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.
.jpg)
.jpg)
