Houseboat of Kerala
Houseboats of Kerala’s were revived when they almost lost their commercial importance as an important mode of transport. The word Kettuvellams literally meant a bundle or package leashed with coconut fiber ropes. The traditional kettuvellams were equipped to carry cargoes and offered the oarsmen the myriad images of and activities taking place on the banks of the lake. The cargo carrying Kettuvellams had the essential space to accommodate the oarsman and even his family. A separate section in the middle of the long boat had enough space to have cargo storage and save kitchen essentials
These sections and storage places made it possible to improvise the kettuvellams and help revive their dying image to a splendid mode of accommodation ideal for quick getaways and vacations. The modern type houseboats were made in the traditional manner with modern amenities to cater to present day needs of tourists. The inclusion of Latrines and common area made the houseboat no less than comfortable lodging. With its growing popularity, tranquil experience and scenic beauty of the surrounding the Houseboats earned more fame and more makeover. The larger amount of makeover did not compromise on the traditional outlook of the houseboats. Importance was given to ensure that these houseboats remained eco-friendly at all time. The septic tank was researched and confirmed to be bio-safe. The houseboats run on well camouflaged solar panels helping generate back up energy to run the airconditioning as well as a boat. Use of coir, coir products and ecofriendly products to furnish and decorate the interiors has successfully done the deeds in keeping the tourists interested.
The ambience of the modernized yet traditional looking boat house has paved way to advancement in the boathouses cruising around. The boathouses of Kerala are to stay for a longer period. The Kerala tourism board has placed all measures to ensure the natural surroundings remain unaffected to keep the boathouse legacy an ongoing one. Gods own country will continue to appeal to the global tourists with its myriad natural treasure and the backwaters of Kerala are indeed the gleaming emerald everyone can continue to witness and cherish.
Backwater attractions
While you cruise around in the boathouse, you can enjoy a round trip from Alleppey to Kumarakom. Honeymooners can opt for a special trip that would cover Alleppey, Kumarakom and Kollam. While you cruise these routes, there are several stopovers that will offer you attraction worth spending time at. Kumarakombird’sanctuary, the island backwaters, the settlement of migratory and rare species of birds all makes your stopover an exciting one.
Tourists can indulge in some angling and catch some fish. If you are lucky and manage to have a good catch, the chef will be more than delighted to oblige and cook up the fresh produce for you. You can get off to do some canoeing or rowing of your own to look around and enjoy the scenic beauty of banks. Most boat houses come with room availabilities in which additional beds might be difficult to fit, but it’s not impossible to fit in one in case you need to cut cost and add another person or child in the room. In a nutshell, the boat house cruises in Kerala are splendid and well within the price ranges that would suit your requirements. So be it a punting boat house or a decked boathouse you can always enjoy the scenic galore of the cruise, backwaters and the beautiful banks in complete modesty or sheer elegance. Either ways cruise on the backwater of Kerala on those splendid boathouses is a trip worth making.