backwaters. With their plush interiors, tasteful designs, huge lounge, and spacious rooms, a cruise in the luxury Kerala houseboat ensures a wonderful trip. The lounge and bedrooms usually have a wooden ceiling that adds up to its ambiance. Furnished with the choicest linen and luxurious double beds, these houseboats could well be termed as the last word in comfort.
Each room of Luxury types of Houseboats in Kerala is stylized with the charm and grace of traditionalist architecture and fixtures, and contemporary style furnishing, making it one of the finest to float on. In addition to one or more beds and bedroom fixtures, such as “Luxury houseboats” include a living or sitting area, often equipped with a recliner sofa bed.
The rooms at Luxury houseboats come with the daily newspaper, Wi-Fi internet connectivity, an LCD television with Blu-Ray players, and an in-room. Every room in the Luxury Houseboat will have all the state of art amenities including a mini-refrigerator, microwave blender, coffee maker & toaster.
The ensuite bathrooms are fitted with the most modern fittings, bathrobes, and amenities to cater to the necessities of inbound tourists. The bedrooms would resemble lake/sea view rooms of a 5* resort with glass windows that extend down to ensure the guests an uninterrupted view of the backwaters even while lying on the bed. These houseboats are air-conditioned and have quieter engines, prerequisites for better sleep, and overnight stay.
Lifesavers and safety jackets are available onboard. The kitchenette at the back end of the boat is replete with all modern equipment including a deep freezer & offers fine international cuisines and authentic flavors of the backwaters of Kerala. The guests are free to use the kitchen for themselves if they choose
Ultra-Luxury houseboats
Naturally grandiose and spacious, these types of houseboats in Kerala feel like a royal suite inside. Built for all kinds of travel and business purposes, More spacious than any other houseboat in its class, the main hall of the Ultra Luxury Houseboat is perfect for hosting a king-size party, holding elite board meetings, or romancing the exquisite backwaters; all in the comfort of your private space.
With larger rooms in place, the bedrooms have been designed to keep one's comfort and luxury as a priority. Single window panes offer stunning large-screen views of the backwaters flowing by; alongside a sense of absolute freedom and maximum space. An exclusive Private balcony, Air-conditioned patio, Rooftop/ Moon Dining & a Sunset deck define us as a class apart.
Ultra Luxury is the unique synthesis of royalty and style, serving dishes made from freshly plucked vegetables and freshly reeled seafood, prepared by professionally trained Chefs on board. Exotic & expensive crockery and glassware are used on the luxury houseboat. Wherever possible environment-friendly practices are put to use and plastics are strictly not used. To understand the need to feel at ease while traversing the numerous alleys of the backwaters these types of houseboats in Kerala have well-trained & experienced personnel accompanying them. Apart from them being expert swimmers with good dexterity of backwater characteristics, the crew is also trained to assist travelers in case of any eventuality.
Honeymoon Houseboats
Ah, the honeymoon! Your much-deserved time to relax after the wedding and spend some R & R with one's soul mate. While weddings are frequently a collaborative effort with family and friends, a honeymoon is often the first big decision you make together as a couple.
The key to having the holiday of a lifetime is peace & tranquility where one can find romance. Surely, the ambiance of a honeymoon must be, what we call fantasy land. A honeymoon is a manifestation of dreams. No other place on earth will give you space to enjoy such a romantic honeymoon, like the backwaters of Kerala. A Kerala honeymoon cruise aboard a houseboat is the best thing one can gift to your better half.
