Kerala Houseboats
In Alleppey
The Houseboats of Kerala are a new addition to the travel and tourism of the
state's backwaters. These crafts, measuring up to 120 feet in length, retrieved
from the age old cargo vessels of the State. Once they ruled the backwaters,
poled along by one or two men, heavily loaded with rice, coconut and other
commodities. But in the recent times, these big vessels have been replaced by
more and modern modes of transport, relegating them to neglect and decay. But
like the phoenix it again raises to the attention of the modern world, with a
difference – this time the cargo is comfort and rippling relaxation.
It takes great skill and meticulousness to construct
these giant houseboats by tying huge planks of jack wood together. Curiously
enough, not a single nail is used in their making of a houseboat. There used to
be an entire clan of artisans who were involved in house boat construction.
Today, an innovative holiday idea has restored these majestic representatives of
a unique culture and with them their makers.
The Kerala houseboats in Alleppey that cruise these emerald
waterways are an improvisation on the large country barges, which were an
essential part of the land's ethos in days gone by. Modified to meet a novel
concept of holidaying, the kettuvalloms (houseboats) are comfortably furnished
with an open lounge, one or two bath attached bedrooms and a kitchenette, and
are extremely eco friendly, merging smoothly into the panorama. Every houseboat
is manned by a crew of 3 men, usually a cook, guide and oarsman.
House boating can be the most relaxing experience for
any age, size or type of people. The following are a few suggestions and ideas
are the result of many years of experience, and with an intension to help make
your trip more fun. What works for one person does not necessarily work for
another, so you may find only bits and pieces of this useful to you. Feel free
to use your imagination to expand your experience on a lazy houseboat trip in
any way you can think of. The idea is to have fun, and there are lots of ways to
do it. "Kerala Houseboat
Alleppey with Kerala Tourism" |
