In our opinion, this is the highlight of Kerala & we suggest you allow at least 1 night on a houseboat. This is a very unique experience & something you are unlikely to find anywhere else in the world.

The area between Trivandrum & Cochin is dominated by the backwaters of Kerala, In essence, these are a labyrinth of intricate canals linking the Arabian Sea with the inland paddy fields.They are also the focus of local life which remains very traditional. All aspects of life seem to be carried out either on the water or on the canal banks.

The houseboats are converted kettuvalams, the original barges that transported rice and all sorts of cargo through the rivers and canals of the backwaters. Constructed from bamboo and palm fibre, the interior is comfortably fitted out with rattan armchairs, dining table, a spacious bedroom with double bed and a small ‘proper’ bathroom with washbasin, shower and western style toilet. Two bedroom houseboats are also available. In addition, there will also be an outdoor sitting area, either on an upper deck level or at the front of the boat with cushions for the perfect lounging location. It is the unhurried and silent glide through the canals that makes houseboats so special.

As the houseboat glide gently through the intricate maze of canals, it is fascinating to simply relax & watch local life in all its varied forms. Women seem to be endlessly washing clothes at the river side, children skip along the pathways on their way to school – always eager to be waving & practising their English with “Hello, how are you”, or “Pen, Pen”! The water ways are still used as a major mode of transportation in this region & you will witness all kinds of cargo from bricks to vegetables being transported in impossibly laden shallow canoes. Animals are brought down to the waters edge to be washed & you may even spot some locals taking an impromptu bath complete with soap & toothbrush! As the sun rises, the waters are a hive of activity as fishermen cast their nets in search of the days catch. At night, the setting amber sun over the adjoining paddy fields & ribbon of palm trees is a magical experience – pure India. Sometimes, the entrancing music from a distant temple floats across the water, adding to the ambience.

The houseboat is exclusively yours for the duration of your cruise. The only other people on board will be your dedicated local crew. There are normally 3 crew members, the Skipper, who usually sits at the rudder and is skilled at squeezing the houseboat through the narrowest canals, a waiter/guide who takes care of the personal service on board & acts as a guide when short sightseeing trips are taken on land, and most importantly, the cook. Using fresh produce often bought along the way, & from the most basic of facilities, the cook manages to prepare the most amazing local Keralan specialities, all served on banana leaves in the traditional fashion. It helps if you enjoy spicy food but the cook will be more than happy to adapt his dishes to your personal tastes.

The best time to undertake a houseboat experience is from September to March although it is possible to organise outside of these times.

An exciting spectacle takes place on the backwaters every year between June & September and again at the end of the year. These are the Snake Boat Races which are held around a number of festivals. Snake boats are impressive large raceboats between 15 and 50 metres long, with at least four coxswains, 25 singers and 100 to 125 oarsmen. They are called “Snakeboats” due to the decorative detail on their bow – a snake with a raised hood. The water festivals are a resplendent riot of colours with silk parasols, water processions with deities & children wearing brightly coloured costumes.