Indian Backwaters – All about Staying in a Houseboat
The backwaters in India offer tourists a chance to experience nature at its best: quiet waterways, serene waters, gently swaying palm trees in picturesque rivers, all experienced from the comfort of a hired houseboat whose crew takes care of all their needs. A kettuvellam, meaning a houseboat, offers the visitor the right to choose his venue and to change it to a new location as and when he wants.
The Indian backwaters are teeming with houseboats throughout the year, as there are tourists who visit these spots all through the year. There are more than two thousand houseboats in Kerala today and tourists enjoy spending time on these houseboats as they glide through the backwaters. These houseboats can be hired for a day or two, or for specific cruises according to the wishes of the visiting tourists.
Facilities Available
To cater to the discerning traveler, most houseboats that ply the backwaters in India are fitted with air-conditioned accommodations, western water closets and offer on-board dining options. The crew usually consists of the steward and cook. Most of the food will have a Kerala flavor unless the visitor specifically asks for something else.
Most visitors to the Indian backwaters love to experience the local cuisine, as it is rich in coconut and freshly caught sea food delicacies will always be available. These boats also have a generator on board for generating electricity to cater to the needs of the visitors. The modern houseboat is tastefully appointed to provide all creature comforts while also being eco-friendly.
Tours & Cruises
Visitors opt for a day or overnight cruise through some parts of the Indian backwaters. Only a few who want solitude or want to soak in the peace and quiet or are interested in bird watching go on longer cruises along the backwaters in India. There are specially tailored honeymoon packages, and Ayurvedic treatments and massages offered with some of other packages to satisfy the health conscious. Other special cruises offer temple or church visits.
What to Do in a Houseboat
When you are relaxing in a houseboat cruising the Kerala backwaters, forget about your humdrum existence and relax while the world drifts by. You can fish if you want to and you can catch your dinner and have it prepared any way you want it. You can just soak in the calm and do some star-gazing or bird watching.
Come prepared to experience the local culture and get ready to relax!
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