Houseboat

The backwaters of Kerala are a fascinating and integral part of this tropical state and the best way to discover this expansive area is on a converted rice barge. Life in the backwaters is very relaxed and slow paced, like a vast rural Venice. The boat is the main form of transport on the backwaters and they vary from beautiful old rice barges, slowly punted along the waterways to small one man canoes, that nip around the islands, like the scooters of Bombay. The backwaters are fantastically picturesque and enjoyable to visit.

Private houseboats accommodate two people plus a crew of three, including a captain and cook. The bedroom is private and the bathroom modern, with showers, flush toilets and hot water. You will spend the day gently exploring the backwaters and this is best seen from the deck of your houseboat as you watch the world go by. Children playing in the water, fishermen hard at work, women washing clothes by hand, traditional snakeboats floating by, local wildlife and scenery, there is plenty to captivate the senses.

In the evening, you will moor up and a traditional Keralan feast will be served on your deck. Two and three-bedroom houseboats are also available as are two-night cruises that allow you to venture even deeper into the intricate maze of canals and lagoons.