Long
ago in the emerald backwaters
of kerala, there sailed a huge
fleet of traditionally made
boats called Kettuvalloms.
They used to be the sole mode of transportation of goods
mainly rice from remote villages to the port town of kerala.
Slowly with the advent of roads, bridges and other speedier
means of transportation, kettuvallom lost its pristine charm
and importance, and became a mere pastime for local villagers.
It was then decided to bring back the age old glory of these
floating giants by reinventing them as luxury houseboats.
Today Kettuvallom heralds a new kind of experience in Kerala
tourism with a fine fusion of
pleasure boating and ecological living.
A ride on a Kettuvallom
or a Houseboat
is perhaps the best way to celebrate the amazing natural
wealth of Kerala.
It is only the means to take you to the remote rural interiors
of Kerala, where no other transportation is possible. Imagine
a leisurely backwater cruise aboard
a multi decked Kettuvallom equipped with all
the comforts of a good hotel including bedrooms, modern
toilets, cozy living rooms, kitchen and even a balcony with
uninterrupted views of rural kerala.
Kettuvallom or ‘boat with knots’, is so named because of the unique process used in its construction. You will find that the entire boat is bind together with coir knots without even using a single nail. Major ingredients used in its constructions include a row of jack-wood planks joined together with coir. The whole thing is then coated with caustic black resin from boiled cashew kernels.
An integrative approach is taken during the conversion of these pristine boats into luxury houseboats. Much care is given so that the age old charm of Kettuvallom would not get disturbed. Local and eco friendly materials like bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats and coir carpets are used everywhere. Traditional lanterns compensate the need of contemporary electric lamps.
As you sail through the tranquil backwaters on a Kettuvallom you will be transported to a unique, luxurious self contained world, from where you observe rural Indian life flowing gently. Your floating holiday across these mysterious sights of nature will be accompanied by a crew of warm and friendly oarsmen and chef. While you feed your eyes with breathtaking views, great traditional and local specialties, including fresh fish and prawns take care of your gastronomy.
