The Houseboats of Kerala are a new addition
to the travel and tourism of the state's
backwaters. These crafts, measuring up
to 120 feet in length, retrieved from
the age old cargo vessels of the State.
Once they ruled the backwaters, poled
along by one or two men, heavily loaded
with rice, coconut and other commodities.
But in the recent times, these big vessels
have been replaced by more and modern
modes of transport, relegating them to
neglect and decay. But like the phoenix
it again raises to the attention of the
modern world, with a difference –
this time the cargo is comfort and rippling
relaxation
It takes great skill and meticulousness
to construct these giant houseboats by
tying huge planks of jack wood together.
Curiously enough, not a single nail is
used in their making of a houseboat. There
used to be an entire clan of artisans
who were involved in house boat construction.
Today, an innovative holiday idea has
restored these majestic representatives
of a unique culture and with them their
makers.
The Kerala houseboats
that cruise these emerald waterways are
an improvisation on the large country
barges, which were an essential part of
the land's ethos in days gone by. Modified
to meet a novel concept of holidaying,
the kettuvalloms (houseboats) are comfortably
furnished with an open lounge, one or
two bath attached bedrooms and a kitchenette,
and are extremely eco friendly, merging
smoothly into the panorama. Every houseboat
is manned by a crew of 3 men, usually
a cook, guide and oarsman.
House Boating
House boating can
be the most relaxing experience for any
age, size or type of people. The following
are a few suggestions and ideas are the
result of many years of experience, and
with an intension to help make your trip
more fun. What works for one person does
not necessarily work for another, so you
may find only bits and pieces of this
useful to you. Feel free to use your imagination
to expand your experience on a lazy houseboat
trip in any way you can think of. The
idea is to have fun, and there are lots
of ways to do it.
