Kerala, India Houseboating

Renting a house boat in Kerala is becoming a very popular way many people are discovering the southern coast of India, as some consider Kerala as having the best beaches in the world. A Kerala house boat allows you to experience India's beaches and waterways in luxury and style. To help you navigate the waters of a Kerala houseboat vacation, author Nigel Barton gives you the inside scoop on this enchanting destination.

Kerala - An Untouched Tropical Paradise
By Nigel Barton

Situated 300 miles south of Goa on the south west coast of India, lies the state of Kerala.

Known as ‘god’s own country’, Kerala has so much natural beauty to offer its visitors: from the golden, palm-fringed beaches and enchanting backwaters to the lush green plantations and crystal clear waterfalls of the highlands. Kerala is also home to some of India’s most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.

The cultural history of Kerala provides many attractions too - from timeless old hill stations, temples, monuments and palaces to traditional festivals and dance based theatre. And don’t forget the mouth-watering Kerala cuisine or Ayurveda – the ancient medical science that promotes harmony of body, mind and soul!

With more water bodies than any other state in India, one of the most unique experiences and the highlight for any tourist is definitely a cruise along the palm-fringed backwaters onboard a luxury ‘kettuvallom’ house boat.

"Kettuvalloms" (Malayalam for houseboats) were traditionally used as rice barges, to transport the rice harvested in the paddy fields alongside the Kerala Backwaters. They have now been spectacularly converted into cosy house boats to accommodate tourists - providing the best possible way to experience the magic of the backwaters.

Just imagine it…there you are sitting out on your private sundeck as the boat meanders along the network of waterways, a cool drink in one hand and a book in the other. Look up and you may catch the glare of the light reflecting from the dew drops on the new banana leaves or hear children laughing as they smile and wave at you from the riverbank. Watch the gently changing scenery as the boat winds along the network of waterways allowing you to observe local villagers and workers going about their daily lives. When it comes to the evening, settle in to watch the spectacular glow of the setting sun. Once the sun has disappeared you can enjoy the reflection of the moon dancing upon the gently rippling water or lie back and admire the tropical night sky – full of twinkling stars – as you listen to the murmur of water lapping against the hull.

It can only be described as being one of the most rejuvenating, enchanting and unforgettable experiences that one could have in Kerala – or anywhere else for that matter.

One of the most favoured backwater districts is Alappuzha (Allepey), which people refer to as ‘The Venice of the East’, approximately an hours drive from the city of Cochin.

It is advisable for tourists to book their houseboat through a reputable tour operator as standards do vary. All boats are fitted out with the creature comforts of a good hotel suite – well furnished bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a separate dining area, sit out and sun deck and many include air-conditioning too. An English speaking crew, including a personal chef is at your service round-the-clock and strict safety measures are in place and adhered to.

A tip for all those who would like a drop of wine or a cold beer during your stay on the boat, either purchase you own prior to boarding or speak to your tour operator to put in a special request as alcohol is not normally available onboard.

While Kerala is immediately identified with backwaters, it is also recognized for having some of the best beaches in the world. The most famous of these are Kovalam, Varkala, Shanghumukham, Somatheeeram and Marari beach. However, as fantastic as Kerala’s southern beaches are, there are more spectacular sights waiting to be discovered further inland. Move further in from the coast and you will find yourself heading towards the Western Ghats. You can only be in awe of the amazing changing scenery as you pass through tropical jungles, dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries, velvet lawns and major cash crop plantations as you ascend into the mountains.

Nestled amongst the hills and valleys are an array of lakes, streams and picture book towns and villages. Traveling at the right time of year (not too late into the summer months), tourist should be able to witness the spectacle of waterfalls cascading down the mountains.

Whilst Kerala has many beautiful hill stations, the region of Munnar is known to be one of the best. The tea plantations surrounding Munnar cover the rolling hills like a lush green carpet and fill the air with the light aroma of fresh tea. It is not surprising to learn that the British Government of South India used this beautiful hill station as their summer resort during colonial times.

‘Peerumedu’, which is about an hours drive from Munnar, offers one of the most fertile and scenic parts of the Western Ghats and is known for its trekking trails, vast tea plantations, waterfalls and open grasslands. Located within the region is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady, almost half of which is thick, evergreen forest which teems with a fascinating assortment of wildlife in one of the best sanctuaries in India. Thanks to a panoramic reservoir, this is also the only place in India where wildlife, such as elephants, can be viewed at close quarters from the safety of a boat – or a bamboo raft if you are a bit more adventurous!

Kerala provides a good range of quality hotels offering fantastic accommodation and delivering great customer service. The local spicy food is reputed to be among the best on the planet, however if you are not one for experiencing the local flavours many of the better hotels cater for the European traveler.

The range of experiences available in Kerala are in exhaustive…including Duck Shepherds, Baby Elephant Sanctuaries, Elephant rides, Bird watching, Jungle Treks, Temples, Synagogues, Ayurveda treatments, Festivals, Dances, Churches, Arts, Museums, Palaces… the list goes on.

Kerala has such a diverse range of breathtaking scenery from beautiful backwaters and lagoons to lush mountains and plantations to untouched sandy beaches… the only way to truly appreciate what she has to offer is to pay her a visit.

The Author
As an owner of an independent travel agency, for many years Nigel Barton has benefited from the perks of being able to explore many wondrous destinations around the world. He says, “People may laugh at my comparison, however when I first visited Kerala I can only describe it as having felt like Christopher Columbus discovering the America’s but obviously on a much, much lesser scale. I felt the excitement of discovering a land brimming with unscarred natural beauty and charming, hospitable people (keralites) who are tolerant towards other races and religions”.

Nigel is Managing Director of the Kerala Travel Centre – the UK specialists in tailor-made tours and holidays to Kerala.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nigel_Barton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Kerala-An-Untouched-Tropical-Paradise&id=434959

Synonyms:  Krala, Kreala, Keala, Kearla, Kerrala, Kerla, Kerlaa, Keraa, Keraal, Keralla, Keral, and Keralaa are typos for Kerala.

Idia, Idnia, Inndia, Inia, Inida, Inddia, Inda, Indai, Indiia, Indi, and Indiaa are typos for "India."