For those who can not afford the cost of overnight stay in a houseboat, the shikkara ride in the backwaters of Alappuzha or Kumarakom in Kerala is an excellent option.The shikara boat is a traditional open canoe like country boat which has been equipped with bamboo seats and an over head bamboo canopy for shade. A shikkara can accommodate four to fourteen persons depending on its size.
Alleppey is one of the most important tourist centers in the state, with a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the east". These large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Alleppey was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past with one of the best known ports along the malabar coast. Even today it retains its charm as the centre for Coir carpet industries and prawn farming.
Ayurveda is not just about good physical health. It is a therapy that promises holistic wellness. The natural herbs and oils used in the therapy are of great medicinal value as is said in the Vedic literature on Ayurveda.The history of Ayurveda which can be traced back to the Vedic Ages clearly lays out instructions to maintain health as well as fighting illnesses through therapies such as massages, herbal medicines, diet control and exercise.
Alleppey(Alappuzha) has a large network of canals and one of the major centres for backwater boat trips. This palace where narrow canals, rivers, lakes lagoons and land meet are aptly called "Alleppey backwaters"
Shikkara Boats is comparatively small in size than houseboats and motorboats but it is really beautiful handicraft work in elegant Kerala style. Shikkara boats are mainly used for sightseeing. It is available in limited budget and mainly used for sightseeing in per hour basis in much cheaper rate than Houseboats and Motorboats. Shikkara boats are comparatively smaller than the other ones. Its seating arrangement is very comfortable for the travelers as they are using cushion chairs. It's the best way to travel in the backwaters cheaply.
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Houseboats also known as "Kettuvalloms" is a huge country boat made up of tying huge jack wooden planks together and these planks are dipped in cashew nut resin to increase its power and durability. It comes in various shapes which include one to even ten bedrooms with attached and non-attached wash rooms, living rooms, dining rooms, kitchen and some even provides balcony, upper deck, glass wall etc. It's available in a/c and non a/c. Houseboats are more expensive than motorboats and shikkara boats. We can move freely in a Houseboat. It's having much luxurious facilities and much bigger than any other type of boats.
