The God's Own Country offers an array of prime properties set in the finest spots of Kerala's theme destinations. Sprawling mansions set in lovely locales-exotic islands, luxuriant game reserves...on hill sides, by beaches, backwaters.... presents an exotic ways to experience Kerala. Designed to give you a feel of the heritage of hospitality this land is renowned for. Offering you a spectacular view of its natural splendour. And a taste of its spicy richness. With a subtle blend of the traditional and the luxurious, these properties are destinations by themselves

The Houseboats of Kerala ( earlier known as rice barges or kettuvallams ) are giant country crafts, measuring up to 80 feet in length, retrieved from being lost to the State altogether. Once they ruled the backwaters, poled along by one or two men, heavily loaded with rice, coconut and other commodities. But in the recent times, the kettuvalloms or rice barges have been replaced by more and modern modes of transport, relegating them to neglect and decay

The Kettuvalloms or Rice barges of Kerala are constructed with great skill and meticulousness by tying huge planks of jack wood together without the use of a single nail and coated with a caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kernels. Today, appropriately called houseboats they have furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, living rooms, kitchenettes and even balconies for angling. Sections of the curved roof of wood or plaited palm leaves open out to provide shade and allow an uninterrupted view of the backwater country

The Kerala houseboats that cruise these emerald waterways are an improvisation on the large country barges which were an essential part of the land's ethos in days gone by.  There used to be an entire clan of artisans who were involved in kettuvallom construction. Today, an innovative holiday idea has restored these majestic representatives of a unique culture and with them their makers

The Kerala House boats are either poled by local oarsmen or powered by engines. All of them have a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook and a guide. Gliding along the calm and serene backwaters flanked by green palm groves, watching rural Kerela is a unique experience to any visitor

The houseboats of Kerala have become one of the most exciting tourism products in India.   Today there are A/c and Non A/c house boats with with Deluxe and Luxury facilities.  The houseboat holidays of Kerala are increasingly becoming popular with domestic as well as international tourists.  Consequently, the number of houseboats plying the backwaters of Kerala have increased dramatically

Palm-fringed emerald islets surrounded by vast backwater stretches are the hallmarks of Alappuzha an important backwater destination in God’s Own Country. QST & R Block Kayals is a scenic place located in Alappuzha is a striking example of the indigenous agricultural engineering know-how. Here, cultivation and habitation are made possible at four to 10 feet below sea level by reclaiming land from the backwaters and building dikes around it. A leisurely cruise along the canals that surround the backwaters here is a memorable experience

Alapuzzha's beauty is not merely in its backwaters, but in the man-made Islands that you will find amidst the waters. These highlands are hedged by mud walls, a haven for migratory birds, with paddy fields inundated with water. The R block is famous for fresh toddy served to the guests and crabs, clams and variety of other seafoods. Try taking a dip at the water here because that is the best bet at R Block

The temple is located at the heart of Alleppey town. The presiding deity is Goddess Rajarajeswari. The temple celebrates two festivals every year. The nine-day 'Navarathri' festival is specially important. the last two days are most auspicious. Colourful processions participated by nine elephants are held in the evening. It is witnessed by thousands of devotees. Also several cultural programmes including Ottanthullal are staged in the temple.

Kuttanad lies sandwiched between the sea and the hills. Kuttanad is an amazing labyrinth of shimmering waterways composed of lakes, canals, rivers and rivulets. Lined with dense tropical greenery, it offers a glimpse into rural Kerala life-styles. The view changes from narrow canals and dense vegetation to open vistas and dazzling green paddy fields. Homes, farms, churches, mosques and temples can be seen among the trees. And if you are lucky you might catch the blue flash of a kingfisher or the green of a parakeet. Endless tranquility is yours for the taking here

Pathiramanal (sands of midnight), an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat from here. This 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water madeway for the land to rise from below. The island can be accessed only by boat. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary

Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the bird sanctuary is spread across 14 acres. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal

A visit to the bird sanctuary, set within the lush acres of wooded land nearby, acquaints you to the variety of migratory birds that flock in thousands, some from the Himalayas, some even from as far as Siberia. In addition, you can get thrilled of the native kingfishers ablaze in psychedelic colours, experience a walk under rookeries of egrets and night herons or lone golden-backed woodpeckers and even delight in the acrobatics of the paradise fly-catchers

The main attractions are local birds like the waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron and the water duck, as well as the migratory Siberian cranes. Parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers, wood beetle, and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons