The Houseboats of Kerala are
a new addition to the travel and tourism of the state's backwaters. These
crafts, measuring up to 120 feet in length, retrieved from the age old cargo
vessels of the State. Once they ruled the backwaters, poled along by one
or two men, heavily loaded with rice, coconut and other commodities. But
in the recent times, these big vessels have been replaced by more and modern
modes of transport, relegating them to neglect and decay. But like the phoenix
it again raises to the attention of the modern world, with a difference – this
time the cargo is comfort and rippling relaxation.
House boating can be
the most relaxing experience for any age, size or type of people. The following
are a few suggestions and ideas are the result of many years of experience, and
with an intention to help make your trip more fun. What works for one person
does not necessarily work for another, so you may find only bits and pieces of
this useful to you. Feel free to use your imagination to expand your experience
on a lazy houseboat trip in any way you can think of. The idea is to have fun,
and there are lots of ways to do it.
