Kerala Kettuvallam
Houseboats
Kettuvallams,
the stitched boats provide the best way to experience the colourful
backwaters of Kerala. The Kettuvalloms of Kerala are giant country
crafts, measuring up to 80 feet in length.
The traditional houseboat, the indispensable part of the picturesque
backwaters of Kerala, was mainly used in Travancore and Kochi and in the
Minicoy Islands in olden times.
The wood commonly used to make Kettuvalloms is 'Anhili', which is found
in abundance in central Travancore area. Large planks are tied together
using hand made coir ropes and beaten coconut fibres.
This gives the Kettuvallams enough strength to withstand heavy waves in
the sea. These long cargo boats are a familiar sight on the backwaters.
These traditional houseboats undoubtedly form one of the most abiding
images of the backwaters in Kerala.
Today, these goods carriers have been adapted to make the most exciting
tourism product in India, the luxuriously furnished houseboat.
Kettuvallams or the 'house-boats of Kerala' dot the serene palm-fringed
backwaters of Kerala.
Witness The Making Of the Traditional
Kettuvallams
At
a quiet spot just outside the small town of Karunagapally, 23 kms north
of Quilon, it's possible to watch the construction of traditional
Kettuvallams. Kettuvallams are built entirely without the use of nails.
It requires great skill and adroitness to construct these giant boats
by tying huge planks of jack wood together. The boats are applied with
fish oil and cashew nut oil and left to cure for days.
Oil is simultaneously applied atleast three times before the boat is
set on water. Each jackwood plank is joined to the next with coir rope,
and then the whole is coated with a caustic black resin made from boiled
cashew kernels. With careful maintenance, they last for generations.
Enjoy The Backwaters of Kerala
A sojourn in
Kettuvallams, the House boats of Kerala, offers a panoramic view of one
of the most picturesque aspects of the God's Own Country. One can cruise
in it through the palm-fringed backwaters, throughout a night in waxing
moonlights.
The lullaby of the waves and the dazzling delights of the moonlit night
can be experienced by spending a couple of nights aboard the
Kettuvallam. The traditional houseboat of Kerala is one of the most
enduring images of the backwaters.
These houseboats are converted version of the "Kuttanadan
Kettuvallams".
The Luxury In Water - Kerala Houseboats
Kettuvallams,
the large traditional houseboats are converted into floating luxury
dwelling units.
These house boats are available in all sizes and shapes, the most
popular accommodation type being a suite, having one or two bath
attached bedrooms, one living room, kitchenette, an open lounge, deck
and a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook and guide.
The houseboats are generally powered by a small outboard engine,
allowing one to cruise along the backwaters. A recent innovation is a
small conference room in a houseboat.
Price For Comfort
A 24-hour stay costs
somewhere in the range of Rs. 6000. There are cheaper ones including
dormitories and one bedroom. About 250 boats operate along the
backwaters.
Cheaper boats are available for much less but it is a cheaper
experience too. At the dockside, called Finishing Point at Alappuzha,
the town of houseboat operators and the starting point for backwater
journeys, the boats are available for even Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per day.
Kerala Backwaters |
Kuttanad Backwaters
Kettuvallam Houseboats |
Kerala House Boats