The houseboats of the present the gigantic, slow moving, remarkable vessel used for relaxation are the modified ‘kettuvalloms’ of the bygone. The kettuvallom meaning ‘boat with knots’ was so called because the complete boat was held together with coir knots only, without even a single nail for construction.
The boat is made of planks of jack-wood attached jointly with coir. This is then coated with a caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kernels. A portion of the kettuvallom was roofed with bamboo and coir to serve as a restroom and kitchen for the crew. Food would be cooked on board.
With the onset of the latest mode of transport to keep these age old vessels in the market, renovations were made to transform them to plush floating motels.While altering kettuvalloms into houseboats, concern is taken to use only natural products - Bamboo mats, sticks and wood of the aracanut tree are used for roofing, coir mats and wooden planks for the flooring and wood of coconut trees and coir for beds.
Thus these boats today cruise forward from close disappearance to enjoy their current vast fame.
The Houseboats of Kerala are giant country crafts; measuring up to 80 feet in length meticulously constructed. Tailored to meet a new idea of holidaying, the houseboats are stylishly furnished with an open lounge, one or two bath attached bedrooms and a kitchen. Every houseboat is operated by a crew - generally a cook, guide and oarsman.
What is really thrilling about a houseboat ride is the magnificent view of the virgin and otherwise unreachable rural Kerala that it offers - while you glide. So if you have never gone for houseboat cruising on the backwaters of Kerala make sure you do, as this is truly a fantastic, unforgettable and memorable experience. |
