Backwaters of Kerala
Dubbed one of the fifty places of a life-time by the National Geographic Traveller, Kerala, situated on the south-western tip of India, maintains its pristine beaches, picturesque hill stations, virgin forests and its backwaters.
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The backwaters of Kerala, essentially inland lakes connected by a network of canals, are unique to this state. Although the sea coast of Kerala is 700 km long, the backwaters stretch to almost 1900 km in a complex intermeshing of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals. This is not surprising considering that 44 rivers, comparatively small and fed by the monsoons, cut across Kerala with innumerable tributaries and distributaries. It would not be an exaggeration to say that these backwaters not only irrigate the fields of the people of Kerala, and provide them with drinking water and an enchanting thoroughfare but are the basis of a fascinating lifestyle, an extension of which are the houseboats of Kerala or the kettuvalloms. |
Kettuvalloms (houseboats) of Kerala
Originally used to transport up to 30 tones of rice and spices, the original function of the ketuvalloms is now performed by trucks. |
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Large boats, generally over 60 feet in length, made of planks of jack wood tied together by coir ropes, the ketuvalloms or literally ‘boat with knots’ are coated with a caustic black resin derived from cashew kernels. Not even a single nail is used in the construction of these boats which, if maintained properly, can literally last for generations. Most of the kettuvalloms still in use are over a hundred years old. |
Care was taken while converting the kettuvalloms to use only natural products. The wood of the areca nut tree and bamboo mats form the curved roof, parts of which open out to provide shade and an uninterrupted view. Wooden planks are used for flooring and the wood of coconut trees and coir for the beds. The only concession to modernity is the solar panels used for lighting. In spite of this, all the creature comforts and cleanliness of a good hotel are available on these houseboats so that they are literally floating luxury dwelling units.
Furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, a balcony for angling and delicious Kuttanad cuisine make traveling by kettuvalloms past cantilevered fishing nets in shallow, palm-fringed lakes along the green, untouched beauty of Kerala an experience to last a life-time.While most boats are poled by local oarsmen, a few have been powered by a small outboard engine, which allows gentle cruising along the backwaters.
The most popular kettuvalloms are those with a suite consisting of a bedroom, a living room, a kitchen and a balcony.
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