Kerala ruled by the mighty chera Dynasty, and called as God’s own Country in the tourist map of India is a small piece of paradise on earth which according to the mythology has been reterived from the sea as the  great  saint parushuram has throwed the axe in to  the sea  and this beautiful  slice of land is formed. Kerala stretched by a long coastline, exotic beaches, back waters, lagoonsand fresh water lakes all together making  Kerala  a ultimate tourism destination and a back water tourism destination in particular.Kerala is called keralam in the local dialect as keralam as coconut is found in abundant in the state which is called Keram or coconut in lacal dialect.Kerala has all together 14 dist and Trivandrum as it states capital.

Taking about House Boats , house boats in odlen days was called as ‘kettuvallam’  and was used for carrying cargo  during olden days. But  with the due course of time  this traditional boats has been conveted in to luxurious   residential  boats  of 5 star category ranging fromRs 6000 to Rs20000  per night , House boat building as well as house boat operation has been a great bisiness in kerala today , It has been a source of income and earning for a lot of family livimg in and around the back waters, Lot of pain and craftmanship is needed in designing the house boat and making in to its best.To our suprise we find that not a single nail is used in the construction of the house boat as it is tied together and a particular fish oil is applied which act as water proof for the boat. Today we can find house boats ranging from one bed room to five bed room house boats and now a days even conference can be organised inside the house boat, even hpuse boats are also coming with swimming pool on the top and roof garden thus giving the best of its experience to the tourist,SPA and Ayurvedic treatement is also provided insided the hose boat for the tourist on demand.Now a days govt as waell as the tourism dept is taking a lot of step to maitain the bio diversity as well as to preserve this  properly, Star gradation is provided to each house boats looking at there performance and maintanence , professionally trained drivers are deyploed to drive the house boats, Some of the most important house boat operrators are Pulikaytical, rainbow cruise, saroma,somatheeram,grace,etc

There are two places in India where House Boatsd are operated one in Jammu and Kashmir and the other is Kerala the ony difference between this two is that kerala house boats are movable but on the other hand kashmir house boats are stagnant . Any how house boats should be a source of entertinment as well as a livlihood for the local people

In India backwaters of Kerala and magnificent lakes of Kashmir are the main houseboat destinations. Both of these state have some amazing natural beauty which are simply unbelievable. Kashmir nestled in the towering Himalaya is one of the most lovable tourist attraction of India. For centuries it wooed tourists from all over the world. Down south Kerala is equally a mesmerizing travel destination. Backwaters of state is the centre of houseboat activity. Beautiful backdrop of these backwaters add to the romanticism of the houseboat holiday.

Destinations

Kerala

Backwaters of Kerala is one of the most popular travel attraction of India. These backwaters have formed from various lakes, canals and fresh water rivers. The canals connect the various villages and are used by many people for the local transport. There are lot of greenery around the backwaters of Kerala. Houseboat holiday in these backwaters are simply unforgettable. Known in the local language as ‘Kettuvalloms’ these houseboats were initially used to carry goods from one village to the other. Today it is exclusively used for the holiday purpose.

Facilities

These houseboats are equipped with all the basic modern facility. They has been built using eco-friendly materials like bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, coir carpets etc. Most of these houseboats have well furnished rooms with air condition facilities. Private balcony,kitchen and attached bathroom are some of facilities offered in these houseboats. They often carry safety jackets for the emergency case. Some houseboats provide facilities like fishing rod, sketch pad and music system. The crew members consist of chief, driver and cabin assistants. As these houseboat cruises through numerous rural villages, lush green paddy fields, coconut grooves etc visitors will go through a enchanting experience.

Houseboat Destinations

The important houseboat destinations of Kerala are Allepey, Kollam, Kumarakom, Trivandrum etc. Popularly known as “Venice of East” Allepey is one of the most popular backwater destinations of the state. Most of the backwater cruise start or end here. Kumarakom is another major houseboat tour destination of state. The majestic surrounding of these backwater destinations are quite awe-inspiring. Tourists for sure would be smitten by the wonderful experience of houseboat holiday in Kerala.

Kashmir

The state of Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most charming state of India. The beauty and aura around this state for long has mesmerized travelers from all over the world. Mughal emperor Jehangir had once famously stated, “If there is any paradise on earth, then it is here, it is here, it is here.” World’s most loved mountain range Himalaya passes through this magnificent state. There are number of hill stations in the state which becomes summer gateway for many tourists.

This state is bestowed with breathtaking mountain, long stretches of valley and eye catching lakes. Srinagar is the official summer capital of state, while Jammu is the winter capital. Srinagar is absolutely beautiful city. It is surrounded by marvelous Himalayan mountain from all side. During winter these mountain covered with snow is a treat to watch. Houseboats in Dal lake is the most popular attraction of city. These houseboats for centuries have been part of the everyday life of the Kashmiri people. In Srinagar there are places like Dal lake, Nagin lake and Jhelum river where visitors can find large number of houseboats.

Facilities

These brilliantly built houseboats have been decorated using lot of traditional Kashmiri materials. They have all the basic modern amenities. Most of the room are well furnished with attached bathroom, kitchen, dining room etc. Each houseboat has a cook and care taker to serve the guests. There is balcony and sun deck for the tourists to laze around and enjoy the natural beauty of Srinagar. Houseboat cruise in Dal lake is quite rage among the tourists. This lake has been divided into two parts. There are many small boats known as “Shiakara” which is a important means of transportation. They ferry people from shore to many big houseboats. Cruising along these houseboats, tourists can enjoy the beautiful sight of picturesque Srinagar.

Houseboat Destinations

Houseboat cruise in Srinagar will pass though the spectacular lakes like Dal, Nagin and Anchar. In the river Jhelum also visitors can find lot of houseboats.

For more info
Houseboat Vacations in Dal lake

Kerala Houseboats vacations

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/house-boat-holiday-in-india-965891.html