Discovering the Ecstasy of Houseboat Tours in Kerala and Kashmir
A holiday in the midst of water has always been a fancy. This is a
common way to holiday all over the world, popularized today with the
numerous cruises that are available. Not one of them, however, can
compare with houseboat tours in India.
There are two chances at having a houseboat tour in India. The first is a
tour of the Backwaters in Kerala. The second is a ride on the lakes on
Jammu in a shikara, a native houseboat of the state.
Houseboat Tours offer a lot of calm and tranquility. They make an ideal
holiday for a family to bond. Be it a couple on their honeymoon or
waiting to discover love or even for families looking to spend quality
time with one another. No matter what the reason for your holiday, the
one thing you can be sure of is that this holiday is going to be
special.
Before you even begin your holiday on a houseboat tour, it is important
to understand that this holiday is not going to be full of action and
fast paced. You must be prepared for a slow, relaxed holiday to enjoy it
completely.
Unlike cruises which make it a point to be grand, opulent and provide
everything only fantasized about, houseboat tours in India are simple
and understated. They try and keep the tour as close to nature and
basic. The idea is to provide comfort and warmth, and this is what gives
these holidays their true charm.
Traveling through the Kerala backwaters in a houseboat is a very
charming way to spend your holiday. You will see plenty of palm groves
and beaches. There are churches and temples to be seen. You will pass
through many spice plantations and see a variety of animals and
wildlife.
A tour on a shikara is quite different. This is all about serene, awe
inspiring sights. You will see snow capped mountains around you, you
even might see some spots which are frozen on the lake. Shikaras ply on
the Dal Lake, the most prominent lake in the state of Jammu. Around it
are the Himalayan Mountains. This is an almost surreal scene which you
will see as you pass by sights of Jammu.
Unlike the palms of Kerala, you will only be able to coniferous trees,
maybe some apples, and pretty flowers blossoming around you. A contrast
to the icy weather outside is the warm interior of the houseboat. A
liveable dwelling in itself, it is quite modest and does not boast of
much extravagance. Even though it is quite sparse, it makes for such a
welcoming, pleasant place that you are completely smitten by its charm.
The interiors are all done up in the typical Kashmiri style, with rugs
and woven carpets, and simple native handicrafts decorating the
houseboat.
To be able to enjoy the bliss of a houseboat tour, it is best to get the
advice of your travel organizer. This will help you benefit – you will
have the opportunity to travel at the right time, and make the most of
your holiday in the lap of nature.