India is a country of rich cultures, traditions and landscapes, which are not only shown in its people but also in the building styles employed by men to live. The houseboats are a unique lifestyle in Kerala and Kashmir, amongst India’s top tourist destinations. Houseboats in Kerala vs Houseboats in Kashmir, while both have the same purpose, vary greatly, from the Design to the materials used and cultural influences affecting this even when they serve for something. Well… now you know where these houseboats differ!
1. Location and Setting
Obviously, the biggest difference is that they are houseboats in a different setting.
Kerala: Kerala’s houseboats, also known as kettuvallams, in the backwaters are one of a kind and comparable to no other in the world. The incredibly stunning labyrinth network of serene lagoons,lakes, and canals, beneath which flow parallel with the Arabian Sea,is where these majestic boats list lessly. Houseboats carrying nearly lifeless families meander their way through picturesque waterways, especially in cities like Alleppey and Kumarakom. A certain tranquillity surrounds you with coconut palms, greenery and calm waters.
Kashmir: By comparison, the houseboats of Kashmir are anchored in Dal Lake or Nigeen Lake, with snow-blanketed Himalayas across. The contrast between Kashmir’s chilly, alpine feel with mirroring mountains and Mughal gardens on HKV’s placid water is vastly unlike Kerala’s easily recognizable tropical atmosphere.
2. Design and Structure
Houseboats in Kerala and Kashmir have unique architectural designs and are built according to the prevailing local traditions, which also depend on natural surroundings.
Houseboat in Kerala: Kerala houseboats are huge vessels crafted from large pieces of wood like jackwood or Anjili. The walls are made of bamboo matting, and terrace-style huts have thatched bamboo roofs lashed by coir ropes. Everything is built so that there are enough living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and even the kitchen. Many Kerala houseboats come with an open deck where you can unwind and appreciate the sights.
Kashmiri houseboats: Stockier than a wooden gondola.Patterned from cedar Kashmir Houseboats. They are fixed, unlike Kerala houseboats which move around. The intricate wood carvings and elaborate interiors of the Kashmiri houseboats are a testament to this local craftsmanship.
Many show off rich interiors with old-style furniture, Persian rugs and real Kashmiri art. The Kashmir houseboats are often decked out with balconies, living rooms and dining areas, as well as modern amenities such as Wi-Fi (Credit: Jeremy Martell)
3. Purpose and Usage
Kerala: The main function of houseboats in Kerala is for tourism so that tourists can gain an impression of the beautiful countryside backwaters. The best way to experience the aroma of backwaters is, therefore, by staying in any of these houseboats, on it for several hours and a round through other parts. It is a mixture of sightseeing, wildlife tours and cultural experiences where one can interact with some local people in their habitat.
Kashmir: While Kashmiri houseboats have also begun leaving the place, these stand on a different historical and functional shoulder. Initial versions of the houseboats in Kashmir came up during British rule, as outsiders were not allowed to own land. When a few extraordinary British rulers decided to spend their vacations at these lakes, the houseboats gradually started floating on them, thus becoming an answer for the British Officials, who had elaborate castles constructed upon the water.
These houseboats, to date, seem to be intact and are now used as posh accommodation that offers luxurious stays over the calm backwaters with oozing sceneries from Kashmir.
4. Cultural Influences
Our culture’s influence on the Houseboats is visible in both regions, as it also illuminates Kerala’s distinct heritage and Kashmir’s.
Kerala: The simplicity of the Kerala culture is well reflected in their houseboats. Kerala houseboats follow a more functional and basic design theme emphasising usability; however, they are loaded with the necessary elements for comfort. On board, traditional Kerala cuisine – fish curries, fresh rice and tropical fruit – helps guests savor a region’s culinary legacy.
Kashmir: One finds the Kutty (as houseboats are known in Kashmir) saturated with the cultural amplitude of its region. The ornate wood carvings, the traditional Kashmiri rugs and handicrafts, the embroidered cushions—everything on a Kashmir houseboat is an art in itself. Usually, the local cuisine tends to be Kashmiri-influenced, with delicacies such as rogan josh, gushtaba, or the famed Kashmiri qahwa (spiced tea) available as part of culinary offerings.
5. Experience and Atmosphere
Living in a houseboat in Kerala or Kashmir is a different experience altogether for all the right reasons—ambience and things to do.
Kerala: A trip on a Kerala houseboat is an experience of peaceful waters, lush tropical surroundings, and the perfect setting to relax, unwind & rejuvenate. The gentle swaying motion of the houseboat, the call of birds and the sight of traditional village life only further enhance this peaceful experience. Some activities normally involve fishing, visiting the nearby villages and experiencing rural life.
Kashmir: The experience of a houseboat in Kashmir is all about the mesmerising view from your room, right on top of tranquil lakes and surrounded by mountains. Though the houseboats are stationary, visitors can go on a shikara (traditional Kashmiri boat) ride around to see the lake or visit floating markets—or simply admire mountains reflected in the water. The environment in which we are is colder, even more serene and often less tethered to the bustle of humanity.
Conclusion
True, they are both houseboats but vastly different in design and purpose, added with some cultural flavour and the naturally beautiful surroundings you cannot find elsewhere. Be it the tropical romancing of Kerala backwaters or the alpine tranquillity nestled around Kashmir lakes; each has its Indian contours to explore. In other words, whether you want to experience Kerala’s warm and easy-going culture or fancy a chilled luxury houseboat in Kashmir, it all depends on your adventurous soul.
When we see the houseboat experience across Kerala and Kashmir, it interesting that both of them are catering completely different activities.
House Boat Experience in Kerala: A trip to Kerala without experiencing sailing through its backwaters is a sheer waste! There are also activities open for guests such as fishing in the rivers, going around neighboring villages or simply soaking up your days away. A quiet sway from the houseboat in still waters and a chorus of natural sounds sets an idyllic scene to unwind.
Kashmir Houseboats: Houseboat stays in Kashmir offer picturesque vistas of serene lakes surrounded by scenic beauty. The houseboats themselves do not travel from one place to another but are stationary on the lake and can be a great way for tourists to experience. From being mesmerized by the mountainous reflections on water to cruising through shikara markets, a Kashmir houseboat stands tall in an environment that’s almost too serene and natural.
So there you have it: if house boating appeals to the traveller in you, aside from special designs and interesting cultural inputs of your chosen floating accommodation— its unique atmosphere brings out a separate charm that seems exclusively available only for temporary residents. Whether you choose the tropical enigma of Kerala backwaters & or forbid “Jannat,” Kashmir lakes all leave a binder of unforgettable travel through India. So, at the end of it all, whether one desires to witness culture or an escape in nature, take a call on Kerala vs Kashmir houseboats.
