Houseboats in Kerala : Kettuvallam
Kerala houseboats or Kettuvalloms are one of the main tourist attraction in the Kerala backwaters. This article covers the details regarding the history, facilities and construction of the houseboats in Kerala.
Perhaps it's the Kerala houseboats that make the enchanting backwaters of Kerala into it's luxurious glory. The houseboat is the best option to explore the rural setting of Kerala. In Kerala, these houseboats are commonly known as "Kettuvallams"- "Kettu" means tied and "vallam" means boat and thus "Kettuvallam" means bundle boats. Kerala has a wide network of houseboats in it's water bodies like rivers, lakes, lagoons and canals. The days one spends in the houseboats are such a feeling one that it will beckon you every time to this 'God's own country, to it's backwaters and houseboats. The sceneries on the deck of the houseboats is the only one of it's kind in the world itself. You can explore the natural beauty at it's most if you are here in this 'Kettuvallams'.History of Kerala Houseboats or 'Kettuvallams'
The history of Kerala houseboats is the story of a transformation- the transformation of old age 'Kettuvallam' to the modern 'Kettuvallam'. These boats hold a prominent place in the culture and heritage of Kerala. This is the one which gave Kerala the opportunities of economical development in the ancient time. During the old days, 'Kettuvallam' are used for the transportation of cargo goods and men every nook and corner of ancient Kerala. The 'Kettuvallam' are mainly used by the kings of Travancore and Kochi region. The ancient 'Kettuvallams' are eco-friendly and non-mechanical. They were moved by the wind energy. If you have got the chances to see a picture of these 'Kettuvallam', you can see a long sheet on the top of the 'Kettuvallam'. Actually that makes the journey of these houseboats through the backwaters harnessing the energy from wind. The sheer size of 'Kettuvallam' enabled the carrying capacity about three times more than the cargo truck. The popularity of these 'Kettuvallam' were very higher during that time. The main reason behind that was it's accessibility. It can reach almost every coastal land. And this made people to have all the main goods even in the remote areas of Kerala.
But, this glorious story didn't go longer. The hindrance was none other than the modern development. The introduction of tarred roads, railways and mechanical vehicles forced the people to leave the much slower 'Kettuvallam'. And slowly but completely the ancient transporter vanished from the backwaters of Kerala.
When Kerala got a new place in the world tourism, the 'Kettuvallam' also got a new leash of life. Especially the foreigners who like the charm and slow life made the return of 'Kettuvallams' back to the Kerala backwaters. Now 'Kettuvallam' have reached such a glorious height that people think a visit to Kerala is incomplete without a cruise in 'Kettuvallam'. But all these changes also changed the 'Kettuvallam'. They are no longer harnessing the wind energy. All are mechanical. And one has to say that the modern 'Kettuvallam' are completely used for tourist purposes with all the modern facilities in it.
This up and down story of 'Kettuvallams' is also the story of the some of Kerala families and places, they are intimate to the Kerala backwaters and 'Kettuvallam'. But the yearly increase in the number of modern Kettuvallams ensure that it won't go to the old downhill stories again.Construction of Kettuvallams
The modern 'Kettuvallam' or the houseboat is around 70 feet in length and 15 feet wide in the middle. The boat is made of wooden planks joined and stiched together using coconut fiber ropes. The most surprising feature of the construction of these 'Kettuvallams' is that you can't spot a single nail on it. They are made without a single nails. The wood used is Anjili. The roof covering is made of bamboo poles and palm leaves. The outside of the boat is painted using cashew nut oil. These oils acts asa protective coating. The hull of the 'Kettuvallams' are made of wooden planks, especially heavy woods like jackwaoods. This frmework is then coated with caustic black resin, which is extracted from boiled cashew kernels. This ensures the stability of 'Kettuvallams' for generations. The construction in nowadays also includes some of the modern facilities to meet the tourist demands. But still, it is not gone far away from the old 'Kettuvallams'.Facilities and cruise in Kettuvallams
Kettuvallams offers you an excellent array of facilities. There are three types of Houseboats - the luxury houseboats, the standard houseboats and the budget houseboats. The facilities will vary according to your choice. A houseboat usually have one or two bath attached bed rooms, an open lounge, deck kitchenette and a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook and a guide. The plans generally includes the accommodation to two people or a complete family. There will be professional cooks to give you the foods. In fact, the dining in the houseboats is a rejenuvating experience, tasting the spicy Kerala foods and the items according to your likeness. You have the choice to select A/C or Non A/C houseboats. The crew at the Kettuvallom usually consists of three people, two oarsmen and a cook. But don't worry that your privacy is lost. They are having separate arrangements and accommodations in the boat. Solar lamps and lalterns are used for lightning to retain the traditional charm.
The cruise through the backwaters will be one of the most beautiful and unforgettable hours in your life. Here, you can shed all your burdens of life. You will feel it if you are in heaven. The paddy field, the coconut trees etc lined along the backwaters, the Chinese nets etc will make you delight. If you are luckier enough, you will get the chances to watch the sunset and sunrise. The reddish sky with the sun moving into the waters is really a scenic one. You will get the chance to explore the life of Kerala people. You can sleep in the complete calmness in the 'Kettuvallam', amidst the backwater during the night. Don't sleep much. Wake up early in the morning to watch the sunrise with the chirping sounds of birds, water all around. If you like fishing, there is no restriction here.
Generally, the tariff ranges from Rs.5000 to Rs.10,000. This may change during the peak seasons, climbing the double and even to thrice the normal value.
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