India Tourist Guide
A cruise of India's Kerala region and into the famous backwaters
gives visitors a chance to explore the network of waterways
stretching across almost 1200 miles of Kerala's lowlands.
Kettuvallams or rice barges converted to houseboats are a unique
feature of these backwaters. With its varied landscapes from the
golden beaches to cool hill stations, dense green jungle to
bustling cities as well as 1000 miles of palm fringed backwaters,
there is so much diversity in a small region and its no surprise it
is considered to be one of the most beautiful. As you cruise along
you will see all characteristics of Indian rural life; people
washing their clothes, men fishing, children playing as well as
goods being moved along the waterways. Essentially it could be said
that Kerala's geography combined with its strong culture provides a
wonderful introduction to India and its people.
In the west of India sits the thriving metropolis of Mumbai
(formerly Bombay), while nearby visitors relax along the pristine
beaches of Goa. The opportunity for ocean and river cruising in
India is plentiful and very diverse. The Ganges River, revered as a
goddess amongst the Hindu's of India flows from the Himalayas down
into the Ganges Delta and into Bangladesh. Sailing southbound on
the mighty Brahmaputra River through Northern India's Assam
region you will pass through many heritage sites and
ultimately reach the Sunderbans - the largest mangrove forest in
the world and the abode of the Royal Bengal Tiger.
India has a rich diversity of culture and tradition, dominated
by religious and spiritual themes. It's probably the only country
where people of so many different origins, religious beliefs,
languages and ethnic background coexist. North India makes up the
largest region in India and houses Delhi, the capital city. In the
east, there is Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), now the biggest city in
India.
Surrounded by three oceans, southern India has been only
slightly influenced by the outside world, meaning most of its
original heritage remains intact. The chance for exploring these
parts of India, by boat, along her inland waterways and coastline
is very possible and will bring great pleasure and experience in
the process.
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