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by: ledonald
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Word Count: 399
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 Time: 7:19 AM
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It’s surely a tranquil experience riding the misty backwaters of Kerala on a houseboat. The sparkling stretches of placid waters and surrounding greens shroud one in a mist of illusion. Kerala Houseboats are truly the perfect way of exploring Kerala and its wondrous coastline and backwaters. Traditional houseboats in Kerala are replete with all modern facilities. However they do not compromise on old world charm and simplicity.

Whether it’s a day’s stay or a month-long cruise, houseboats in Kerala offer a great way to experience the fascinating ecology of Kerala. You can also get a feel of the fabulous fishing and coastal culture of Kerala. There are several types of houseboats available for tourists. There is ample choice for both leisure and business tourists. One can choose from single bed houseboats, six bedroom houseboats, conference houseboat, AC deluxe, and non-AC houseboats.

You get to sail with a highly disciplined and experienced crew. The crew includes two oarsmen (or more, depending on the type of houseboat) and your very own cook. Nonetheless, they do not hinder your privacy and serve guests as best as they can. Houseboats in Kerala are well maintained and also offer all the facilities of a good hotel room. In the native language of Kerala, the houseboats are called Kettuvallam, meaning a boat made by tying together big and small pieces of wood. Many claim that not a single nail is used in fashioning these houseboats of Kerala.

Originally meant to transport rice and agricultural produce from the backwaters and the coastal ports, houseboats in Kerala now lure the tourists the most. In the past twenty years, many of these boats have been transformed into houseboats for tourists that offer luxurious accommodation as you tread slowly through the brilliant Kerala backwaters.

Typically, a houseboat in Kerala has one or two attached bathrooms, an airy lounge, a small sundeck, and a kitchen. Traditional lanterns are used for lighting at night and lend the boat an appearance of a glorious floating candle in the soothing waters. The houseboats of Kerala are quite different from those in Australia, Denmark, Amsterdam and Kashmir. Houseboats in Kerala are not moored, but continuously though slowly on the move. This gives tourist ample time to patiently observe Mother Nature’s bounty. Surely an experience not to be missed for the world!

For more information visit:Kerala Houseboat