Located on the southwestern coast of India, Kerala is famous for its placid backwaters, evergreen landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
The best way to experience all this is to take a cruise on a houseboat in Alleppey, a city often called the "Venice of the East". Let's have a close look at the traditional Kerala lifestyle on an Alleppey houseboat, with particular emphasis on the premium houseboat extravaganza.
Brief about Alleppey Houseboats Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is famous for its backwaters formed by a maze of interconnected lakes, rivers, and canals. The houseboats at Alleppey, "Kettuvallams," were once cargo boats used for transporting rice and spices. Today, these have been converted into luxurious floating homes, offering a peek into life in Kerala in the past.
The Romance of Houseboats in Alleppey
A Floating Home
Houseboats in Alleppey are a true reflection of traditional Kerala art. Bamboo, coir, and wood, all eco-friendly items, form the primary structure of the houseboats. The detailed designs of a good houseboat are able to represent comfort and sophistication. A premium houseboat in the backwater regions of Alleppey has large bedrooms, contemporary restrooms, a well-appointed kitchen, and a comfortable living space.
An open deck giving full view over the panoramic calm backwaters; a perfect place to relax and get lost in nature.
A Journey Begins
As you step aboard an houseboat in Alleppey, you are received by a crew which includes a captain, a chef, and sometimes, a local guide. The whole exploration begins at an easy pace, and you come to live in the serene ambiance. The tapping of water on the boat, swaying palms, and the chirping of birds conjure music that is soothing and refreshing.
Alappuzha: The Venice of the East
Alappuzha, popularly known as the Venice of the East, is at the heart of houseboat tourism in Kerala backwaters. Lying intertwined with an intricate network of canals, rivers, and lakes, it has altogether made this quaint town an ideal place for the house boating tourist. Unique houseboats in Alappuzha offer passengers a cruise through the silent backwaters, traditional villages, and the humming local life. Exotica Cruises enjoys a pre-eminent place in Alappuzha with its plush fleet of houseboats. The houseboats are replete with all the modern amenities to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay: from cozy rooms with breathtaking panoramic views and dining experiences that bring gourmet dishes on board to a houseboat expertise that is second to none.
Traditional Life Experience
Village Life and Local Culture
An Alleppey houseboat cruise is resplendent with interesting sights to see. The backwaters include numerous small villages where life in its most orthodox form in Kerala unveils before one's eyes very commonly. One can witness the village folk at their daily chores of fishing, farming, and coir-making as the houseboats drift through the narrow canals.
Fishing and Farming
Fishing is an important part of the lifestyle in Kerala; most times one will see a fisherman throw his net into the water from a small boat. The paddy fields along with the canals are of such a deep shade of green that one can view people in it harvesting rice when in season. All of these experiences evoke deep feelings of laborious and simplistic natures so typical of rural life in Kerala.
Coir Manufacturing
Kerala is one of the front runners for producing this natural fiber, so to say, the reaping of coconut husks. You can find these coir processing units that put them through the spinning into ropes and mats in your way through these backwaters. It is almost an interest to see the skilled hands of the people there since it is a peep into some traditional craft that has been carried on still by the generations.
Onboard the Culinary Delights No journey through the culture of Kerala would be complete without savoring its cuisine. On board a premium houseboat in Alleppey, food is prepared using fresh, local ingredients to make original Kerala dishes by a native chef. The menu is full of delicacies like Karimeen, prawns, and various vegetarian preparations in coconut and spices.
Traditional Meals
This is usually served on a banana leaf, which by itself imparts an extra flavor into the whole scheme of dining. The flavors are truly rich and varied and the balance of spices tickles one's taste buds. The experience is just a pleasure when these meals are eaten on the deck with the calm backwaters behind you.
Extraordinary Experiences on a Premium Houseboat in Alleppey
Sunset and Sunrise Views
In the case of such incredible views of both sunrise and sunset in the backwaters of Alleppey, a premium houseboat affords for an exceptional vantage. The sky is filled with shades of orange and pink as the sun goes down which reflect on the still waters. Early morning light can transform the ambience into something so serene that it enlivens anyone seeing it.
Night Under the Stars
What makes the experience of staying on an Alleppey houseboat magical is the chance to sleep under the open sky. An amazingly clear night sky, not affected by the lights of a city, presents itself before you—so very quiet that one feels in a totally different world. The soft swaying of the boat and the sounds of nature make a little slice of heaven.
Personal Travel Plans
Premium houseboats in Alleppey often feature itineraries customized according to the interests and preferences of their clients. The on-board crew would always lend support to any of its clients who wish to customize his or her itinerary, whether it be delving into deeper backwater locations, choosing to disembark at cultural sites, or just for sheer relaxation and enjoyment along the way. It is this very personalization that makes the stay on a houseboat truly unforgettable.