Kerala is well known for the houseboat cruise and is one of the main attractions here. The houseboats are also called as Ketuvallam which literally means ‘bundle’ or ‘package boat’. The words ‘Kettu’ which means ‘tied with ropes’, and ‘vallam’ which means ‘boat’. They are giant country boats, which measure up to 70 feet in length. These boats are made out of tying together the pieces of Anjili wood without using even a single nail. The planks of jackwood are joined together with coir rope and the outside of the boat is coated with black resin which is made out of boiling cashew nut shells. The roof covering is made of bamboo poles and palm leaves.
These boats were earlier used as a mode of transport. These boats had good facilities for cooking and sleeping. However these boats are now-a-days used as houseboats for Kerala tourism industry. Kerala backwaters form an economical means of transit. The backwater network includes five large lakes including 1500 kms of canals both - manmade and natural, extending to the entire length of Kerala.
The houseboats are manufacture in Alleppey with an entire clan of artisans. The houseboat consists of an open lounge, with one or sometimes even two bedrooms, a kitchen and a balcony. The houseboat crew is comprised of a cook, a captain and an oarsman. There is a/c and non-a/c houseboats, the facilities in the houseboat are spacious living area, bedroom with beautiful wood carvings and attached bathrooms, well furnished kitchen and a balcony. At night times traditional lanterns are used as a means of light in the houseboat. The view of the houseboat is mind-blowing during the night time.
The houseboat cruises slowly from Alleppey to Kumarakom or vice versa. It is a 24 hours cruise along the Vembanad Lake an ideal way to explore the beauty of Kerala backwaters. The houseboat cruise is a memorable one which lasts in the minds of the travelers for ages.
