Kerala Houseboats – Modeled On An Ancient Form

By Author: Rajesh Raj
Total Articles: 103
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Kerala is a place which will unbridle the muse in you. You will feel like a poet. The countless blessings of this gem will inspire you to be best of bard. Kerala is situated in the Malabar Coast of southwestern India. This verdant piece of land is nestled between Western Ghats and Arabian Sea.
With its pristine beaches, mist shrouded hill stations, supine backwaters, enchanting wildlife, emerald landscape and sophisticated art forms – Kerala attracts millions to its fold.
Of the all attractions, backwater is unique to Kerala. Nowhere else in the world will you be able to see such a phenomenon. Canals and inlets which are manmade and natural combine with branches of over forty rivers and five lakes to form a complex network which is known as backwaters. Local folk used it as transportation means before bridges, roads and ferries came. They also depended on backwaters for means of sustenance such as fishing and agriculture. Backwater is continuing to play that vital economic role to perfection by being a money spinner through tourism. Kerala backwater tour is a hot item. Your Kerala trip is considered incomplete ...
... if you miss the chance to savor backwaters. The fascinating setting that backwaters make for is the endearing attraction of Kerala backwater tours. The shores are adorned with monuments, coconut trees which sway their heads, emerald flora and lush green paddy fields, fishing nets and various activities of life. The backwaters are embellished by water flowers especially water lilies. Cruises along backwaters savoring this landscape are memorable affairs. Alleppey, Kochi, Kollam and Kumarakom are the epicenters of backwater tourism.
Kumarakom is an idyllic small village blessed with all the bounties of a backwater destination. Here the backwaters are made by Meenachil River and Vembanad Lake. As are all backwater destinations, Kumarakom is also blessed with a breathtaking landscape. There is also a bird sanctuary frequented by migratory bird’s especially Siberian cranes which is another important attraction.
Cruise in a Kerala houseboat is a remarkable affair. Houseboats are the latest poster boys of backwater tourism. House boat cruises can be had in Alleppey, Kochi and Kollam apart from Kumarakom. Houseboats are modeled on yesteryear “Kettuvallams”. Kettuvallams were used to transport rice and household items through backwaters. They came with thatched roofs over wooden hulls to offer protection from elements of nature. Although the form remains largely unaltered, Houseboats are two to three storied affairs with one to five bedrooms included. Apart from sleeping space, dining space and a sit out open on all sides are provided. From the sit out, guests can savor the exquisite charm of backwaters. Houseboats come adjoined with generators providing for air conditioning. A crew including a cook accompanies guests. The menu is usually indigenous variety with local fish included. But the taste of guests is the final word. Although Houseboats are motorized, they are run in a sluggish pace letting guests relish the surroundings to its fullest.
The length of houseboats is ninety five to one hundred and fifteen meters and width thirteen to fifteen meters. The Houseboats are carved out of wood of “Anjili” (Wild Jack). The materials that go into making accessories are all local and eco friendly. It is to be noted that no nails are used but coir is utilized by tying.
Rajesh Raj is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel & Tours related topics. He has authored many books on Alleppey houseboat & Kumarakom Houseboat. Find more information related to Kerala backwater houseboats log on www.keralabackwaterhouseboats.com