Spiritual Tourism: November 2008

By Michael Smith

Backwater tourism in Kerala, God’s Own Country, an Indian state situated on the southern tip of the country, is gaining popularity rapidly. Backwaters and backwater destinations of the state are unquestionably among major attractions of the state. Tourists don’t want to forgo to enjoy breathtaking beauty of scenic backwaters of the states.

I think if Kerala is globally famous tourism destinations then the region behind it is backwaters and houseboats sailing over tranquil water of country waterways like lakes, canals, lagoons, rivers, inlets, etc forming vast stretch of backwaters. But do you think backwater tourism without a well-organized houseboat cruise? I think certainly not. How tourists can explore endless beauty of scenic backwaters of the state without a houseboat, rice boat, vessel, or canoe?

Now I want to give a short description about house boats of the state. Traditionally houseboats in Kerala were called Kettuvallams. Literally Kettuvallam means “Boats with Knots”. Coir ropes tied in knots are used to tie entire structure of Kettuvallam together.

There is an interesting fact that not a single nail is used during the entire process of assembling Kettuvallams or house boats. In ancient times Kettuvallams were excellent means of transportation. They were used as cargo carriers. They were used for the transportation of rice, spices, etc.

Today Kettuvallams are known as houseboats and are known for excellent accommodation with facilities like luxurious hotels. Today houseboats are major attractions of backwater tourism in the state.

Journey through the scenic and panoramic backwaters of the state is an unforgettable experience. Tourists from all over the world visit this state and enjoy house boat stay as well as backwater tourism. A well-organized houseboat tour in the Kerala can be the most relaxing experience of your lifetime. Exceptional nature beauty never fails to grab the heart of tourists. Sunset views over the sapphire backwaters make honeymoon couples romantic.

Tourists also get opportunity to see coconut groves, lush paddy fields, ancient temples, rustic homes, traditional villages, etc from the deck of houseboat. Some of houseboat cruise also takes tourists to the periphery of wildlife sanctuary. I think taking a house boat tour in scenic backwaters of the state will be the most magical moment of your life.

There are several backwater destinations in this heavenly state. Alleppey, Kumarakom, Fort Kochi, Trivandrum, Kozhikode, Kuttanad, etc are names to few. Alleppey houseboats are more popular than of other backwater destinations of the state. At Alleppey, house boats can be seen in quite good numbers. Rightly, Alleppey is described as the citadel of houseboat.

Kumarakom is also a very famous backwater destination of the state famous for the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and the Vembanad Lake. Vembanad is an ideal destination to start kerala house boats tour.

A well organized cruise promises tourists amazing tourism and wonderful holiday with excellent accommodation. For honeymoon couples cruising is the most magical experience and experience of lifetime shared together. It is delight of nature lovers and photographers. Well, you too can enjoy the charm of houseboats Kerala tour by visiting this blissful state of India that is Kerala – God’s Own Country.

Michael Smith is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel & Tourism related topics. He has authored many books on tour guide for houseboat kerala and houseboats kerala. Now he is rendering his services to Kerala Houseboat