Holiday
season is on and with this begins the race for grabbing the opportunity to
visit the best of places in India and abroad. One such captivating destination
is the state of Kerala in India, which is famous for its grasslands, beaches,
tall trees, back waters and its incredible culture.And
when we are talking about holidaying in Kerala, how can we not mention about
the houseboat cruises along the
pastoral backwaters of Alleppey (or
Alappuzha or Venice of the east), the governmental headquarter of Alappuzha
district. Houseboats are a unique makeover of simple boats that all of us know
about. As the name suggests, they function as alternative homes for human
dwelling.
Alleppey is also known for picturesque
lakesides and lagoons. But houseboats
of Alleppey popularly known as
“Kettuvallams”, have gained a special popularity in tourism industry. Because
of their luxurious and sophisticated formations, they are used for leisure
trips. In earlier times, they were used for carrying goods as they have high
load carrying capacity and measure upto 120 feet in length. Over a period of
time, they have resurfaced into a huge source of attraction for both
international as well as national tourists. They have also significantly
contributed in the economic growth of Kerala. A tour in these houseboats turn out to be an
unforgettable experience of life for tourists. The slow moving boats and the placid
touch of mesmerizing breeze are thrilling and romantic enough to be remembered
forever.
Construction
of these giant Alleppey houseboats involves a tremendous amount
of hard work and skill. Tying those gigantic planks of jack wood together without
even using a single nail isn’t an easy task. The modern houseboats are well furnished with open lounge, bath attached
bedrooms and a kitchenette. These houseboats can be broadly classified into
different categories: Snake boats (Chundans), Veppu valloms,Iruttukutty,
Thekkan Oddy or company boats, Churulans and Palliyodams.
These
eco-friendly and highly sought-after houseboats move quietly by out board
engines and you get to see paddy fields, temples, beaches, coir making,etc.
while cruising through villages. Moreover, the scenic beauty of sunset in
backwaters is just magical! During nights, the boat is anchored to a quiet
portion of the lake so that people do not get disturbed by any kind of noise.
There are often two crew members and a personal cook on the houseboat to serve
the best possible cosmopolitan and ethnic delicacies.
While
choosing the Alleppey houseboat,
there are 3 essential things that need to be kept in mind. They are: Choosing
the right package, right company and the right operator. Let us also explain
you about the exclusive features to be looked for in a perfect houseboat in
God’s Own Country:
·
It should have outstanding construction and lavish furnishing
with superb flooring and canopy.
·
It should be well set with safety equipments like lifebuoys
and life jackets.
·
The linen provided should be clean and of good quality.
·
The glassware and crockery provided should be hygienic and
again of high quality,
·
They should be having a logbook with tourist details recorded
properly.
·
The boat should be having a valid license.
·
Manning by well groomed English speaking staff is also
imperative.
·
The menu offered should be wonderful and exotic.
·
And most importantly, they should be reasonably priced. They
should be offering quality service with complete value for money.
Travelling
in a houseboat in Alleppey is not just cruising through
the backwaters, rather it is a captivating experience in itself. The chilly
breeze, humming of birds migrating through and the seasonal rains make it a one - of- its- kind
experience. The lakes and biodiversity that one gets to see is confined to this
sanctified land only. The small villages are placed as pockets of greenery that
seems like a paradise of earth. And the best part is that there is no off
season or any specific season for having a pleasing Alleppey houseboat experience. The nature lovers can enjoy this
place of celestial beauty whenever they wish.
No
wonder Alleppey houseboats is
considered to be the best means of witnessing the beauty of this waterly heaven
and thus enjoy traditional style of living with contemporary luxury and
comfort!
