Soma Houseboats online booking offer a luxurious holidaying experience in soma houseboat, variety of cruises along the backwaters of Kerala. These cruises take you to some of the most popular backwaters such as that at Kollam, Alappuzha (also known as the Venice of the East), Kumarakom, Alumkadavu, Kochi.
Soma Houseboats is a successful venture of the Somatheeram Beach Resorts Group, Kovalam, Kerala, with Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort and Manaltheeram Ayurvedic Beach Village as its sister concerns.
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Valid from 1st October 2012 to 30th September 2014
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| * Additional Service Tax 07.42% extra is applicable on published tariff.* Check In : 12 Noon .* Check Out : 9.00 AM .
* Extra Person Rs.2000 . * The Mentioned Rates Include Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner(Fixed Menu). * Mineral Water During Meals. * Tea/Coffee Snacks Special Dishes Can Be Arranged Subject To Availability And Against Direct Payment. * Air Condition Provided From 9.00 PM to 6.00 AM ( RS.2000/-Extra Will Be Charged Per Bedroom For 24 Hours A/C ) . |
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The Kerala Backwaters
Backwaters are water bodies formed by the backward flow of seawater due to an obstruction in the natural current. There are five major lakes which form the basic backwater network in Kerala. The lakes, canals and rivers connect these water bodies forming a very useful inland water navigation system. The Vembanad Lake is the largest backwater in Kerala.
The backwaters play a vital role in the economy of Kerala
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It provides an economical means of transport
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Fishing forms one of the major occupations of the inhabitants
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It helps to carry out trade and commerce
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It plays a major role in irrigation and also forms the basis of livelihood in the regions
Finally there is the tourism aspect. A travel through the backwaters of Kerala is in a way an exploration through the interiors of Kerala.
Kerala backwaters are blessed with immense beauty and provides for a relaxing atmosphere. The ecosystem of the backwaters combines that of freshwater as well as that of the sea. It supports a large variety of flora and fauna such as frogs, fishes, crabs, mudskippers, otters etc. Along the length of the backwaters, one could see a close up of life in rural Kerala.
Famous Backwaters of Kerala
Kochi- Known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is one among the most favourite backwater destinations. The Vembanad lake which is the largest of backwaters in Kerala, surrounds the group of islands that forms Kochi. The various islands of Kochi are Vyppin, Bolgatty, Vallarpadam etc. One could visit these islands in small ferries which makes for a different experience. There are many attractions at Kochi including the Chinese fishing nets, Bolgatty palace, the Jewish Synagogue etc.
Kollam- The backwater in Kollam is formed by Ashtamudi Lake, the second largest in the State. Kollam-Alappuzha trip in a houseboat is much sought after since it is a pleasantly long trip with much to see and enjoy. The scenic beauty is marvelous with a variety of flora and fauna to look out for. The district of Kollam is famous for cashew nuts, coir making and as a prominent trading centre.
Kottayam- The Vembanad Lake constitute the backwaters of Kottayam. The Kumarakom Backwater is very famous and is a favourite spot for natives as well as tourists. Kottayam district is known as the land of lakes, letters and latex. There is variety in the range of attractions here- rubber plantations, the Vembanad Lake, temples, churches and so on. Kottayam is also the headquarters of many publishing houses.
Alappuzha- Also known as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha is a very important destination for backwater cruises. Blessed with beauty, Alappuzha backwaters show the rare property of being in the same level as the land. Palm trees border the banks making every angle of the backwater equally beautiful. The Alappuzha Backwaters are famous for boat races. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race which takes place in the Punnamada Lake attracts thousands of people every year.
Traversing the Backwaters
Kettuvalloms
‘Kettuvalloms’ or houseboats are naturally made boats used for transportation through the lengths of the backwaters. They are entirely made of environment friendly materials and do not have any nails to keep it together. It is the coir ropes that do that job. Nowadays houseboats are made in a more lavish and luxurious style and has become an icon of beauty. They are built with all the arrangements necessary for a comfortable accommodation -bedrooms, toilets, kitchen, living area etc. The backwater cruises in houseboats is a favourite activity in Kerala and is a major attraction for tourists from around the world.
Boat Races
The backwaters of Kerala play host to one of the most interesting water sport – Snake boat races. Snake Boats or Chundan Vallom, as it is known in the regional language, are over 30 m long and has the front portion designed to resemble the hood of a snake. About 100 oarsmen can be accommodated in a boat at a time. Construction of such boats requires tremendous skill and talent. The boat races are a delight to watch. It involves the rhythmic movement of the oars by the oarsmen in tune with the ‘Vanchippattu’ (song sung during a boat race). Of all the boat races, Nehru Trophy Boat race held during the Onam festival is the most popular. Thousands of people gather on the banks of Alappuzha’s Punnamada Lake, to encourage and enjoy the event. The other famous boat races include Indira Gandhi Boat Race, Champakulam Moolam Boat Race, Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali etc.
Soma Houseboats offer many cruises connecting the main backwater destinations of Kerala. Alappuzha (Aleppey), one of the most popular destinations, forms the starting point for most of the cruises. The shortest trip involves a tour of the nearby places in Alappuzha and Kuttanad regions and the longest trip covers many fascinating places and regions along the length of the backwaters.
