Backwaters of Kerala

Our house boats were originally built 80 years ago and are constructed from Anjili wood and coir. They are 55 feet in length and 15 feet in width (at its broadest point) and with a capacity of 45 tons, they were used for transporting a variety of goods, but mainly rice. The rice barge is pushed through the water by two men using tall Bamboo poles they cover a distance approximately 20 kms a day. They are simply furnished and consist of a thatched covered lounge cum dining area, a double bedroom (with mosquito net) and a bathroom with a WC and wash basin. In the evening the boat is lit by hurricane lamps. Thatched awnings on both sides of the boat allows the breeze and views to flow in. There is a service area at the back where the cook prepares simple meals using as much fresh provisions as can be plucked, caught or bought in the back water. A guide also travels with the boat to make life as informative and interesting as you wish

Alleppey Tours - One Night Cruise

Day 1 : Morning Embark from Alleppey finishing point jetty
A leisure Cruise through the southerly direction to Pallathuruthy river, Pukaitha river, Pullangady till Champakulam and visit The Champakulam church, which is more than 200 years old, the Kottaram temple and the famous snake boat - the Champakulam Chundan. This is an unique opportunity to leisurely explore the beauty and tranquility of the Kerala backwaters on a private Rice Barge (House Boat or Kettuvallam) which has been converted into a comfortable but simple house boat whilst retaining the local style. The backwaters are a net work of lakes, coconut shaded canals and estuaries - tiled and thatched cottages bright with hibiscus dot the embankments. Witness local life with children swimming and playing in the water, women attending to their daily chores and men fishing from their canoes. En-route, can stop at Nedumudy to visit the local market. Proceed to Munnattumugham village -Overnight night stay at Rice Barge.

Day 2 : Morning after Breakfast cruise Headback to Alleppey
Cruise starts after breakfast and passes through Chennamkery, Kainary, Pallathuruthy and Kuppapuram- all small backwater villages, to reach and Disemabrk at Alleppey Finishing point jetty -Alleppey known as the 'Venice of the East' is a small town south of Cochin. Most of the Rice Barge (Houseboats) are parked here. The Vembanad Lake, narrow canals, paddy fields and the sleepy villages all make Alleppey a beautiful place. On arrival Alleppey at jetty, re-join your car and continue to the next destination.

Alleppey Kollam (Two nights and Three days)

Day1: Embark from Alleppey /Thottappally village-Rice Barge
Today Cruise through Pallathuruthy Canal, Karimpavalavu village , Karumady canal - the long stretch of narrow canal - to reach Thottappally village for night stay. Enroute can visit Karumady Kuttan(a statue of Buddha and a Temple) Alleppey, often called the Venice of the East, and situated on the Vembanad Lake which is the longest lake in India. The commercial centre of Allappuzha lives in a maze of canals in the labyrinth of backwater channels, the town is one of the best starting points to explore the un-spoilt countryside of Kerala. Though ferries operate regular serves in the backwaters, a country boat is the best mode for a real experience of Kerala. One of the best-known ports along the coast stretching along its west. Parallel to the sea are lakes and backwaters of Kerala with several openings to sea. This helped to develop a natural port, which made Allappuzha a famous trade centre.This was a flourishing Buddhist centre of ancient Kerala (Karumadi Temple), with the Sri Lankan traders and the backwaters connecting it with inland trade with eastern high ranges.House Boat cruise in the canal by Bamboo Poles, sail through the lagoon with favourable wind, for a change swim in the water, enjoy the scenic beauty of colourful villages. Have a sumptuous meal on Banana leaves. Evening witness sunset through coconut palms. Dinner under million stars. Sleep and dream with the pleasant roll of backwater (You can have a discussion on various subjects on our Indian culture with your guide). Overnight at Rice Barge.

Day 2: Cruise through Thandapara / Champakulam Village /Nedumudi village/Mancompu village/Trikkunnapuzha / Kayamkulam Lake -Rice Barge
Early Morning wake up to the tunes of lovely birds and watch sun climbingover the palm trees - Breakfast on board. Witness the humble living of Keralites. Many goods are sold and purchased on of barter system still today. Visit famous Chambakulam St. Forane Church. After lunch visit Chambakulam chundan the famous Snake Boat. A visit to Nedumudi village market to witness varieties of Indian Vegetables and Fishes ,Continue cruise through Nedumudy and Mancompu village. Stop for walk through Mancompu village and visit Bhagavathy temple - one of the oldest temples near backwaters. Proceed to Kumarakody and Pallana to Thrikunnapuzha. A walk through Thrikunnapuzha village and visit local coir manufacturing unit. Overnight stay at Rice barge at Kayamkulam lake.

Day 3 : Kayamkulam/Alinkadavu/Disembark at Kollam
Today a leisurely Cruise through Kayamkulam lake and Alinkadavu village, Glance through the first hand the unhurried village life of rural Kerala. The life is tough and traditional work is highly labour intensive. Here one meets the people engaged in country boat building, prawn cultivation, sand mining, coir manufacture, limestone collection (by divers who are specialists in this field), rice farming and duck rearing. You could go to Kollam thru the maze river and myriad lagoons. This place is also a strong magnet for the millions of tourists who come here from all over the globe to encounter the unbelievable beauty of the place and the life of the millions besides these backwaters.