Blend of Wildlife and Houseboat Experience in Kerala Trip

Wildlife and nature enthusiasts heading up to Kerala can blend up an unique itinerary with Periyar National Park and Alleppey Backwaters. Kerala is mostly about tourism and the state offers endless options to its visitors to carry back unforgettable memories. 

You can commence your Kerala trip by exploring the wilderness at Periyar National Park and later moving to Alleppey to experience the houseboat cruise.

 

Periyar National Park:

Breathtaking scenic beauty and rich biodiversity are closely associated with Periyar National Park. Periyar is significantly one of the protected regions for tigers and elephants. The 100 years old artificial yet picturesque lake is among the central attractions and is located at the heart of the national park. 

 

Flora – moist deciduous forest. Tropical evergreen forest and semi-evergreen forests.

Fauna – tiger, elephant, wild pig, Indian wild dog, sambar, barking deer, mouse deer, gaur, Nilgiri langur, bonnet macaque and many more species of mammals, birds, butterflies, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fishes. 

 

Types of safari available: 

  1. Boat safari
  2. Elephant safari
  3. Jeep safari 

 

Popular tourist attractions in and around Periyar Wildlife sanctuary – 

  1. Cradomom hills
  2. Pandalom hills
  3. Kumily
  4. Periyar lake
  5. Pullumedu 
  6. Mangla Devi Temple

 

The months from October to June are considered the best time to visit Periyar National Park. The nearest airport from Periyar is in Cochin in Kerala and Madurai in Tamil Nadu. The nearest railway station to reach Periyar National is at Kottayam.

 

Houseboat Experience at Alleppey Backwaters:

Approximately 138 kms away from Periyar National Park, the backwaters of Alleppey is located. 

Alleppey is one of the cleanest places in Kerala and the backwaters here are very famous and it was known to be Venice of the East. Houseboat experience at Alleppey, meandering through the backwaters of Kerala should be included in your bucket list of Kerala trip. Surrounded by water and serenity, the houseboats float calmly on the backwaters, and with your favourite company in the boat you will derive a memorable and unique experience. Cruising in the houseboats is the best way to wander through the beautiful backwaters of Kerala engulfed with picturesque scenery.

 

You can opt for either a day time cruise which lasts for about 2-5 hours, or you can choose an overnight stay in the houseboat. The experience is going to be in a class by itself..

 

These houseboats comprise of all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay including a dining space, television, bedrooms, luggage storage room, washroom, kitchen (to provide freshly prepared meals), balcony space to chill and enjoy the stunning beauty of the backwaters and palm trees. Both private and sharing basis houseboats are available to suit your preferences. Throughout your house boat ride, apart from the palm trees and other houseboats and shikaras, there will be the views of small villages and the inhabitants indulged with their daily chores. 

 

Opt for the meals included or excluded in your package in the houseboat to savour the authentic Keralian cuisines, specially the sea food and meals served on the banana leaves give an exceptional feel while eating. The menu mostly includes-

  • Lemon/fruit/tender coconut juice as welcome drink
  • For lunch:  Veg – Sambar, Thoran, Aviyal, Veg Fry, Salad, Pickle, Curd, Papad etc.

                 Non veg – Karimeen Fish Fry

  • Coffee / Tea and Snacks (mostly  Banana Fry) for evening snacks
  • Dinner: Non-veg – Chicken Curry, White Rice, Chapati, Cauliflower Manjuri.

             Veg – Dal Fry and Mutter Paneer or  Mix Veg Korma or Aalu

  • Idli or Dosa with Chutney and Sambar and Coffee or Tea for breakfast.

You can request for changes or additions in the regular menu according to your choice.

 

Alleppey houseboats routes:

  1. Alleppey or Alappuzha round trip around the legendary Punnamada lake.
  2. A picturesque cruise from Alleppey to Kottayam witnessing the toddy farmers.
  3. Alleppey to Mankotta through the villages specialising in coir making.
  4. Alleppey to Kumarakom route for birdwatching.
  5. Alleppey to Kidangra through the famous Vembanad Lake and Pathiramanal Island.
  6. Delve in the history of houseboats by Alleppey to Alumkadavu route.

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