I don’t think there will be any people in the world who doesn’t like to spend quality time with their dear ones under the shadow of nature. Where one could easily find the charming and serene beaches, fascinating bird and wildlife sanctuaries, tempting hill stations, deep valleys and mountains surrounded by thick green leaves of tea, coffee and spices, silently moving backwaters, authentic cuisines and revitalising Ayurvedic treatments and so on in the nature. All these features are clubbed together and it is showered solely to Kerala so that people who visit and resides here can together in a single voice say that it is a ‘God’s Own Country’. The state comprises of 14 districts. Each district has something to tell the tourists and mesmerise their hearts with its beautiful environment. From Kasargod to Thiruvananthapuram there are many amazing places which have the power to pierce the stressed minds of tourists and fill with remarkable moments. How would be the trip if one gets an opportunity to travel entirely in water and enjoying nature by barely touching the feet? Aren’t such trips being much more thrilling and exciting? To create the trip full of treasure of good memories, one should definitely travel in Kerala houseboat. Houseboats are being in use for long times in Kerala. As decades passed the purpose of usage changed. Initially, it was used as part of commercial trade and now it is used for entertaining the tourists by enjoying the beauty of nature. One can avail these packages organised by Lifemadeasy Holidays travel partners. The package is of 3 days and 2 nights. The places included are Alleppey- Kumarakom and Munnar.
Alleppey, better known as the ‘Venice of East’ has been serving as the rice bowl of Kerala for years. Houseboat cruises flowing in backwaters captivate the tourists to visit the place again and again. While travelling on the cruise, one can enjoy the beauty of tranquilising backwater by moving fingers in water and can feel the aromatic smell of coconut trees lined up on the banks where people are engaged in various tribal works. Your mouth will remain open when you see small kids rowing the canoes like an expert. By watching this scene, obviously, your heart will be tempting you to try the same, with the permission of cruise captain; you can try it under the guidance of an expert. By the evening, you can see the sightseeing picture of the sun, dipping itself in the water, by sitting at the balcony of the cruise. Don’t get disappointed by thinking that your trip is entirely dedicated to nature viewing; inside the houseboat various plates of entertainment are served. Travellers have the option of bringing their favourite CDs, DVDs, pen drives or even laptops to the cruises. If they are bored of watching the same show again they can demand the authorities to arrange some cultural art forms like Kathakali, Bharatnatyam, Mohiniyattom and Ottan Thullal. Tourists can quench their appetite with mouth watering foods. Pearl spot, prawn etc. can be bought from the fishermen and chef will prepare it. However, they can also request Chinese, North Indian foods etc. beforehand and the chef will do accordingly. The cruise assures complete privacy, especially during the night stay. From birthday parties to candlelight dinners, cruise authorities are there with the tourists to cherish every moment. By spending nearly 1 day in Alleppey, the cruise will sail to Kumarakom.
On the way to Kumarakom, one can enjoy the virgin and unspoiled beauty of nature. The place is well known for the famous Bird sanctuary. Kumarakom is actually been serving as a shelter for lakhs of migratory birds and some endangered species. Fascinating wildlife creatures could also be seen there. Spending some quality time inside the tree house with their dear ones and catching each and every bird through binoculars will incite a thrill in each individual’s mind. While staying in the tree house, you can catch the first ray of sunlight early morning.
Munnar welcomes its visitors with the sweet aroma of tea leaves and coffee leaves. The plantations are protected by breathtaking mountains and valleys. When you look at the mountains, you may feel that it is calling you to test your bravery. Tourists who have good taste in adventurous activities can try trekking over there. Other places to visit in Munnar are Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam and Munnar Tea Museum. In Eravikulam national park, you can find various exotic species of flora and fauna. The park is famous for Nilgiri Tahr. Have you ever imagined a boat ride inside a dam? If not, then believe it, it is there in Munnar. Tourists are given chance for a boat ride inside Mattupetty dam. Munnar Tea Museum has to tell a lot about its origin of the plantation, machines they used, struggles they faced and so on. It is also the best place to collect souvenirs for life long memory. The place is popular for homemade chocolates and other sweets.
In Kerala, trips in backwaters can be done in various prices. Houseboats are mainly of two types Deluxe and Premium. In Deluxe cruises, AC will be functioning from 9 pm to 6 am while in Premium cruises AC will operate 24 hrs. Shower panel and Jacuzzi are available in premium boats. Some Premium cruises also provide facilities for wedding functions. Houseboats can be used in two times. In between, 10 am to 11 am in the morning till 5 pm to 5.30 pm in the evening. The overnight stay begins from 12.30 pm to next morning 9.30am. During the itinerary, the houseboats will be anchored in the shores, so that travellers can enjoy the beauty of the village. As Mahatma Gandhi once told ‘In Villages, We can find real India’. In Kerala, backwater package price varies according to the type of cruise the tourists are selecting and places they are wishing to visit. The starting price of the simple Alleppey-Kumarakom and Munnar is Rs.10000/- per head and Rs.18000/- for honeymooners. They have a special offer for families of 5 members, the package will cost Rs.30000/-and additional member will have to pay Rs.7000/- only. Travellers who are interested to enjoy the exotic beauty of backwater, grab the package as soon as possible.
