A Guide to the Differences and Similarities Between Houseboats in Kashmir and Kerala
When you think of unique travel experiences in India, houseboats in Kashmir and Kerala are at the top of the list!
This guide is about the differences and similarities between houseboats in Kashmir and Kerala, we have also covered about what they are made from, as well as their design, and what kind of amenities, comfort, and overall hospitality experience they offer.
Let’s explore the major differences and similarities between Kerala and Kashmir Houseboats
How are Houseboats of Kerala and Kashmir different?
Kerala Houseboats
The history of Kerala houseboats back centuries, The word Kettuvallam is derived from two Malayalam words kettu meaning tied with ropes, and vallam meaning boat, they were originally used for transporting rice, spices and other essentials from Kuttanad to the Kochi port. In past these country boats were made from wood, coir ropes, and wooden planks without using any nails.
Over time the development of roads and transport increased, and the demand for these boats decreased for trading even disappearing. Then Mr Thomas Vargheese transformed the first country boat into a modern houseboat in Kottayam, Kerala during the time of Dr. Babu Paul IAS, who played an important role in promoting tourism in Kerala.
They released this invention can bring more tourism to Kerala and offer luxurious floating accommodations and a unique travel experience to tourists on scenic journeys across rivers, lakes, and canals, especially in Alleppey and Kumarakom.
Kerala houseboat Tariff
| Houseboat Type | Tariff | Extra Person | A/C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe | ₹ 8,000 | ₹1000 | 9 pm to 6 am
|
| Premium | ₹ 10,000 | ₹ 1500 | 24/7
|
| Luxury | ₹ 17,000 | ₹ 2000
| 24/7 |
- Check-in 12:00 pm
- Check out 09:00 am (Overnight Stay)
- Cruise stop from 6 PM to 7 AM
- Children below 5 years of age are complimentary
- Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Tea/Coffee and Snacks & Mineral water during meals.
Kashmiri Houseboats
The Houseboats of Kashmir are stationary, meaning they don’t move from one place to another. These houseboats are moored and anchored in one place on Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake, and Jhelum River. Instead of cruising, they are more peaceful and immobile luxurious retreating in a fixed vantage point.
Suggested Reading: 10 best Luxury Houseboats in Srinagar
Kashmiri houseboats have a rich history back to the British colonial period in the early 19th century. During that time the British Citizens were not allowed to buy land in Kashmir, for this solution they decided to build houseboats in Kashmir Valley on Dal Lake as a floating home where they could enjoy and live.
Kashmir houseboat Tariff
| Houseboat Type | Room Only | With Breakfast | Breakfast & Dinner | Breakfast Lunch & Dinner | No of Pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe | ₹ 2,350 | ₹ 2,500 | ₹ 3,000
| ₹ 3,500 | 2 |
| Deluxe | ₹ 3,000 | ₹ 3,350 | ₹ 4,000 | ₹ 4,500 | 2 |
| Premium
| ₹ 6,200 | ₹ 6,500 | ₹ 7,500 | ₹ 8,500 | 2 |
- Check-in 12:00 pm
- Check out 12:00 pm
- Break + Dinner
- Children below 5 years Complimentary
Similarities between Kerala and Kashmir houseboats
If you are wondering what are common things in Kerala and Kashmir houseboats quite a few similarities are same like both the places offer floating accommodations whether you are cruising in Kerala or staying on a houseboat in Kashmir on Dal or Nigeen lakes, the experience you will leave you breathless.
Another common thing they have similar in Kerala and Kashmiri houseboats is their traditional designs. Kerala houseboats, called kettuvallams, are built with wood from the jackfruit tree for the framework, along with bamboo poles, coconut fibre, and coir.
In comparison, Kashmiri houseboats called Naav in the Kashmiri language are built with Deodar (cedar) wood and hand–carved furniture made of walnut wood. The detailed wood carving designs on the walls and the ceiling represent the royal elegance of Kashmir.
Kerala vs Kashmir Houseboats in Comfort Amenities and Safety
Both Kerala and Kashmir houseboats offer safe and comfortable accommodations equipped with luxurious amenities as follows:
Kerala Houseboats
They provide a tranquil escape from backwaters, paddy fields, green landscapes and coconut groves offering an immersive experience of nature they indeed focus more on natural beauty rather than luxury. In terms of safety is their top priority, the houseboats are being inspected daily and equipped with life jackets, fire extinguishers, and trained staff on board.
- Air conditioning
- Attached bathrooms
- TVs and Wi-Fi
- Functional kitchen
- Single, double, and triple rooms
- Private balconies and sun decks
- Large windows with views of backwaters
Kashmir houseboats
These houseboats are cosy, warm, and comfortable. They are well-maintained with luxury furniture and polished wooden interiors furnished with hand-knotted silk carpets decorated with Kashmiri handicrafts.
For those who are looking for a 5-star luxury houseboats in Srinagar, especially Nigeen Lake offer premium accommodations such as ITC Gurkha houseboats, New Jacquline Heritage Houseboats, and the exclusive Harmukh Houseboat by Lohono Stays.
In addition, Kashmir houseboats are generally safe they follow all security guidelines, and you will enjoy your stay without any worry. These luxury houseboats in Srinagar are famous for their peaceful ambience with world-class amenities and hotel-level cleanliness as follows:
- 2-6 bedrooms
- Attached bathrooms
- TVs and Wi-Fi
- Dining Room and Living
- Panaromic front balconies
- Sun decks
- Small Pantry
- Round-the-clock electricity
- Clean water supplies
- Caretakers or cooks
- Air conditioning and Heating
Tourism Experience
Kerala Houseboat Tours offers tour packages for day trips and overnight cruising from 2 to five days, including breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
They are cruising slowly through the backwaters, and the enjoyment is too epic while passing from small villages, coconut groves, and paddy fields. The houseboat often stops at famous points to explore nearby villages temples, and local attractions.
You can also hire a local guide for deeper knowledge and exploration of coir-making factories, local shopping, and cultural insights about local traditions, festivals, and the history of the Kerala backwaters.
Kashmir Houseboats are more like living in a floating hotel anchored in one place on Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake and Jhelum River. The packages are available for overnight stays up to serval weeks depending upon your trip length and include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
If you like to explore Dal Lake or Nigeen Lake during your stay, you can hire Shaikara rides for gliding between floating gardens known as Raad, where locals grow vegetables and flowers on the water, Char Chinar Island, meena bazaars for shopping Shawls, carpets, and Handicrafts artefacts.
Additionally, you can enjoy local attractions of Srinagar city such as the Mughal gardens, Shainkaachirya temple, and Old City Tour if you want to enrich your experience consider hiring a local guide for the day trip to explore more of history of the Kashmir.
Cuisine and Amenities
Both Kerala and Kashmir houseboats offer onboard unique culinary experiences from the rich flavours of Kerala’s coastal dishes and the aromatic spices of Kashmiri cuisine.
In Kerala, they serve more coastal dishes while in Kashmir they serve more Indian food. Each place has its own unique cooking style, whether you are a non-veg food lover or vegetarian you can order according to your choice!
Kerala Houseboat Cuisine
Here’s a closer look at what you can expect
Kerala Houseboat Food Menu Veg
Included: Morning welcome soft drink and Evening Tea
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Tea / Coffee
| Rice / Sambar
| White Rice |
| Bread Jam Butter
| Vegetables Thoran / Cauliflower Stew
| Chappati |
| Idly Sambar | Mezhukkupuratti (Long Beans) / Banana Kalan
| Dal Curry / Paneer Masala |
| Puttu Kadala | Pappadam / Salad | Vendakka Bindi Fry |
| Dosa Sambar | Pickle / Curd / Fruits
| Salad |
Kerala Houseboat Food Menu Non Veg
Included: Morning welcome soft drink and Evening Tea
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Tea / Coffee Bread, Jam, Butter, Omelette
| Rice, Sambar, Mezhukupurathy Long Beans
| Chappati |
| Idly, Sambar, Chutney | Mixed Vegetables Thoran
| White Rice |
| Dosa, Sambar, Chutney | Pappadam, Fish Fry (Pearl Spot & Seer Fish) | Dal Curry
|
| Puttu Egg Masala / Kadala Curry Black Chana | Banana Kalan Beetroot Pachadi | Chicken Roast |
| Poori Masala | Pickle and Fruits | Vendakka Mezhukkupuratti(Bhindi Fry)
Salad |
Kashmir Houseboat Cuisine
Kashmiri Non-Veg food is one of the unique cuisines from North India. If you are planning to stay in a Houseboat on Dal Lake or Nigeen Lake. Their cuisine is known for its rich aromatic spices such as saffron, cardamom, and Cockscomb Flower (Mawal).
You can order from their signature non-veg dishes such as rogan josh lamb curry, mutton yakhni yoghurt–based curry, and Kashmiri Wazwan a multi-course variety of meals that is a hallmark of Kashmiri hospitality.
Kashmiri Veg food
For vegetarians, there are tasty options such as Kashmiri bread sheermal and bakarkhani with kahwa for breakfast, Rajma Chawal, Dum Aloo, and Paneer dishes for lunch or dinner.
Some of their famous vegetarian dishes include Nadru Yakhn (lotus stem in yoghurt gravy) and Kashmiri Pulao (rice with saffron and dry fruits). Snacks like pakoras and desserts like Phirni (rice pudding) add to the delightful experience.
You can order various vegetarian meals such as Kashmiri bread, Rajma Chawal, Dum Aloo, and Panee dishes. Some of their flagship dishes are Nadru Yakhn (lotus stem in yoghurt gravy) Kashmiri Pulao and Phirni.
Suggested Reading: Best Veg Restaurants in Srinagar | Top Picks Near Dal Lake
Kashmir Houseboat Food Menu Veg
Included: Morning welcome soft drink and Evening Tea
| Breakfast | Table Header | Table Header |
|---|---|---|
| Tea / Coffee | White Rice / Roti Naan | White Rice / Roti Naan |
| Kashmiri Bread Butter/ Jam | Mix Veg / Dal | Mix Veg / Dal
|
| Paratha with Curd or Pickle | Paneer Dishes | Chana Masala, Paneer |
| Upma/ Poha | Malai Kofta | Kashmiri Dum Aloo / Kashmiri Pulao |
| Fresh Fruits | Curd / Raita / Salad / Phirni | Curd / Raita / Salad / Phirni
|
Kashmir Houseboat Food Menu Non Veg
Included: Morning welcome soft drink and Evening Tea
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Tea / Coffee | White Rice / Roti Naan | White Rice / Roti Naan |
| Kashmiri Bread Butter/ Jam | Mix Veg / Dal | Mix Veg / Dal
|
| Paratha with Curd or Pickle | Paneer Dishes | Chana Masala, Paneer |
| Upma/ Poha | Malai Kofta | Kashmiri Dum Aloo / Kashmiri Pulao |
| Fresh Fruits | Curd / Raita / Salad / Phirni | Curd / Raita / Salad / Phirni
|
Houseboats Contribution to Local Economies in Kerala and Kashmir
In both states, houseboats are one of the major sources of income for locals. These floating hotels offer a unique experience to visitors and generate the livelihoods of both communities.
In Kerala houseboat operators are local artisans, fishermen, and tour guides.
In Kashmir, houseboats are run by families and they solely rely on tourism for their livelihoods— along the houseboat builders, woodcarvers, staff, and Shikara operators.
Future Prospects
Malayalam and Kashmiri houseboat communities are making efforts to develop tourism and protect their houseboat industries.
Kerala, more houseboats are now being fitted with solar panels and eco-friendly waste management systems and that will reduce the impact on the environment.
In Kashmir, the houseboat community efforts to keep Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake clean, their focus is on promoting sustainable tourism so that visitors can enjoy Shikara rides on both lakes in an eco-friendly way. The aim is for both lakes and local businesses to benefit together.
Conclusion
In the end, whether you are planning your holiday in Kerala, the tropical climate of South India, cruising through palm-fringed canals in the backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom or opting for a houseboat experience on Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake in Kashmir surrounded by the Himalayan range of mountains in the cooler environment then Kerala. Both destination experiences are different as follows
Here’s how they differ from each other
Climate: Kerala has a warm, tropical environment, while Kashmir has a cooler
- Scenery: Kerala’s houseboat offers a tour through backwaters, and Kashmir houseboats are stationary and anchored in one place on Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake and Jhelum River
- Cultural Vibe: Kerala’s houseboats are simple and offer a modern experience while Kashmri houseboats are luxurious, heritage with rich decor that shows the royal history and artistic traditions
Both Kerala and Kashmir houseboats are India’s must-visit destinations. The experiences you will enjoy with each other are completely different, and their cultural atmosphere makes them truly unique.
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