Top 5 Boathouses in India for a Perfect Holiday

Posted on 05 April 2016. Tags: Boathouses, Holiday, INDIA, perfect

Living on the river is just an amazing thing, where you can sit and relax and at the same time feel the cool breeze. However, in India houseboats are being quite neglected, reasons are many— some believe that they are not safe, while some consider them too expensive. But the truth is different as houseboats provide a unique experience of floating on water with all the conveniences of a luxury hotel. They can come in all sizes and shapes— up to 67’ feet long or more, equipped with flat-screen plasma TVs, DVD & CD players, a full kitchen, multiple berths with queen-sized beds, hot tubes, water slides, glass showers, and gas grills. An addition of stuffs, like swim suits, fishing gear, floating gadgets, waterproof flashlight and a good book will add some extra fun in your journey.

Here are the top five houseboats in India that will surely defy your perception and make you fall in love with them, reports Neville Bhandara for Homegrown based on the research by Raj Rege.

1. Alfresco Grand, Assam
Alfresco Grand was first started in 1998 on the river Brahmaputra. The cruise presents you a floating cum Cruise Bar with a fine dine restaurant. The journey starts from Guwahati and takes you for a tour to Kamakhya temple, Saulkuchi, Kajol Choki and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. It is better to avoid this joy ride during monsoons (June to September) when heavy downpours cause the Brahmaputra River to flood its banks all across the state.

2. Assam Despatch Cruise 3 — River Island Cruise (Upstream), Assam
Here is another beautiful cruise from Assam that starts its journey from Silghat and ends at Dibrugarh. While sailing on this boat, one will get the chance to visit Kaziranga National Park, Vishnath Dhansiri Mukh, Maujli Island and several more. Between October and April they offer a combination of 7-night, 10-night and 4-night cruises. Sometimes, cruises can be combined to give durations up to 14 nights.

3. Backwater Heritage, Kerala
The journey on this houseboat starts from Kumarakom and will take you to see some majestic side of Kerala while rejoicing some cool breezes. The boat has its own chefs, who will please your hunger with some mouth-licking special sea foods. The best time to relish the backwaters of Kerala is September to March.

4. John’s Boat Tours, Goa
Perfect for couples, John’s Boat house offers a good deal with glimpses of life at Goa. As the boat proceeds, it presents you the outline of little Goan-Portuguese homes and churches, and the culture that attracts almost everyone. Moreover, one can also enjoy the glimpses of dolphins while sailing.

5. Moonshine Houseboat, Srinagar
Situated on Nagin Lake, Moonshine is famous for its traditional look and wood-carved interior. Other than bedrooms, the Moonshine has also dining space, living room and verandah. The boat has its own cook, staffs and caretaker to serve you at their best. You can enjoy a home like stay amidst the paranomic view of ‘Switzerland of India.’

News of Delhi