Kerala
Houseboats and Cruises
Natural
beauty is sheer poetry and nature's sound is sweet. Kerala is the land to experience
such a paradise, where natural beauty is abounding and astonishing. Hills, forests,
lakes, rivers, streams, sea shores, lush green paddy fields and coconut groves,
it is just like listing tantalizing dishes to a hungry customer. No tourist
would like to forgo this land, aptly termed in the tourist jargon as God's Own
Country. This fig - leaf shaped land on the south - west tip of the Indian subcontinent
is indeed a marvelous canvas of God's creation. This fertile land though small
is rich in tradition, rituals and cultural heritage. Every form of art especially
the folk art is a veneration of God's hand in creation, symbolizing ecology
conservation. Kerala is also a land of myth, magic and occult practices. Hinduism,
Buddhism, Christianity and Islam have deep roots here - probably an offshoot
of the pristine natural abundance. Visit Kerala - the ultimate paradise on earth
to replenish and rejuvenate yourself.
Alappuzha (Alleppey), the coastal township is unique in that, that canals meander
through the town and its vast stretch of beach on the Arabian sea provides comfort
to the soul. Mariners over centuries have known the Alappuzha beach as a safe
anchorage area even when the sea is rough. The coastal belt is like a sandy
sea shore which has extended inland. The beach is also known for its mud bank
phenomena. Geologists ascribe this formation to subterranean passages that link
the sea to the rivers and back water inland and that the accumulating silt in
them finds its way into the littoral currents. Beaches provide a panoramic view
of the coconut tree dotted coastline, a truly marveling sight. Alappuzha can
be accessed via road, rail and water from Cochin, Kottayam and Trivandrum.
Backwater cruises and boat rides through the winding canals is an unforgettable
experience. Combined with a filling of typically Kerala food, especially the
fish laced spicy menu of Alappuzha will leave an everlasting craving for more
and more of the Alappuzha experience.
The Houseboats of Kerala are giant country crafts, measuring up to 80 feet in
length, retrieved from being lost to the State altogether. 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 But in the recent times, the kettuvalloms have been replaced
by more and modern modes of transport, relegating them to neglect and decay.
It takes great skill and meticulousness to construct these giant Houseboats
by tying huge planks of jack wood together. Curiously enough, not a single nail
is used in their making of a houseboat. There used to be an entire clan of artisans
who were involved in kettuvallom construction. Today, an innovative holiday
idea has restored these majestic representatives of a unique culture and with
them their makers.
The Kerala houseboats that cruise these emerald waterways are an improvisation
on the large country barges which were an essential part of the land's ethos
in days gone by. Modified to meet a novel concept of holidaying, the kettuvalloms
(houseboats) are comfortably furnished with an open lounge, one or two bath
attached bedrooms and a kitchenette, and are extremely eco friendly, merging
smoothly into the panorama. Every houseboat is manned by a crew - usually a
cook, guide and oarsman.
Alleppey - Alleppey :
Check in Alleppey - cruise through Punnamada Lake - visit the Chavara Bhavan,
olden wooden house - enjoy the panoramic views of paddy fields, narrow canals
and coconut lagoons - visit 400 year old Champakulam church - view the 110
feet long snake boat. Night stay will be in the middle of the Lake.
Alleppey
- Kumarakom :
Check in Alleppey- cruise through Punnamada Lake - visit the Chavara Bhavan,
olden wooden house - enjoy the panoramic views of paddy fields, narrow canals
and coconut lagoons - visit the R'Block, C'Block - visit Pathiramanal Island
- night stay at Kumarakom Lake.
Alleppey - Kottayam :
Check in Alleppey - cruise through Punnamada Lake - visit the Chavara Bhavan,
olden wooden house - enjoy the panoramic views of paddy fields, narrow canals
and coconut lagoons - visit the R & C Block - night stay at middle of
the Lake.
Alleppey - Thottappally :
Check in Alleppey - cruise through Punnamada Lake - visit the Chavara Bhavan,
olden wooden house - enjoy the panoramic views of paddy fields, narrow canals
and coconut lagoons - visit the ancient Buddhist image of Karumadikuttan,
only Buddhist temple in Kerala.
Alleppey - Alumkadavu :
Check in Alleppey - cruise through Punnamada Lake - visit R'Block, C' Block
- visit the Chavara Bhavan , olden wooden house - enjoy the panoramic view
of paddy fields, narrow canals and coconut lagoons -Night halt at Vattakayal
- visit the 400 year old ancient church - view the 110 feet long snake boat
- visit the ancient Buddhist image of Karrumadikuttan, only Buddhist temple
in Kerala - night halt at Kayyamkulam Pozhy, you can see the sun set and sun
rise, Chinese fishing net in operation. Cruise through Kayyamkulam Lake -
visit Vallicavu Amrithanadhamayi Ashram,Amrithannadamayi, most famous sanyasini
.Visit the coir village. Check out at Alumkadavu.
Kumarakkom - Alumkadavu :
Check in Kumarkkom - visit bird sanctuary - visit R & C Block - visit
the Chavara Bhavan , olden wooden house - enjoy the panoramic view of paddy
fields, narrow canals and coconut lagoons -Night halt at Vattakayal - visit
the 400 year old ancient church - view the 110 feet long snake boat - visit
the ancient Buddhist image of Karrumadikuttan, only one Buddhist temple in
Kerala - night halt at Kayyamkulam Pozhy, you can see the sun set and sun
rise, Chinese fishing net in operation. Cruise through Kayyamkulam Lake -
visit Vallicavu Amrithanadhamayi Ashram, most famous sanyasini - visit the
coir village. Check out at Alumkadavu.
Alleppey - Quilon (Kollam) :
Check in Alleppey - cruise through Punnamada Lake - visit R'Block, C' Block
- visit the Chavara Bhavan, olden wooden house - enjoy the panoramic view
of paddy fields, narrow canals and coconut lagoons -Night halt at Vattakayal
- visit the 400 year old ancient church - view the 110 feet long snake boat
- visit the ancient Buddhist image of Karrumadikuttan, only Buddhist temple
in Kerala - night halt at Kayyamkulam Pozhy, you can see thesun set and sun
rise, Chinese fishing net in operation. Cruise through Kayyamkulam Lake -
visit Vallicavu Amrithanadhamayi Ashram, most sanyasini - visit the coir village.
Check out at Quilon (Kollam).
Kumarakom - Quilon (Kollam) :
Check in Kumarkkom - visit bird sanctuary - visit R'Block, C' Block - visit
the Chavara Bhavan, olden wooden house - enjoy the panoramic view of Paddy
fields, narrow canals and coconut lagoons -Night halt at Vattakayal - visit
the 400 year old ancient church - view the 110 feet long snake boat - visit
the ancient Buddhist image of Karrumadikuttan, only one Buddhist temple in
Kerala - night halt at Kayyamkulam Pozhy, you can see the Sun set and Sun
rise, Chinese fish net operation. Cruise through Kayyamkulam Lake - visit
Vallicavu Amrithanadhamayi Ashram, most famous woman guru of Hindu - visit
the coir village. Check out at Qulion (Kollam)
Alleppey - Kochi (Thevara) :
Check in Alleppey - cruise through Punnamada Lake - visit the Chavara Bhavan,
olden wooden house - enjoy the panoramic views of paddy fields, narrow canals
and coconut lagoons - visit R' Block, C' Block - visit the Kumarakom birds
sanctuary - cruise through Lake, you can see the Chinese fish nets and coir
making process - night stay middle of the Lake.
Kochi - Alumkadavu :
Check in Kochi - visit Kumarakkom bird sanctuary - visit R & C Block -
visit the Chavara Bhavan, olden wooden house - enjoy the panoramic view of
Paddy fields, narrow canals and coconut lagoons -Night halt at Vattakayal
- visit the 400 year old ancient church - view the 110 feet long snake boat
- visit the ancient Buddhist image of Karrumadikuttan, only one Buddhist temple
in Kerala - night halt at Kayyamkulam Pozhy, you can see the Sun set and Sun
rise, Chinese fish net operation. Cruise through Kayyamkulam Lake - visit
Vallicavu Amrithanadhamayi Ashram, most famous woman guru of Hindu - visit
the coir village. Check out at Alumkadavu.
Kochi - Quilon (Kollam) :
Check in Kochi - visit Kumarakkom bird sanctuary - visit R'Block, C' Block
- visit the Chavara Bhavan, olden wooden house - enjoy the panoramic view
of Paddy fields, narrow canals and coconut lagoons -Night halt at Vattakayal
- visit the 400 year old ancient church - view the 110 feet long snake boat
- visit the ancient Buddhist image of Karrumadikuttan, only one Buddhist temple
in Kerala - night halt at Kayyamkulam Pozhy, you can see the Sun set and Sun
rise, Chinese fish net operation. Cruise through Kayyamkulam Lake - visit
Vallicavu Amrithanadhamayi Ashram, most famous woman guru of Hindu - visit
the coir village. Check out at Qulion (Kollam).
We also offer customized private travel for companies and organizations.
Our love of travel, our interest in exploring other cultures, and our special
affinity for India are the basis of our business. You will receive personal
attention and experienced guidance during the creation of your customized itinerary
to insure that your journey is everything you desire. If you are joining one
of our group tours (from time to time we come out with special group tours like
the SPECIAL NORTH INDIA DIWALI SPECIAL TOUR), we will make sure there are not
more than 10 people in the group. You will always receive a detailed itinerary
and background information on the areas the group visits. We would also give
a PACKING LIST (India / Nepal specific) and a PRE-DEPARTURE DOSSIER to help
you in preparing for your tour.
ONE NIGHT CRUISES:
| Tour Route |
Two persons in US$ |
Four persons in US$ |
| Alleppey - Alleppey |
140 |
240 |
| Alleppey - Kumarakom |
165 |
230 |
| Alleppey - Kottayam |
165 |
230 |
| Alleppey - Thottapally |
175 |
240 |
| Alleppey - Alumkadavu |
240 |
300 |
| Alleppey - Cochin |
210 |
300 |
| Kumarakom - Alumkadavu |
245 |
330 |
ONE NIGHT CRUISES:
| Tour Route |
Two persons in US$ |
Four persons in US$ |
| Alleppey - Alleppey |
230 |
380 |
| Alleppey - Kumarakom |
270 |
400 |
| Alleppey - Kottayam |
250 |
400 |
| Alleppey - Thottapally |
290 |
390 |
| Alleppey - Alumkadavu |
370 |
500 |
| Alleppey - Cochin |
410 |
550 |
| Kumarakom - Alumkadavu |
450 |
600 |
NOTES :
1. All rates are inclusive of all meals.
2. Mineral Water complimentary on cruise.
3. Fruit basket and two bottles of beer on the house.
4. Additional person with extra bed will be charged 20% extra.
5. Check in will be at 12 noon and check out 10 AM.
6. Note that on an average cruising time is six to seven hours.
7. All taxes are included.
8. Transfer charges from the nearest airport or railway station included in
price.
India:
States
| ALL
INDIAN STATES |
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Pradesh
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Pradesh
Assam
Bihar
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Goa
Gujarat
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Pradesh
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& Kashmir | Jharkhand
Karnataka
Kerala
Madhya
Pradesh
Maharashtra
Manipur
Meghalaya
Mizoram
Nagaland | Orissa
Punjab
Rajasthan
Sikkim
Tamilnadu
Tripura
Uttaranchal
Uttar
Pradesh
West
Bengal
|
| | |
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Territories
| ALL INDIAN
UNION TERRITORIES |
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& Nicobar Islands
Chandigarh | Daman
& Diu
Delhi
| Lakshadweep
Pondicherry |
| Dadar
& Nagar Haveli | | |
Compass
India Inc. Contact Person : Mr. Durjay
SenguptaFlat : 4, Ist Floor, J-1967
C.R. Park, New
Delhi - 110019, India.
Tel : +91 - (11) - 41602116, 41602117, 41602118
Fascimile : +91 - (11) - 41602114
E mail:
info@compasstours.com 
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Boat
Races in Kerala
