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*Caption: A mesmerising view during the voyage.
Hello friends,
Kind attention @StephenAbraham
At the request of many LGs, through this post, I am trying to give some advice & tips based on my one day trip that happened on the 4th of Nov 2019.
Presently, the re-arranged Photowalk series will contain:
- The houseboat & its interiors. (Here).
- What you may want to know about a Houseboat as a tourist (Here).
- One full day day-trip experience (Here).
- How to avoid disappointments during a Houseboat trip -TIPS (Here).
- Different types of popular houseboats (Here).
- A few shots (Stills & Videos) during the voyage (Here).
- Shikara houseboats in Alleppey (Here).
- Some interesting facts about Houseboats (Here).
(how it is made, how much it costs, which is the costliest houseboat, etc.)
Let us plan properly and get prepared for the trip; it is important to prepare a list of requirements, before talking to an SP (Hereafter SP, in short) for booking - the same way, prepare another list of items needed during the voyage.
The houseboats are extremely safe to travel to & provide very good privacy. Almost everything you need will be available, provided you plan & inform the SP (or if you carry them).
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Seriously, keep a watch on children - Don’t let children play alone without your supervision and away from your eyesight - especially on the upper deck.
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Just as a regular caution, avoid valuables other than essential items, if it is not specifically needed during the journey (like Gold, Diamonds etc.).
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Avoid trying to touch the water while the boat is moving; also avoid sitting on the edge of the boat.
The previous post 3/8 #Houseboats - My ONE DAY Trip Experience in the Houseboat - Alleppey, Kerala is Here
The next 5/8 #Houseboats - Different Houseboats that are cruising in the Backwaters of Alleppey is Here
Photo - 1. Caption: A front view from the boat.
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Inform the SP if you are allergic to any food items or beverages.
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Be careful while using a Camera & Mobile - Please avoid risky shots that may cause your devices to be dropped in water.
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Take care while entering & exiting the boat - Enter (& Exit) carefully, under the supervision of crews; avoid carrying any luggage or gadgets while alighting.
Photo - 2. Caption: Alighting the boat under the supervision of the crew.
- Party/celebrations - Do a personal inspection of the boat before booking & have a very detailed discussion about the facilities/amenities, rates, maximum capacity, etc.
Personally, reconfirm the arrangements a day before the event to avoid any last-minute disappointments.
- Your entertainment is important - Properly discuss with the SP about your requirements like TV, USB player, karaoke systems etc.
Photo - 3. Caption: Karaoke system arranged by the SP on our request.
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Special boat - If you need a special type of boat for specific purposes (like Singing, Film watching, Marriage engagements, other events/ceremonies) book well in advance & explain the details clearly.
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Special food - Continental & Indian foods (Veg & non-veg) will be available in any houseboat, however, discuss with the SP regarding your special requirements (Jain’s food, special dishes, etc.) during booking. Though bottled water will be available, it is better to inform them about your requirements for Beverages like Boost, soda, special juice, etc, before the journey.
Photo - 4. Caption: The Special Food arranged at our request.
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Kerala Banana (Nenthrappazham), Tapioca and other local Tuberous roots will be available (based on the seasons) and to have them you need to inform them.
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Alcohol & Toddy - Alcohol will not be served by the SP; however, you can carry it personally. Though many Toddy shops are available on the riversides, it is suggested to take the suggestion of the crew or order it in advance.
Photo - 5. Caption: A preferred toddy shop located at the riverside.
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Fishing - the SP will provide you with the fishing kits as per your requirement; however, inform them while booking.
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Small boat riding/rowing - If you are interested in rowing a small boat, SP will take you to the canals by a small boat and an oar (Thuzha) will be provided for self rowing, at an extra cost.
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The SP usually arranges the demo of Kathakali or similar art forms at your request. And you can also peep into Nalukettu (a traditional Kerala style house) during the trip if you request SP in advance - some may attract extra cost or entry ticket.
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Souvenir shops, Snake boats (Chundan Vallam), medium-sized boats (Ara-Chundan, Churulan, Oti etc) can be seen/experienced (photographed) if you inform the SP in advance. Also, you can include historic churches, etc. for sightseeing.
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Hot water & bath towels, toilet kit, etc. will be provided - but, I suggest avoiding a head bath during this short stay - a few guests have suffered cold, after the head bath.
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Better to carry your indoor chappals, if you are used to it; you have a polished wooden floor, all around in the boat.
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I recommend carrying your shaving kit (toilet kit) - I usually do it.
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Don’t forget to carry your regular & EMERGENCY medicines as it is difficult to arrange them while you are on the Voyage. (however, emergency medical attention is available).
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For charging Mobile/Camera/gadgets, 230 volts Indian/international pins are available - however, better to carry your adapters if you are coming from other countries.
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Travelling with infants is very easy - you may take the help of the crew for hot drinking water, disposing of baby diapers, etc; however, if you need additional milk/fresh cow milk, etc., inform SP well in advance.
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Mosquitoes & moths - As you can understand, these are unavoidable while you are voyaging by a boat, even though the boat agency will take care of these problems; I suggest carrying any mosquito repellent cream (one popular mosquito repellent in India is Odomos). If you keep the bedrooms locked during the evening, the night sleep should not be a problem at all.
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In Deluxe Pack, the Air Conditioners work from 6 pm to 6 am; It is better to get the A/c for the noon break also during the booking itself; this will be comfortable if you want to relax after lunch.
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Kindly do not throw anything in the water - to keep our environment safe and clean, any waste can be given to the crew members.
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If children/guests need an extra bed, inform them at least before starting the journey.
Photo - 6. Caption: Safety is prime - Life-buoys arranged in the boat.
Photo - 7. Caption: Sun deck of the boat - Both sides of the boat are secured by safety grills.
Note: You tend to shoot more than usual & hence carry extra memory cards/clear your mobile’s storage and keep extra batteries, etc. You get more landscape shots and shooting mobile in horizontal (Landscape) mode will be better; however, there are many shots worth zooms above 200mm (for birds in flight, use shutter speed above 1/2000 or more).
Hope the above notes will be helpful for planning & enjoying any trip.
@EvanMcNeeley @DENIT33 @Godwin51 @NILUFA73 @MohazinCC @PavelSarwar @369Aditya @Reallylucky @Nagavijay
