Private Houseboat, Kerala

Typical private houseboat on the Kerala backwaters

The private houseboats that you will stay on are built to replicate the traditional rice boats or 'kettuvalloms' that have been used in this region for centuries, but are fitted with modern bedrooms and small attached bathrooms.  In addition to the one or two bedrooms, there is also a large open-sided deck area for sitting, reading, or simply watching the outside world glide by.  This is also where you will eat - delicious meals prepared on board and cooked to your requirements, usually using local fresh fish and vegetables.  Your houseboat is staffed by a captain, his mate and the cook.  During your overnight cruise, stops will be made from time to time for you to explore a village, take a look at an old Portuguese church or watch the local people going about their everyday tasks in the countryside.