Kozhikode

The Place :
Kozhikode is a small town with big attractions. As you take on the backwater cruise you will pass across some of the most known attractions of Kozhikode. The Boat water cruise will cross through the Kozhikode beach which is known for its serenity. This beach has two piers and a light house which offers stunning views. Then you will cross the Pazhassirajah Museum. Here the Houseboat will stop for an hour so that you can land down and see this beautiful Museum. The Museum has a rare collection of Gold and Silver coins used by Vaso Di Gama and the Britishers. There are also the Bronze Sculptures, paintings and murals to see.

The Kettuvallom moves slowly on the backwaters so that you can enjoy the cool breeze and the coconut laden trees on the shores. Enjoy the daily life of the common folk as the houseboat passes through the Kerala Villages. You will have a excellent view of this side of life. You can also take pictures of this lively and beautiful scenery. If you take a two to three days package then the houseboat will take you Beypore which is 10 kms from Kozhikode. Bypore is a famous fishing harbor, port and boat building centre. Boats are being built in Beypore for over 1500 years. Here you will be taken to see how the famous Kettuvalloms are being build here. Further from here you will be taken to Kappad Beach where Vasco Di Gama stepped on 27th May 1498. Here you can see the landmark of this Historical Event.

Some of the one day houseboats trips are very famous like the Kayal Pradikshana Cruise which takes you along Munroe Island, formed by the Ashtamudi and Kallada River. This one day trip takes Rs 500 per individual; children below 12 years are not ticketed. Another is the Sayanathum Sunset Cruise which is a half day cruise and takes Rs 100 per individual. But both of the cruise do not include night stay in the houseboat. Here you have the option of ending your tour or go back to the starting point by houseboat itself. If you continue further then you will have to travel overnight to reach destination which is 25 kms from here.

From here you will be taken a little further towards Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary. Here you can see the Khozhikode Bird Sanctuary where thousands of water birds can be seen. Birds found here include herons, gulls, terns and sandpipers. The winter and spring time are the best to see birds. Here your journey ends on the back of houseboats.

The Houseboat

Some of the Houseboats known as Soma Houseboats are just like mini cottages, only that they are mobile. Most of them have two cabins, including a sit out, sundeck, bedroom and a private bath. Interior of the Soma Houseboats are build of wooden panels. The houseboats have a crew of two to three people which include the Chef, the Captain of the Boat and the Assistant. Once on the Houseboat you can enjoy the soft breeze while sipping tea or coffee. There are halts in between the cruise for sight-seeing. In these breaks you can pick a bottle of toddy or the breeze or coconut water as per your taste. You can also try climbing a Coconut tree with assistance but only at your own risk.

The food prepared on the deck will be purely south Indian which would include non - vegetarian food. However, if you need to have only vegetarian food or are looking for Continental food, then you will have to tell it at the time of booking of the houseboat cruise. Any changes in the Menu while on the deck will not be entertained.