Houseboats in Kerala

The fascinating nature of Kerala can be explored during any season. However, April to August is the best season to visit Kerala.

Blue, Green, Orange, these three shades colour one's imagination when one thinks of Kerala. Just imagine traversing through the myriad of green that gets denser by every hour; this is how bewitching Kerala can be. Staying on a houseboat in the middle of the water can be really a wonderful and forgettable experience. It is a great opportunity for the traveller to discover the colorful vistas of the aquatic world from the comfort of the houseboat; it is an experience like no other. Experiencing houseboat can be really thrilling, mesmerizing and enchanting!

Kerala is one of the first states to launch the concept of eco-tourism in India. Houseboats are probably the best way to explore the perplexing backwaters of Kerala. Greenery surrounding the area is harmonious, picturesque and exudes freshness. A day long drive from Kochi to Kumarakom feels like a breath of fresh air! An amazing eco-system with exhilarating plants, bird, and aquatic life, riding on the backwaters of Kerala is simply peaceful.

In yesteryears, there used to be small houseboats, but nowadays standard Kettuvallam is used to ride on the emerald green water. The Kettuvallam moves from Kuttand to the Kochi.

What makes Kettuvallam so interesting? It is the fact that this indigenous boat is held together with coir knots, not evens a single nail is used in making this classiest ferry. These houseboaats are made of dark and oiled jack woods with canopies of plated palms thatch and coifs. This framework is then coated with a caustic black resin extracted from boiled cashew kernels. These majestic and glorious boats are well made and last for generation to come ahead. Originally, these were used as fairies to carry rice.

When the tourist is on a cruise, Kettuvallam owners make sure that they have a relaxing and comfortable stay in leisure. The houseboat alias Kettuvallam is a grand spectacle where a portion is covered with bamboo and coir to serve as a restroom and kitchen for the crew. Meals are also cooked on board. Such is the grandness of the hospitality of Kerala. Flocking of houseboats together is a familiar sight on the backwaters and in Alappuzha alone, there are as many as 500 houseboats.