Kumarakom Houseboats – Journey listening to the music of birds
Kerala with its various colorful and rich attractions is a prime tourism destination. It is situated in the Malabar Coast of southwestern India. This coastal territory is nestled between Western Ghats and Arabian Sea.
The attractions of Kerala include virgin beaches, mist shrouded hill stations, supine backwaters, emerald landscape and suave art forms. Out of these, Backwaters is an exclusive Kerala occurrence. Nowhere else in world you will find such a phenomenon. Backwater is a complex labyrinth formed by canals and inlets – both manmade and natural, estuaries of over forty rivers and five lakes. Backwaters make for exquisite landscape.
Kumarakom is a small idyllic village which is situated fourteen kilometers away from Kottayam. Kumarakom is blessed with all the beauties of a backwater village. Kumarakom backwater is formed by Meenachil River and Vembanad Lake. As in whole Kerala, in Kumarakom also backwaters make for exquisite setting with shores adorned by monuments, swaying coconut trees, verdant mangrove forests and lush green paddy fields, fishing nets and various activities of human life; and backwaters embellished by water flowers especially water lilies.
Kumarakom packages provide for accommodation in various resorts in Kumarakom. They stand aloft overlooking the branches of Meenachil River and Vembanad Lake. There are various ways of cruising in backwaters savoring the landscape. But for the present time houseboats are the hot properties.
Kumarakom houseboats are modernday luxurious versions of yesteryear “Kettuvallams”. Houseboats were used to transfer rice and other household items through backwaters. They came with thatched roofs over wooden hulls to offer protection from elements of nature. Although the shape remains largely unaltered, modern houseboats are two to three storied affairs with one to five bedrooms included. Apart from sleeping space, there is a dining space and a sit out open on all sides. From the sit out, guests can relish the backwaters. Houseboats in Kumarakom are adjoined with generators providing for air conditioning. A crew including a cook accompanies the guests. The menu is usually indigenous variety with local fish included. Although houseboats are motorized they are run at a sluggish pace letting guests savor the exquisite landscape fully.
There is a bird sanctuary in Kumarakom which is frequented by migratory birds especially Siberian Cranes. It is spread over fourteen acres. The sanctuary has come up due to the preservation efforts of Government. You will be treated to music from this haven while on a houseboat cruise.
Spending a night in houseboats, with them docked in backwaters is a heavenly experience. Tourists have the choice of asking to switch off electric lamps and spending time in light of lanterns alone to get a local feel. You can glimpse abodes and boats as static and mobile spots of illumination respectively, faraway. The ambience will be even more eerie if the night is moon lit. If you are fortunate you could glimpse fireflies illuminating trees, blinking eternally.
Kumarakom houseboats are categorized as Budget, Deluxe, Premium and five star houseboats. The basic service available in all categories is basically the same – overnight stay in houseboat, food and beverages and cruising through Kumarakom backwaters.
Houseboats are carved out of wood of Anjili (Wild Jack). The materials that go into making of accessories are local and eco friendly. It is to be noted that no nails are used but coir is used for tying.
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