The entire structure of the houseboat is strong enough to carry a truckload of material and withstand the enormous waves in the sea. The original Houseboat used to carry tonnes of rice and spices - a standard kettuvallom can hold up to 30 tonnes - from Kuttanad to the Kochi port. The panoramic nature surrounding the houseboats is clubbed with the equally well-furnished interiors. A Houseboat usually has one or two bath attached bedrooms, an open lounge, deck, kitchenette and a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook and guide.
Earlier these "Houseboats" were traditionally used to cargo tonnes of goods across kingdoms, with portion covered with bamboo and coir serving as a rest room and kitchen for the crew. A familiar sight on the Backwaters, these vessels are built entirely with out nails. Plants of jack wood are joined together and coir rope coated with caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kenels.
Backwater Cruising :
Leave your world behind and plunge into a new journey with Backwater to another delightful world. Where life ebbs and flows to a rhythm of all its own, here one can celebrate each moment with the joys of nature. This backwater cruise gives you a chance to savour not just beauty of this land but also a rich sampling of the deliciously slow pace of life. One can watch flocks of ducks swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this unique land. The sparkling Backwater and the caressing cool wind is a temptation too strong to resist.
A glide in a "Kettuvallam" (Houseboat or Rice Barges) through the enchanting backwaters is sure to rob your heart. You’re in a watery universe, so quiet, even you can hear your own blood pumping around your head. Sparkling greens, emerald backwaters, coir-laden houseboats and magical beauty heals your mind and body as you travel to surreal Kerala “God’s own Country”.
Features of an Enthralling Houseboat :
- 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 boat.
- One bedded accommodation
- Two bedded accommodation
- Large boats for families.
A boat ride into the countryside offers a close look at rustic village life- skiff-fishermen launching their cockleshell boats, large flocks of domesticated ducks waddling down to the water from thatched houses on the banks. Women, neck-deep in water, with their waist-length hair heaped in a crown, catching fish with their feet, aimless cattle grazing in lush pastures, white lotuses floating here and there in small, shallow ponds.
Short curise on backwaters are also available on the smaller boat If you don't want to stay overnight or longer in the houseboats. The duration of these cruises are depends on the routing & can be covered In 3 to 6 hrs of time period.
Houseboats for groups can be also arranged for the short cruise.
Short Cruise from Kollam :
Alleppey Round
Take you through the legendary punnamada lake. High points of the ruise are the visit to the 400 year old church and the viewing of a kerala race boat… the snake boat.
Overnight cruise from Alleppey
Alleppey to Kumarakom :
Cruise through the punnamada lake … the venue of the famous nehru trophy snake boat race. Enter the enchanting waters of the vembanad lake… enjoy the panoramic views and the glimpses of life along the banks. Visit r-block, c-block where paddy is cultivated much below the water level. Stop by the pathiramanal island. Visit chavara bhavan… the old wooden house where the blessed kuriakose elias chavara was born. Night stay at kumaramom. Early morning leave the houseboat.
Alleppey to Kottayam :
A cruise that links two district headquarters. Glide across the punnamada lake… location of the famous boat races, take in the fascinating life along the banks. Pass by r-block, observe how paddy is cultivated by the help of dykes several feet below the sea level. Have a long, enjoyable break from the routine. Night stay on boat at kottayam. Early morning leave the
houseboat.
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