Things that are rare have always found a place in the prestigious corner of the heart. They have always earned the title of being exotic and everyone wants to experience it at least once their life time. Such things are many and if a list be made it would be endless. However when you are in India something common between the extreme north and extreme south but exotic must be experienced. The states that I ‘am talking about are Jammu Kashmir and Kerala. These two states of the country may be different in numerous ways i.e. in terms of landforms, culture, tradition food and people but they both share something the rest of India does not have. Are you still wondering as to what I ‘am talking about? Or have you guessed it?
The houseboats may be the most common sights in these two states but for the rest of the country it is exotic as it can get. The two states have a lot of waterways and therefore boats seem to be the easiest way to get around places when here.
The state of Kerala which is located towards the south western part of the country is well known for its extensive and beautiful backwaters. So when you are in the state a tour of the backwaters is a must for without it the holiday would be incomplete. The houseboats that ply over the backwaters and lagoons were used to transport spices from one place to another. However in the recent years the houseboats of Kerala have been introduced in the field of tourism. Therefore to tour and explore the exotic backwaters one needs to rent a houseboat which comes in different sizes, shapes and budgets. Among the various budgets that fit in the schemes of the houseboats the Deluxe one is something that one has to try out. The deluxe houseboats that ply over the emerald backwaters are filled with the basic amenities of life and it would feel like staying in a hotel itself but a floating one. A houseboat cruise along the backwaters is a relaxing one and the sense of being one with nature can be felt.
Other than the south western state of the country Jammu Kashmir is one that is famed for its houseboats. The houseboats here are known by the name “Shikaras” and are a grand sight to see. Though the state may not have many waterways as that of the southern parts of the country, it does have a large number of lakes. Some of the most famed lakes here would be the Dal Lake and the Nagin Lake. These two lakes draw a lot of tourists for the beauty and size that they exhibit is phenomenal. The houseboats or Shikaras as they call it are a world apart from its counterpart in the south. Here they are well carved, painted, designed etc and one can accordingly take their pick. The Shikaras here are estimated according to the design, facilities and services offered. A deluxe Shikara would mean a house boat that is well carved, well painted, has all the basic amenities of life fulfilled such as a kitchen, bathroom, running water etc. The house boats here come in different sizes too, one can choose from one bedroom, hall and kitchen to three bedrooms, hall and kitchen.
A stay in the flamboyant and luxurious houseboats floating along the emerald backwaters or the blue sky reflecting lakes is something that one ought to try out in a lifetime. These small pleasures of life in sync with nature are something that is to be cherished and fondly remembered.
