Drifting leisurely down the backwaters of Kerala aboard a traditional kettuvallam introduces you to a simpler, slower pace of life and brings you into contact with the people who make their living on the banks or the waters of this riverine network. Beautifully transformed into luxurious houseboats, they offer one or two en-suite bedrooms with a spacious living area and sundeck, ideal for relaxing with a G&T to watch life unfold on the villages that dot the riverbanks. The onboard chef freshly prepares delicious meals, often with fish and ingredients bought from a passing fisherman or floating shop.Natural materials such as rattan and cane showcase the eco-friendly ethos of the boats, which are powered by solar energy and vegetable oils to minimise their impact on the tranquil beauty of the backwaters. The birdlife and animals of Lake Vembanad and the waterways can be spotted as you drift along, while stepping off the boat allows you to meet the people who live and work here, and find out more about their lives and livelihoods.
The former estate of Lord Kitchener of Khartoum, Wildflower Hall is something to behold.
Arriving at Philipkutty’s by boat is a hint of the remote, immersive experience that awaits in this family-run homestay near Lake Vembanad.
At Chamba Camp, Diskit, you can experience culture on the roof of the world, with India’s first truly mobile camp.
Kohima Camp, Nagaland is located in a region in Nagaland that is predominantly occupied by the Angami Tribe, one of the major tribes of the 16 .
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