Earth Houseboat
Kumarakom, India
Sail along the sleepy backwaters
This beautiful floating home was once a kettuvallom (traditional barge) used to transport rice along the large and intricate network of Kerala’s lakes and canals. Carrying you quietly across the tranquil waters there are few ways to explore Kerala that are more relaxing or more authentic.
Of course the Earth Houseboat has seen some significant modifications and now boasts cosy, partitioned bedrooms, sun decks with recliners and modern conveniences, yet remains in total harmony with its environment. The boat is powered by silent, clean solar energy whilst canopies of cane and rattan blend into coir-matted decks creating a warm, natural ambience. Being almost entirely hand-crafted of natural materials, the impact on the environment and the people who live there is virtually nil.
A stay on the houseboat immerses you in Keralan life and you will witness local people collecting and drying coconut fronds, carrying and fetching goods on small canoes, thatching and building homes and going about their daily lives. Reclining on the foredeck you will relax into the languid pace of life, letting nature still your mind and enjoying the call of birdsong above you. You’ll enjoy traditional dishes with fresh flavours of local coconut, ginger and lime prepared by your boatmen. As the light fades the frogs start to croak and the fireflies start to dance over the water and you’ll sleep to the gentle lull of the water.
The experience you will enjoy cruising through Kerala’s sleepy backwaters is unparalleled – a tonic for the body and mind.
You will love
- Pure peace and tranquility
- Birdsong, frogs and fireflies
- Being amongst the local people
- Beautiful eco-houseboat
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
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The McGowan Tribe
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The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.
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The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.
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You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!
Buckingham Family
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An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!
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Rowntree family
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Kim & Brad Balance
Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.
Milford family
We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!
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