Kerala Kettuvallam Tourism
Kettuvallams, the stitched boats provide the best way
to experience the colourful backwaters of Kerala. The
Kettuvalloms of Kerala are giant country crafts, measuring
up to 80 feet in length. The traditional houseboat, the
indispensable part of the picturesque backwaters of Kerala,
was mainly used in Travancore and Kochi and in the Minicoy
Islands in olden times.
The wood commonly used to make Kettuvalloms is 'Anhili',
which is found in abundance in central Travancore area.
Large planks are tied together using hand made coir ropes
and beaten coconut fibres. This gives the Kettuvallams
enough strength to withstand heavy waves in the sea. These
long cargo boats are a familiar sight on the backwaters.
These traditional houseboats undoubtedly form one of the
most abiding images of the backwaters in Kerala. Today,
these goods carriers have been adapted to make the most
exciting tourism product in India, the luxuriously furnished
houseboat.
Kettuvallams or the 'house-boats of Kerala' dot the serene
palm-fringed backwaters of Kerala.
Witness The Making Of the Traditional Kettuvallams
At a quiet spot just outside the small town of Karunagapally,
23 kms north of Quilon, it's possible to watch the construction
of traditional Kettuvallams. Kettuvallams are built entirely
without the use of nails. It requires great skill and
adroitness to construct these giant boats by tying huge
planks of jack wood together. The boats are applied with
fish oil and cashew nut oil and left to cure for days.
Oil is simultaneously applied atleast three times before
the boat is set on water. Each jackwood plank is joined
to the next with coir rope, and then the whole is coated
with a caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kernels.
With careful maintenance, they last for generations.
Enjoy The Backwaters of Kerala
A sojourn in Kettuvallams, the House boats of Kerala,
offers a panoramic view of one of the most picturesque
aspects of the God's Own Country. One can cruise in it
through the palm-fringed backwaters, throughout a night
in waxing moonlights. The lullaby of the waves and the
dazzling delights of the moonlit night can be experienced
by spending a couple of nights aboard the Kettuvallam.
The traditional houseboat of Kerala is one of the most
enduring images of the backwaters. These houseboats are
converted version of the "Kuttanadan Kettuvallams".
The Luxury In Water - Kerala Houseboats
Kettuvallams, the large traditional houseboats are converted
into floating luxury dwelling units. These house boats
are available in all sizes and shapes, the most popular
accommodation type being a suite, having one or two bath
attached bedrooms, one living room, kitchenette, an open
lounge, deck and a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook and
guide. The houseboats are generally powered by a small
outboard engine, allowing one to cruise along the backwaters.
A recent innovation is a small conference room in a houseboat.
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