Imaginewaking up to the soothing swish of the water as your bed enveloped by walls of lush green palm tree forests is gently rocking with the tide. This is what a houseboat vacation down the emerald

green backwaters of Kerala will be like. Breathtaking sceneries, a variety of interesting wildlife, Ayurvedic treatments and intriguing customs and rituals will define your vacation in Kerala. However, that will not complete your holiday in the God’s own country without the mandatory night stay on a houseboat.

Houseboats were originally kettuvallams (in Malayalam this means tied with ropes) which were used to ferry rice and spices. The hull is made of Anjili wood planks and held together with coconut fibre. The roof is a charming mix of bamboo poles and palm leaves. Traditionally, a portion of the kettuvallam would be covered with bamboo and coir to serve as a restroom and kitchen for the crew. Today the tradition continues.

Every comfort is taken care of on these floating houses. Furnished bedroom, cosy living areas with low seating and kitchens and bathrooms with modern amenities make your tryst with these unique houseboats a memorable experience. You can languidly float down the meandering honeycomb canals of Alleppey, which has rightfully been called the Venice of the East while Alumkadavu, a quiet spot in Karunagapally, offers serene and calm tree flanked water bodies.

Type of Travel:	Long Distance Vacation
Duration of Stay:	15 days approx
Average Expenditure:	Moderate (less than Rs.2000/day)
Group Size:	Five to nine
Best Suited For:	Families
Best Time to Travel:	Any time of the year