Houseboat destinations in India

At times it is not the destination but the way one is exploring the region makes the difference. An untainted path or a different route creates a magic that one will never forget. Houseboats are one of the ideal options to explore the region. Two Houseboat destinations in India are Kashmir and Kerala.

Both the regions are marked by scenic landscape. One who is in real love with nature would find solace on visiting these places. What adds more charm to the tour is the presence of the houseboats in these regions. It offers a unique way to discover the place along with its tradition and culture.

Kashmir:

It is one of the best places in the world covered with mountain and greenery. The region is famous for its pine trees and rich culture. Gardens, shawls, and intricate wood work are some of the highlights of the region. One of the major attractions is the famous Dal Lake. Situated in the Dal Lake are the Houseboats. They are equal to the luxurious hotels in the region. One may stay in them to witness the true spirit of the region. Also a ride in the Shikara, small boats, across the Dal Lake would render one speechless. Some of the facilities offered in these houseboats are:

• Refrigerator
• Running hot & cold water
• Telephone
• Television
• Air conditioning
• Room heater
• Room service

Popular houseboats in Kashmir:

• Dar Group of House Boats
  
  

It is in deluxe category and the rooms are well furnished. All the modern amenities are available in the rooms. The facilities include attached bath, channel music, room service, laundry service and heating facilities. It also offers some of the best cuisine including Kashmiri delicacies.

• Shabnam Group of Houseboats

The houseboats are available in deluxe and ‘A’ category. In the deluxe category each house boat has around 3 to 4 rooms while the later category has around 2-3 rooms. Few of the services offered are 24 hrs room service; cable television; laundry service; telephone with STD and ISD facilities; and safe to keep the valuables. It also offers a wide variety of dishes including Kashmiri, Indian, and Continental. Package tours and sightseeing packages are also offered during the stay.

• Meena Group of Houseboats

It offers a unique experience of stay in the Dal Lake. Decorate in rich wooden work along with some of the best Kashmiri carpets the house boat is one of the best luxurious houseboats in Kashmir. It has five rooms that are equally decorated and reflect the cultural and artistic excellence of the region. The rooms are fitted with the modern amenities to ensure a hassle free stay. From refrigerator to telephone, it also has safe facilities along with room service. The food includes Continental, Kashmiri and also Indian. It also has a separate conference room with all the necessities.

Kerala:

Another houseboat destination is Kerala. Located in the southern India, the state is known for its lush green environment and placid backwaters. On a visit to Kerala it is advised not to miss out the houseboat tours. Preferable spend a couple of days in it. Built using natural materials like bamboo, coconut fiber ropes these places offers a mesmerizing experience. The interior are also nicely decorated using teakwood and other necessary items. The look and feel of the place is kept traditional, which makes one relish the true culture of the place.

One of the best reasons to travel in a houseboat is that one can explore the region using the intricate network of canals. The fascinating journey would take one into the midst of the nature. It would expose one to the untainted beauty where birds would hover over the water in search of food or would exhibit there fly skills high in the sky. It would also allow one to witness the traditional house built around the backwater. Some of the facilities offered are:

• Private balcony
• Cable television
• On call doctors
• Ayurveda massages

Popular houseboats in Kerala:

• Adithya House Boat Services

The house boat operates in Alleppey. It offers some of the best cuisines of Kerala. Apart from this it also arranges sight seeing tours to different place of the region. One of the major attractions of the House boat is the ayurvedic massage.

• Rainbow Cruises Alleppey

It offers trips to destinations like Chettikulangara Bhagwathy Temple, St. Andrews Church and Alappuzha beach. Apart from the sightseeing the other services offered are bio-chemical toilets, air-conditioned rooms and also non air conditioned rooms. The accommodations offered in the houseboat are single and double.

• Spice Coast Cruises Alleppey

It has one of the best houseboats that reflect a rich and traditional decoration. It has eight rooms and all of them are well equipped with modern amenities like laundry service, doctor on call, and attendant. It also offers variety of cuisines from traditional local dishes to other Indian food.