Kettuvallam Houseboats
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.
Houseboats in Kerala
The Glory
of House Boats || Features
of Houseboats || Kettuvallam
Houseboats
