The Houseboats takes one to a fascinating cruise at a leisurely
and relaxing pace. Relishing the Traditional Kerala cuisine and
dishes made out of local fishes, served by the crew members.
The spectacular beauty of Kerala's backwaters needs no introduction.
The backwaters is an elaborate chain of lagoons, lakes & rivers,
spread like a necklace through central Kerala and found nowhere
else in the world. So it is no wonder that these waters have evolved
a special lifestyles of their own. So the cruise offer excellent
opportunity to see the lifestyles of local people living along the
large sections of the backwaters of Kerala.
the
houseboat 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 Kettuvallam. Jack wood planks
are joined together with coir rope
and then coated with black resin made from boiled cashew nut
shells. The materials that go into the making are all local and
Eco friendly bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, coir
carpets etc These traditional country boats were used as the mode
of transport in the early times from the isolated interior villages
to the towns. But these boat services have been laid off with
the developments taken place in the transport services in the
recent past. Today these giant 80-foot long crafts have been adapted
into luxuriously furnished houseboats.A Kettuvallam usually has
one or two bath attached rooms, an open lounge, deck, kitchenette
and a crew comprising two oarsmen and a cook. Traditional lanterns
are used as lights. Your holiday in this tranquil world is the
comfortably furnished houseboats.
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
Nehru Trophy Boat Race is one of those events, which the people
of Kerala look forward to with excitement. Thousands of Keralites
- men, women and children - throng the watersides of Alappuzha to
witness the spectacle. Pavilions are set up for spectators on the
banks and in the middle of the Punnamada Lake - the venue of the
race.
This boat race is so named
because the former Indian Prime Minister, JawaharlalNehru instituted
the trophy for the winners. Over 16 chundan vallams participate
in the race along with scores of smaller crafts like the churulan,
veppu, odi etc., with a prize for each category. There are separate
races for women too. The race begins with a colourful pageant of
floats, performing arts and decorated boats. And goes on late into
the evening.
»Houseboats
in Kerala
»
Each houseboat is of excellent construction and luxurious furnishing
with exquisite flooring, hull and valavara (canopy). They are in
top cruise worthy condition.
» Each houseboat is provided with a sun deck, spacious living
/ dining area.
» Each houseboat with attached toilets, separate toilets for
crew.
» Spacious passage and a neat, classy kitchen.
» Kitchen is properly protected from hazards by fireproofing
and fire extinguishers.
» Clean environment with a hygienic storage hold, free from
insects And safe fuel storage facilities.
» Clean good quality linen, blankets, towels etc.
» Log books and tourist records are updated regularly and
the boat has a valid license.
» Log books and tourist records are updated regularly and
the boat has a valid license.
» The service of professional cooks are available on the boats