The Backwaters of Kerala

   The Backwaters of Kerala is unique and is found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters of Kerala are a self supporting eco-system teeming with life. The canals connect the villages together and are still used for local transport. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable.Kumarakom and Alleppey (new name Alappuzha) are the prominant Backwater tourist attractions in Kerala.

Kuttanadu is the one rare places in the world where farming is done below sea level (1.5 -2 meters below sea level). Inland waterways that flow above the land level is an amazing feature of this land. Kuttanad lies in heart of the backwaters of Kerala. This beautiful countryside with its waterways also is rich in crops like rice, banana, Cassava and yam.

The most exciting aspect of Kuttanadu is the Kettuvallam (traditional Houseboat) which has become the most popular tourism product in India today. In a land as water bound as Kerala it wouldn't be an unusual sight, but for a visitor to God's Own Country a houseboat gliding along the vast green expanse of the backwaters is the most amazing spectacle in the world. Even more enchanting is a holiday in the houseboats of Kerala.

A cruise along the palm-fringed waterways of Kerala in a luxury houseboat is the most enchanting holiday experience in India today. In a world gifted with beauty, you will skim past ancient Chinese fishing nets, water lilies, lush paddy fields, coir villages, rustic homes, temples and coconut groves. A guided tour down the backwaters would provide you with a complete and most enchanting experience on the back waters of Kerala and will also reveal to you some interesting facts about the life of local village people. There is a Kerala that lives along these backwaters throbbing with its own unique culture. For you, as a visitor to Kerala it can be incredibly different and unusual experience just floating in the backwaters in a country craft.

Kumarakom is a centre for houseboat cruises. Traditionally, the houseboats were called Kettuvallams, which means a boat made by trying together pieces of wood. Unbelievable as it may sound, not a single nail is used in the making of a Kettuvallam. Jack wood planks are joined together with coir rope and then coated with black resin made from boiled cashew nuts shells.

It contains well furnished & bath attached bed rooms, sun bath-deck, lounge cum dining room and a hygienic kitchen. In the royal kitchen, we prepare delicious Kerala food. Two boats-men and an expert cook will retinue your trip , for making your trip more comfortable, we have provided modern facilities like electric lights, fans, €pean style bathroom and showers etc in the boat. When this palace glides along the vast green expanse of back waters you can experience the most exciting spectacle of the world. The rice fields, villages, lush green shores amaze your sense of beauty. In the nights, the cool, calm and breezy atmosphere makes your moment unforgettable.

Food and Beverages served in the House Boat

• Welcome drink, fruits.
• Lunch: Rice, Seven types of vegetable dish and Fish fry.
• Evening Tea: Tea / Coffee, snacks
• Dinner: Chapatti, Chicken curry / Dal curry, White rise and four types of vegetable dish.
• Breakfast: Bread toast-omelet, steamed banana Or Appam / Idiappam / Poori, Egg Curry / Vegetable Curry, Steamed Banana.

We provide home grown organic vegetables & fruits for the guests on cruise.

Cruise Route :

Alleppey - Kumarakom Cruise through the punnamada lake … the venue of the famous Nehru Trophy Snake boat race. Enter the enchanting waters of the Vembanad lake… enjoy the panoramic views and the glimpses of life along the banks. Visit R-block, C-block where paddy is cultivated much below the water level. Stop by the pathiramanal island. Visit at Chavara Bhavan… the old wooden house where the blessed Kuriakose Eelias Chavara was born. Night stay at Alleppey backwaters. Early morning leave the depature point.

Eco Trails Kerala House Boats (AC Deluxe) - Tariff
Number of Guest	Route	Type of Houseboat	Duration	March - Oct	Nov - Feb
2	Check-in Kumarakom - Alleppey backwaters - Check-out Kumarakom	Single Bed Room AC Deluxe (2 Beds)	22 Hrs	Rs.9,000/- (€ 140)	Rs.9,500/- (€ 150)
2	Check-in Kumarakom - Alleppey backwaters - Check-out Alleppey	Single Bed Room AC Deluxe (2 Beds)	22 Hrs	Rs.9,500/- (€ 140)	Rs.10,000/- (€ 150)
4	Check-in Kumarakom - Alleppey backwaters - Check-out Kumarakom	Double Bed Room AC Deluxe (4 Beds)	22 Hrs	Rs.13,000/- (€ 180)	Rs.13,500/- (€ 200)
4	Check-in Kumarakom - Alleppey backwaters - Check-out Alleppey	Double Bed Room AC Deluxe (4 Beds)	22 Hrs	Rs.13,000/- (€ 180)	Rs.13,500/- (€ 200)
6	Check-in Kumarakom � Alleppey backwaters - Check-out Kumarakom	3 bedroom A/C Jumbo Houseboat (6 Beds)	22 Hrs	Rs.16,000/- (€ 250)	Rs.17,000/- (€ 270)
6	Check-in Kumarakom � Alleppey backwaters - Check-out Alleppey	3 bedroom A/C Jumbo Houseboat (6 Beds)	22 Hrs	Rs.16,000/- (€ 250)	Rs.17,000/- (€ 270)
8	Check-in Kumarakom - Alleppey backwaters - Check-out Kumarakom	4 bedroom A/C Jumbo Houseboat (8 Beds)	22 Hrs	Rs.20,000/- (€ 300)	Rs.22,000/- (€ 320)
8	Check-in Kumarakom - Alleppey backwaters - Check-out Alleppey	4 bedroom A/C Jumbo Houseboat (8 Beds)	22 Hrs	Rs.21,000/- (€ 300)	Rs.22,000/- (€ 320)

Extra Bed: Rs.500.00
Children: Up to 5 years free. Up to 10 years- free.
Cost Includes: Welcome drink, Lunch, Evening tea with snacks, Dinner, Breakfast, fruits and Mineral water.

Check in Time: 12:00 Noon
Check out: 10:00 AM Next day.

Extra Bed: Rs.500.00
Children: Up to 5 years free. Up to 10 years- free.
Cost Includes: Welcome drink, Lunch, Evening tea with snacks, Dinner, Breakfast, fruits and Mineral water.

Check in Time: 12:00 Noon
Check out: 10:00 AM Next day.

Eco Trails Kerala MOTOR BOATS - TARIFF
per Hour	Covered Motor Boat - Capacity 12 passenger - Rate - Rs. 350/-
per Hour	Covered Motor Boat - Capacity 20 passenger - Rate - Rs. 400/-
per Hour	Covered Motor Boat - Capacity 28 passenger - Rate - Rs. 450/-