Replete with hills and valleys, midland plains and coastal belts, backwaters and swaying palms, forts and temples, the charming state of Kerala on the tropical Malabar Coast of southwestern India is a major attraction among travelers all over the world. Something that allures any tourist on his/her tour to Kerala is the backwaters. Kerala cruises happen to be a major attraction, thus giving Kerala tourism a major boost.


What can be more romantic and charming than setting off for one of the Kerala cruises! It is simply heaven to sail past ancient Chinese fishing nets, lush paddy fields, water lilies, huts, coir villages, temples and coconut groves. Countless lakes, lagoons, canals, estuaries, and deltas formed by an odd forty-four rivers make up the 900 km stretch of backwaters of Kerala.� These backwaters primarily occupy the four districts of the state - Kollam, Alleppey, Kottayam and Kochi (Cochin).�

Of all the cruises in Kerala, you will probably enjoy the most in the largest backwater body, the Vembanad Lake that runs through Alleppey (Alappuzha) and Kottayam districts and empties into the sea at the Kochi (Cochin) Port.� The Ashtamudi Lake, the second biggest backwater stretch, offers the longest journey and is considered to be the gateway to the Kerala backwaters. The cruises in Kerala help you explore the various kinds of vegetation along the lakes and lagoons.
The Kerala cruises are made all the more heavenly with the houseboats on which you travel. The houseboats or Kettuvalloms are huge country crafts, measuring up to 80 feet in length.�These houseboats are made in a special manner without using a single nail. Jackwood planks are linked together with coir ropes and then covered with black resin made from boiled cashew-nut shells. They are well furnished with a spacious lounge, one or two bedrooms with attached baths and a kitchenette.

It is in these houseboats that you can enjoy some of the best traditional Keralite dishes. The ingredients used are essentially fresh and hygienic and are cooked in the healthiest manner.

Your Kerala cruises are going to be most entertaining with these Kettuvallams or houseboats or one-time rice barges.

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