Sunday, September 16, 2007

backwaters of kerala / houseboats of kerala/ kerala tourism

backwaters of kerala / houseboats of kerala/ kerala tourism

backwaters of kerala / houseboats of kerala/ kerala tourism


In 1991, the merchants from these regions learnt about the houseboats in Kashmir and did want to try that out here. So they bought rice boats (boats used to transport rice) and made necessary adjustments and alignments and started to use it commercially. With the aide from Tourism board of Kerala this industry got developed very well.

Foreigners are attracted towards Kerala and they are excited about a boat ride in the serene water body that passes through the villages. Throughout the ride, one can see many villages on the embankment. One can also have a better insight into the lifestyle of the people living alongside the banks. Women take bath, wash clothes, utensils, and one can sometimes go even closer to see the backyard of the houses.

Houseboats have max 3 bath attached double bedrooms, single bedrooms, living room cum dining room, sun deck and a kitchen. The boat moves with an engine that does not make noise. There will be a cook and two other men in the boat. Night stay is also in the houseboat is also available.

Ashtamudi Lake is located in Kollam District, and the town of Kollam (Quilon) lies at its outlet.


backwaters of kerala / kerala tourism

backwaters of kerala / kerala tourism

backwaters of kerala / kerala tourism


Kerala has been top listed in the first 50 must see places by National Geography channel. What brought Kerala into the world Tourism map is its Natural Serenity; the beaches, the coconut palm grooves, the low lying areas, the green fields, the ghats and the most importantly the great Lagoons or the backwaters and the houseboats.

Backwaters or Lagoons

These are water pushed back by the current and here in Kerala pushed back from the Arabian Sea and stretches over 1900 km and has a network of 44 rivers. These are large inland lakes in kerala and provides, water for all purpose, including agriculture and drinking water. These backwaters are also inland waterways connecting villages in these areas. The bluish green water ways with unknown depth flowing with silent majesty is bordered with swaying coconut palms and other lushy greens.