Kerala Backwaters - A cruise on budgets!

Namaskar.. Can I go via ferry to Amma's ashram from either Cochin or Thiruvananthapuram? Ta

An interesting recent Article for backwater enthusiasts.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/c...w/12190339.cms

vandy

Interesting article. I just wonder how they are going to standardise rates given that in my experience the type of houseboat and the services they offer can vary a great deal.

Thanks for the link, Vandy. I sure hope there is tight control of the number of people allowed on the boat.

I am going to Kerala in August and would like to experience the backwater for few hours. I have ruled out the option of staying in a houseboat as the actual cruise timing is very less and the cost is very high. Can I have a country boat ride in Kollam for a couple of hours? I am choosing Kollam over Alleppy as it will not require any detour on my way. I was initially planning to stay overnight in Alleppy and then proceed to Munnar on the next day. However, after ruling off the houseboat, was wondering if I can go to Munnar on the same day with a couple of hour backwater tour enrote. Do you think it would be doable if we start early from Poovar? Journey will be more but that will allow me to rest on the next day.

We are looking to go for a 24 hour houseboat backwater trip first week in January 2013. lonely planet says rates triple and boats can be like bumper boats (too many on the river). Does anyone have advice where to fly into for a quiet, low key, mod price houseboat experience, reserve before we go? Price would be? We are open for 6 days in Kerala. Any other tips or ideas, thanks

http://www.keralaindiatravel.net/ker...l-guide-part-4

you may have already seem this article. It suggests going north of Kannur, or south to Kollam. Both are away from crowds you'l find when you get your houseboat in Alleppey or Kottayam / vembanad Lake area.

Personally, i have not done houseboat trip in Kerala 9only in Kashmir)

Which one will be a better option for backwaters:
1. Kollam - Alleppy
OR
2. Kasargod (Valiyaparamba)

Planning for a trip to Kerala in Mid October.

Hey,
Thanks a lot for this post. I changed my itinerary to include the boat ride from kottan to allepey. Thanks!

Hi,

i am plannin to spent from morning to evening in houseboat can somebdy guide me, travelling with family 4- 6 member.

Thanks
Nimmu

You can try either of the following:
1. http://www.thedreamnest.com/
2. http://www.ecohouseboat.com/

Hi,

I will be going on a one night houseboat cruise with my partner around mid December.

Last time I was in India I just went to and haggled for the price.

Do you folk feel for the busy season it's better to book online or go in person and haggle?

Thanks

Thank you so much.......I got to know about this type of daily trips in boats only after reading your post.

I am planning for a early Feb visit.Do you have any suggestions for pocket friendly hotels/homestays in Munnar,Thekkady,Ernakulam and Ponmudi.

Thank you so much.

I recently did a backwater ride at Poovar (Poovar is around 20 kms from Kovalam). It was at a place called Lara Backwater (very close to Leela Backwaters and Kairali Backwaters). Lara was much cheaper than the others in the area and the 2 hour backwater trip was divine. Was the highlight of my 4 day trip to Kerala.

I heard that houseboat cruises only happen in the major backwaters. For the others, my friend told me a good option is kayaking. Thinking of a kayak for my trip to Kerala. My friend told me to buy one from these Indian suppliers called Lokat Jahaz Kayaks . Anyone heard of them?