The
Kerala houseboats that cruise the
backwaters are giant country crafts
termed “kettuvollams”
in the local language, which means
boats of knots. An entire clan of
artisans constructs these boats meticulously
and skillfully by tying huge planks
of jack wood together. Remarkably,
the boats do not use even a single
nail in their making.
The houseboats are extremely eco
friendly, merging smoothly into the
panorama. An English speaking crew,
comprising of a cook, a guide and
oarsman, mans every houseboat. Though
houseboats rowed by oars are prevalent,
there are houseboats that are propelled
by engine. A floating conference hall
is another astounding variety of houseboats
found on the backwaters, designed
for as much as 35 persons, equipped
with a dais and a sophisticated public
address system.
The kettuvalloms are comfortably
furnished with an open lounge, one
or two bath attached bedrooms, a kitchen
and a sit out on the deck. Sitting
on the deck at night relaxes body
and soul while watching the vast starry
sky over head. Sitting on the deck
during the day offers a unique feel
of composure while watching the beautiful
landscape constituting of the birds
and aquatic life around the fertile
paddy fields and villagers carrying
on with their day-to-day lives, along
the banks of the Kerala backwaters.
Besides gliding in the houseboats,
one can also take the pleasure of
exploring, swimming, fishing, bird
watching or just lazing around in
the sun.
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