Kerala Houseboats – Ruling The Backwaters

By Author: Rajesh Raj
Total Articles: 103
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Kerala fondly called God’s own country is a land of magical beauty blessed with bounties of nature galore. This verdant piece of land is situated in Malabar Coast of southwestern India. This coastal territory is cradled between Western Ghats and Arabian Sea. With its attractions like virgin beaches, mist veiled hill stations, winding backwaters, exotic wildlife, verdant landscape and suave art forms Kerala attracts millions to its lap.
Out of all these attractions, backwater is the phenomenon peculiar to Kerala. You will not find a similar occurrence anywhere else. Backwater is the labyrinth formed by manmade and natural canals and inlets, branches of over forty rivers and five lakes. Local folk depended on Backwaters as a transportation medium before the advent of modern amenities like bridges, roads and ferries. They also used backwaters for means of livelihood such as fishing and agriculture. Thus backwaters had an economic significance. Backwaters still play that economic role to perfection by earning millions via tourism.
Backwaters make for exquisite setting. The shores are adorned by attractive monuments, ...
... rustic homes, slender swaying coconut trees, verdant landscape, lush green paddy fields, fishing nets and various acts of human drama like ducks being herded, toddy tappers tapping coconut trees, school children being ferried, fishermen throwing nets etc. Backwaters are embellished by various water flowers especially water lilies. The chance to savor this charming landscape is regarded highly in tourist circles and there is a heavy flow of tourists to backwater destinations.
Although there are many means of cruising in backwaters including country boats and ordinary steam boats, now houseboats in Kerala are the fad in the realm of backwater tourism. Houseboat is rehashed version of ancient “Kettuvallam”. Kerala houseboat is built not compromising on the luxury demands of contemporary tourists and at the same time keeping the ancient design and milieu intact. Kettuvallams used to rule backwaters some time ago. It is large barges with heavy carrying capacity which was used to carry rice, coconuts and other luggage from the isolated backwater villages to the markets of towns like Alleppey, Kochi and Kollam. With the advent of modern amenities like bridges, roads and ferries, Kettuvallams were slowly sidelined. They are now getting a new lease of life in the form of Kerala backwater houseboat.
Houseboats are ninety five feet to one hundred and fifteen feet long and thirteen feet to fifteen feet in width. A special clan of artisans used to make Kettuvallams. They also have got a new lease of life with the advent of houseboats. The wooden hull is made of “Anjili” (Wild Jack). The artisans with great skill and meticulousness tie the wooden planks together with coir. It is to be noted that no nails are used. Other materials that go into the making of accessories are also local and eco friendly like bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, coir carpets etc.
Kettuvallams had thatched roofs over wooden hulls. While making houseboats the form remains largely unaltered. But houseboats are more modern and luxurious. They come with bedrooms, dining space and a sit out open on all sides.
The main epicenters of backwater tourism are Alleppey, Kochi, Kollam and Kumarakom. Alleppey is slowly getting converted into a prime backwater destination. Alleppey houseboat is considered an ideal means to relish the exquisite beauty Alleppey backwaters entails.
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 http://www.keralabackwaterhouseboats.com