A cruise along palm-fringed waterways of Kerala in a luxury houseboat is the most enchanting holiday experience in India today.
Large Kettuvalloms have been converted into luxury houseboats for these cruises.
In this world of simple pleasures, you'll skim past ancient Chinese fishing nets,
water-lillies, lush paddy fields, coir villages, rustic homes, temples and coconut groves.
Traditionally, the houseboats was called
kettuvallam, which means a boat made by tying together pieces of wood. Unbelievable as it may sound, not a single nail is used in the
making of a kettuvalam. Jackwood planks are joined together with coir rope and then coated with black resin made from boiled cashew nuts shells.
Today, these giant 80 foot crafts have been adapted into luxuriously furnished houseboats. A kettuvallam usually has one or two bath attached bedrooms, an open lounge, deck, kitchenette and a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook and guide.
Houseboat Destinations
The Houseboats are a means to explore the fascinating beauty of the back waters of
Kerala,
a land gifted with meandering
backwaters.
The largest backwater body, the Vembanad Lake flows through Alappuzha and Kottayam districts and opens out into the Arabian Sea
at the Kochi port.
Kumarakom, Just 12 km from Kottayam, this unique backwater destination situated on the banks of the Vembanad lake is considered the gateway to the backwaters of
Kuttanad.
The
Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam, the second largest backwater stretch, offers the longest ride (eight hours) and is considered the gateway to the
backwaters. Just 23 km from
Kollam, Alumkadavu is half way on the route to Alappuzha from
Kollam. This quiet little backwater village in Karunagapally is an enchanting experience to any
visitor.
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