Stay Aboard the Discovery Houseboat on Lake Vembanad
Your Exclusive Floating Kettuvallam
Lake Vembanad, the largest lake in Kerala and the longest in India, is a much-favoured houseboat destination not just for its picturesque vistas or famous snake boat races. A part of Kerala’s Kuttanad, the Vembanad Kol region is rich in biodiversity and a veritable naturalist’s paradise, too.
True to its name, the Discovery Houseboat, which cruises on Lake Vembanad from Purity Lakefront Resort in Alleppy, allows you to explore these backwaters and discover the raw beauty of the region. The best part of your backwater eco-friendly houseboat experience is that this is exclusive; with a single suite, the entire houseboat is dedicated just to you.
Unique Activities
A Truly Special and Unmatched Voyage
The Discovery Houseboat experience can be completely customised to suit your journey, as the houseboat is your boat during your voyage. This means you have your own captain, your own chef who will tailor his menu to your needs, your own crew to assist you on board and with shore-side experiences, no fixed meal times, an independent itinerary and a personalised butler service — nothing could be more luxurious on the backwaters of the Arabian Sea.
The houseboat has a spacious, elegant one-bedroom suite that connects to the living room, which can also be converted into a bedroom if you are travelling with extra guests. All areas of the houseboat are truly yours to enjoy.
Cruises to Suit All Your Needs
Malabar Escapes offers several packages when you combine your stay on the Discovery Houseboat with their properties, Purity, The Malabar House, Serenity and Trinity. Choose from one-, two- or three-night cruises (for a maximum of four passengers), which begin at Purity and culminate at the resort.
The one-night/two-day cruise takes you through Lake Vembanad and the surrounding backwaters with a stop at Patharamanal Island. On the two-night/three-day cruise, you will sail to the famed Ambalapuzha Temple and stop for lunch in Pulinkunnu.
Set time aside for birdwatching and to enjoy on-shore local experiences. On the three-night/four-day cruise, you will visit Alleppey and Ambalapuzha Temple, stop at Mannar and Krishnapuram Palace and then sail to Pulinkunnu for a traditional lunch.
Enjoy the Rich Biodiversity of the Vembanad Kol Wetland
Whether your passion is birdwatching, eco-tourism or photography, there are many reasons for you to set sail on the Discovery on Lake Vembanad. Vembanad is a coastal lagoon rich in avifauna and fish species and is the second largest wetland in India, the first being the Sundarbans in Bengal.
As the Discovery takes you to the lagoons, waterways, and backwaters, keep your binoculars handy for one of the best views of resident and migratory birds in the region. Besides the large waterfowl population here, the Kumarakom bird sanctuary in the wetland is home to water hens, wild ducks, egrets, herons, darters and migratory birds like Siberian cranes, marsh harriers, teals, larks and flycatchers.
Lodging
Comfortable, Luxurious and Exclusive Relaxation
The hull of the discovery is a traditional rice barge, but the exteriors in turquoise blue add a hint of tropical to the elegant houseboat. The Discovery is 65 feet long, 16 feet wide and 18 feet high, with a contemporary design.
All areas are spacious and elegantly furnished, and the boat’s only bedroom connects to the living room with large observation windows. The suite has a double bed, and the living room is identically sized and can convert into a twin bedroom if needed.
The upper deck on the boat gives you panoramic views of the lake and has sunbeds and a covered sitting area. Your lodging experience is enhanced by a full crew and excellent service.
Dining
A Menu Created by You, for You
As the only guests on board The Discovery Houseboat, your chef will help you curate a special menu based on your preferences. Traditional recipes are sourced from the Purity Resort kitchen, and the local ingredients are from farm to table. Fishmongers come to the boat with their fresh catch every day, and the Malabar prawns in particular are considered the best in the region.
On board, you can take your pick of Mediterranean favourites or local delicacies like fish served in banana leaf, tiger prawn curry, chicken curry or Kerala lamb curry. There is also a snack menu for your post-lunch cravings. All meals are included in the package.
Sustainability Story
The Discovery Houseboat is one of the first boats on the backwaters to be completely eco-friendly. An integral part of Malabar Escapes sustainability efforts is the emphasis on safe environmental practices, a reduced carbon footprint and responsible tourism. The water on the houseboat is treated scientifically, recycled and reused to help preserve the marine ecosystem, and this is a no-plastic houseboat.
The hotel group employs locals across its properties and works with small businesses to help them become self-sufficient. It also aims at connecting the locals and guests with nature and instilling a sense of accountability in them towards the environment.
Discover More Immersive Experiences at Discovery Houseboat
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