At trip to Kerala wouldn't be complete without a trip along the
Kerala backwaters on a houseboat. The lush green palm-fringed landscape,
diverse wildlife, and houses and villages that line the backwaters make a
journey along these waterways seem like a journey through another world. It's
one of the most tranquil things you can do. The Kerala backwaters are a
memorable backdrops for a romantic
Kerala getaway as well.
The backwaters is the
rather unappealing name given to the picturesque network of lagoons, lakes,
rivers, and canals that run inland from the coast of Kerala, from Cochin to
Kollam (Quilon).
Traditionally, the
backwaters are used by local people for transport, fishing, and agriculture.
Annual snake boat races, held along the backwaters, also provide a great
source of entertainment for the locals and tourists alike.
The lush green
palm-fringed landscape, diverse wildlife, and houses and villages that line the
backwaters make a journey along these waterways seem like a journey through
another world. Don't miss it!
KERALA BACKWATERS -
One of the most
tranquil and relaxing things you can do in India is hire a Kerala houseboat
(called a kettuvallam) to explore the backwaters. Freshly cooked
Indian food and chilled beer make the experience even more enjoyable. Those on
a budget can go on one of the many half or full day backwater tourist cruises
that are on offer. Alternatively, if you want to check out the backwaters very
cheaply, it's possible to take one of the public boat services operated by the
State Water Transport Department, such as the one between Alleppey and
Kottayam. Travel time is two and a half hours, with numerous daily departures.
KERALA BACKWATER CRUISES -
The cheapest option
for cruising the backwaters is on the Alleppey Tourism Tourism Development
Corporation ferry between Alleppey and unattractive Kollam (eight hours),
which departs at 10.30 a.m. daily from each town. The cost is around $5. (Some
people will be interested to know that these boats make a stop at the Matha
Amrithanandamayi Mission of the Hugging Mother to drop visitors off).
Travel agents and hotels also organize boat tour packages, which start from
around $12 with lunch. Many include a stop at a coir village. Some day trips
also leave from Cochin, such as the recommended one organized by the Tourist
Desk.
ABOUT TO HIRE A KERALA HOUSEBOAT -
The best place for
hiring a tradtional thatched roof Kerala houseboat is Alleppey. You'll find
hundreds of them there. From Alleppey, you'll be taken on an adventure through
the various backwaters to places such as Kumarakom, Kottayam, and Alinkadavu
(near Kollam). There's a wide range of destinations to choose from to suit all
travel plans. Houseboats will usually slowly travel a distance of around 40-50
kilometers (25-30 miles) through the backwaters each day, so you'll get to see
lots of different scenery.
DURATIONS -
You can hire a
houseboat for as little as a day, or as long as a week! It's really up to you.
Day trips run from around midday until 6 p.m. Most people go for overnight
hire, which includes a serene sleep out in the middle of nowhere, in a lake or
other similarly peaceful spot. The houseboats then return by 9 a.m. or 10 a.m.
the next day. Two night houseboat hire is also popular. However, it can become
boring for any length of time longer than this. 48 hours on a houseboat is
definitely long enough to take in all the sights and re-charge your batteries.
COST -
The cost of houseboat
hire greatly depends on the quality of the boat and the time of year. The
minimum rate for overnight hire is around $80, however most people pay around
$150 to hire a deluxe air conditioned houseboat for two. Rates easily go up to
$250 for a luxury houseboat. Large family sized houseboats, with multiple
bedrooms and living rooms, are also available for hire. Prices start from
around $285 for one of these, for an overnight trip. All costs include freshly
cooked food, made by an on-board cook, and drinks.
BEST TO HIRE A HOUSEBOAT -
Peak season is from
November to January, when the weather is cooler and dry, but it's possible to
hire a houseboat all year round. Some people find that the monsoon season has
special appeal and choose to combine their houseboat hire with an ayurvedic
treatment. March to May gets very hot and humid, so if you hire a
houseboat during this time, an air conditioned one is definitely recommended.
ABOUT REPUTABLE KERALA HOUSEBOAT OPRATORS -
There are so many
houseboats for hire at Alleppey that it's advisable not to book in advance.
Instead head down to the jetty, inspect the boats there, and negotiate the best
price. Unfortunately, pre-booking over the Internet will guarantee that you pay
more. Even in peak season, you shouldn't have any trouble finding an available
houseboat. However, to get an idea of prices and what's on offer, reputable
companies that have a range of houseboats for hire include the opulent Spice
Coast Cruises, Coco Houseboats, Lakes and Lagoons, Morning Mist Cruises, River
and Country Cruises and Penguin Tourist Service.
AYURVEDA -

Ayurveda
is the medical side of yoga. It’s India’s traditional natural healing system,
which has been practiced for over 5,000 years. Most places that offer ayurvedic
treatment are located in Kerala, due to the climate and abundant supply of
medicinal plants and herbs there. Whether it's a simple massage that you're
after, or a treatment for a medical problem, Kerala is the place to get it.
Ayurveda is
the medical side of yoga. It’s India’s traditional natural healing system,
which has been practiced for over 5,000 years.
Ayurvedic resorts have become
popular destinations for relaxation and rejuvenation in India, while ayurvedic
hospitals cater for people seeking ayurvedic treatment for more serious health
problems.
BENEFITS
OF AYURVEDIC MEDICINE -
Ayurvedic medicine is particularly
effective for metabolic, stress related, and chronic conditions. Treatments are
also very helpful in relieving the effects of surgery and debilitating
treatments such as chemotherapy. Other popular uses of ayurveda are for general
rejuvenation and beauty care.
PROCESS
FOR AYURVEDIC TREATMENT -
Ayurveda is a pranic system
of medicine, which works to balance the body’s life energy -- refered to as the doshas. This is achieved by diet, different types of massage, pouring herbal liquid
onto the body, and covering the body with herbal leaves and powders. You’ll be
assessed by a qualified doctor and a treatment program tailor made to address
the root of your problem. Generally, at least a couple of weeks are needed to
complete a full course of ayurvedic treatment. However it’s also possible to
get simple renewal treatments, such as ayurvedic massage, by themselves.
BEST
TIME TO RECEIVE AYURVEDIC TREATMENT IN INDIA -
The rainy season, during the monsoon
from June to September, is an ideal time for ayurvedic treatment because the
atmosphere remains cool, moist, and dust free. This helps the body’s pores to
open up, making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy.
AYURVEDIC
TREATMENT AVAILABLE IN INDIA -
Most places that offer ayurvedic
treatment are located in the southern state of Kerala, due to the climate and abundant
supply of medicinal plants and herbs there. You’ll also find quite a few
ayurvedic centers in Goa and Karnataka. Ayurvedic treatments are available both
at ayurvedic hospitals and ayurvedic resorts, as well as wellness centers and most five star hotels in these states. Another
innovative option is to book an ayurvedic houseboat and explore the picturesque
Kerala backwaters while receiving treatment.
AYURVEDIC
TREATMENT COST -
Ayurvedic hospitals are the cheapest
option, and it’s possible to receive treatment at an ayurvedic hospital for
around $1,000 per month excluding accommodation. Alternatively, the minimum
price charged by resorts for ayurvedic treatment is between $60-100 per day.
Seven day ayurvedic houseboat packages are available from around
$1,500 for two people. Alternatively the whole houseboat (which sleeps 8
people) can by hired for $6,600, for seven days.
BEST
PLACES TO RECEIVE AYURVEDIC TREATMENT IN INDIA -
You’ll find that there are two main
types of ayurvedic treatment on offer in India -- general rejuvenation
treatments catering to tourists and given by resorts in tourist areas, and
intensive medical treatments administered by centers in geographic locations
with the most suitable climate. Resorts are fine for anyone just wanting to get
some pampering, a massage, or an overall feel for ayurveda. However, those who
are serious about receiving quality ayurvedic treatment for medical reasons
should go to a proper hospital.
BEST
AYURVEDIC HOSPITALS IN INDIA -
Some of the top places to receive
authentic ayurvedic treatment in India are the ayurvedic hospitals managed by
the Arya Vaidya Sala charitable institution. The main one is in Kottakkal, in
Kerala. There are others in Kochi, Delhi, and Kolkata (Calcutta). All types of
accommodations are provided, from budget to luxury. Be sure to book well in
advance though. If it's full, you can also try the Padinharkkara Ayurveda Hospital and Research Center. It's a budget place in the Palakkad district of
Kerala.
BEST
AYURVEDIC RESORTS IN INDIA -
These top Kerala Ayurvedic resorts are all well managed, and have an excellent
range of properly administered Ayurvedic treatments. In Goa, the Ayurvedic Natural Health Centre near Calangute is good. In Karnataka, try Ayurvedagram or the Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre (IVAC).
You’ll find that many of the places
offer attractive discounts for stays during the monsoon season.
TEMPLE FESTIVALS -

Kerala temple festivals are
elaborate and exotic, with the highlight being the elephants. The festivals
feature large processions of bejeweled elephants, drummers and other musicians,
colorful floats carrying gods and goddesses, and fireworks.
Kerala Temple festivals are
elaborate and exotic. The main attraction at these festivals is the elephants.
The festivals form part of each
temple's annual rituals. They're often a tribute to the temple's presiding god,
who emerges from inside the temple once a year. Each festival has a different
set of legends and myths behind it, depending on the temple god.
ABOUT KERALA TEMPLE FESTIVALS
CELEBRATIONS -
From February to April, with each
festival running for around 10 days.
At temples throughout the state of
Kerala, in south India. The biggest and most colorful festival takes place at
Vadakkumnathan temple in Thrissur and is called Thrissur Pooram. It happens
during the Malayalam month of Medam (April/May).
Another important temple festival not far from Thrissur is the Arattupuzha
Pooram, which has around 60 elephants in attendance.
While everyday temple rituals are
modest, temple festivals take place on a grand scale and are a highlight on the
social calenders of Kerala's population. The festivals feature large
processions of bejeweled elephants, drummers and other musicians, colorful
floats carrying gods and goddesses, and fireworks.
RITUALS PERFORMED DURING THE KERALA
TEMPLE FESTIVALS -
Detailed temple rituals are
conducted by a tantri (the
main temple priest) according to the temple god. Rituals involving the god
statue in a Pallivetta (Royal
Hunt) and Arattu (Holy
Bath) are the focus of the festivals of some Kerala's major temples. During the
Thrissur and Arattupuzha Poorams, gods from surroundings temples make their
annual visit on elephant back to pay their respects to the presiding temple
god.
EXPECTATIONS AT THE KERALA TEMPLE
FESTIVALS -
Plenty of crowds, elephants, noise,
and processions. Music is an important part of the temple celebrations and the
frenetic percussionists, of which there are plenty, manage to whip up quite a
sound. Cultural programs, including classical music and dance performances, are
also on offer.
SNAKE BOAT RACES -

For
a few months every year during the monsoon season, Kerala comes alive with
colorful snake boat races.
ABOUT
SNAKE BOAT -
Fortunately there's no need for
concern, as snake boats get their name from their shape rather than anything to
do with live snakes! A snake boat (or chundan vallam) is actually a long traditional canoe style boat
used by the people of the Kuttanadu region, in south India's state of Kerala.
Typical snake boats are 100 to 120 feet long, and hold around 100 rowers. Each
of the villages in the region has its own snake boat, which they take great
pride in. Every year the villagers get together and race the boats along the
lakes and rivers.
HISTORY
BEHIND THE SNAKE BOAT RACES -
The battling snake boats of Kerala
have over 400 years of history associated with them. Their story can be traced
back to the kings of Alleppey (Alappuzha) and the surrounding areas, who used
to fight with each other in boats along the canals. One king, who suffered
heavy losses, got boat architects to build him a better vessel and the snake
boat was born, with much success. An opposing king sent a spy to learn the
secret of how to make theses boats but was unsuccessful as the subtleties of
the design are very hard to pick up. These days boat races are held with much
excitement during various festivals.
ABOUT
SNAKE BOAT RACES -
Four main snake boat races (and as
many as 15 minor ones) are held each year, in and around Alleppey.
·
The spectacular Nehru Trophy is held
on Alleppey's Punnamda Lake.
·
The oldest and most popular race,
the Champakkulam Moolam, is held along the river at Champakkulam
(Changanassery), around 25 kilometers (15 miles) from Alleppey.
·
The Payippad Jalotsavam is held on
Payippad Lake, 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Alleppey.
·
The Aranmula Boat Race is held along
the Pampa River at Aranmula, near Chengannur, around 50 kilometers (31 miles)
south of Alleppey.
Snake boat races are mostly held
from July to September, with the exact dates varying each year depending on the
phase of the moon. The exception is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, which is always
held on the second Saturday of August. Snake boat races are the highlight of
the Onam Festival in
August/September, particularly the Aranmula Boat Race, which takes place mid
way through the 10 day celebrations. Many other boat races are also held during
the festival along the backwaters at Kottayam, Payippad, and Champakkulam. The
Champakkulam Moolam is held in June/July, and the Payippad Jalotsavam is held
in September.
ABOUT
THE CHAMPAKKULAM MOOLAM SNAKE BOAT RACE -
The Champakkulam Moolam Boat Race
marks the day that the idol of the Hindu God Krishna was installed in the Sree
Krishna Temple in Ambalappuzha, not far from Alleppey. According to the legend,
those carrying the idol stopped over in Champakkulam on the way. The next
morning, thousands of colorful boats were assembled there to honor the event
and escort the idol to the temple. This procession is re-enacted before the
Champakkulam Moolam Boat Race takes place. It kicks off with exotic water
floats, boats decorated with colorful parasols, and performing artists.
ABOUT
THE NEHRU TROPHY SNAKE BOAT RACE -
The Nehru Trophy snake boat race is
undoubtedly the most exciting race of the year. This race is held in memory of
India's late Prime Minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru. An impromptu snake boat race
was held in 1952 when the Prime Minister visited Alleppey. Apparently he was so
impressed with the welcome and the race, he donated a trophy. The race has
continued on ever since. It's a commercial event and you'll need to buy tickets
from the tickets stands on the way. They cost less than $1 for for standing
room on makeshift bamboo decks, up to $25 for VIP access. Do bring an umbrella
in case of monsoon rain!
ABOUT
THE ARANMULA SNAKE BOAT RACE -
The Aranmula Boat Race is a two day,
predominantly religious, occasion. Rather than being a contest, it's more about
retracing the time offerings were carried on snake boats to the Aranmula
Parthasarthy Temple. This was done to protect the offerings from rivals from
another village. The whole occasion is a celebration of the day Lord Krishna
crossed the river. Position yourself on the banks of the Pampa River near the
temple in Aranmula to witness the spectacular event. Traditionally dressed
rowers, accompanied by groups of 25 singers, are cheered on by an exuberant
crowd.
TRAVEL
TO THE SNAKE BOAT RACES -
The closest airport to Alleppey is
in Kochi, 85 kilometers (53 miles) away. Alleppey has its own railway station,
located a short distance south west of the town center, and is readily
accessible from Ernakulum (neach Kochi). The nearest railway station to
Aranmula is Chengannur, 10 kilometers (6 miles) away. It's easy to get a train
there from Ernakulum, and likewise all major trains between Kochi and
Trivandrum stop at Chengannur. However, Chengannur is on a different line to
Alleppey, so it's not possible to travel by train between the two places. A
taxi is often the best solution to travel around the region.
HOTELS
IN ALLEPPEY -
The Pozhiyoram Beach Resort is located on a quiet, untouched beach, not far
from the center of Alleppey. Double beach view rooms are around $40, and you
can get a cottage for $80. For something a little different try Pooppallys Heritage Homestay, in tranquil surroundings on the river bank. Bed
and breakfast rooms cost around $80 per night for a double. Right in the heart
of town, the Arcadia Regency Hotel is recommended. Double rooms start from $25.
Alternatively, you can stay on a traditional houseboat and cruise along the
canals. The Green Palace Health Resort offers packages.
BEACHES -
The
attractive thing about the beaches of Kerala is that they're not as crowded or
as developed as the beaches or more touristy areas in India, particularly Goa. Varkala beach and Marari beach are two of the most picturesque
beaches in Kerala. Varkala beach is perfect for a romantic getaway in Kerala. If
you're looking for action, head to Kovalam beach near Trivandrum.
Kovalam
is Kerala's most famous beach town. Unlike quieter Varkala, it's well and truly been discovered and developed. The action congregates
around two main beaches -- Hawa and Lighthouse -- with a walkway along the
seafront. There's no shortage of hotels in Kovalam, but these are five of the
best ones to suit all budgets. If you're looking to save money, forgo the beach
and travel to Kovalam during the May-September monsoon season, and you'll be
able to enjoy discounts of 50% or more on room rates. This even makes luxury
hotels affordable.
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