Search This Blog

Showing posts with label Houseboats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Houseboats. Show all posts

Saturday, 20 June 2015

BACKWATERS AND HOUSEBOATS IN KERALA , BACKWATERS AND HOUSEBOATS, BACKWATERS, HOUSEBOATS, SNAKE BOATS

BACKWATERS AND HOUSEBOATS IN KERALA 
The natural backwaters of Kerala amidst the plethora of palm grove have been a grapevine amongst domestic and international tourists. It offers a complete rejuvenation from the cycle of a mild state of nausea and staying in the middle of the gentle ripples is the nascence of one’s dream coming true. The backwaters of Alleppey can be a source of economy for the Keralian folk but when it comes to you to experience a unique stay away from the city dust, then the backwaters turns out to be a natural haven. Spending days by the sparkling waters, by the whisking by aquatic life, by the passing by coconut trees and by the flying by birds and nights by the dim moonlit, by the hushing waters and by the stimulating breeze gives one an ultimate intimacy with nature and oneself. Today tourism in Kerala have picked up its admiration from the freshness of its backwaters in Alleppey and your holiday with Goibibo’s online hotel booking offers have its own virtue when you opt to stay from its Top 5 Houseboats in Alleppey.Whether you are planning for your honeymoon in Kerala or a leisure trip with your family and friends, houseboat stay offers a unique experience once in a life time.

Alappuzha
Alappuzha rightly known as the "The Venice of the East" is an ancient city, which had trading links with Europe, Africa and the Far East. A boat trip along the pleasant waters is a lovely treat that one should gift oneself. Specially constructed Kettuvallams with all modern facilities carry tourists along the placid waters of Kerala's famed backwaters. A night trip under the wide and starry skies or a silvery moon can be the experience of a lifetime. Daytime trips give the travellers a chance to observe the routine life of the people on the banks. Memorable images include the water taxies, the coir workers and the fishermen doing brisk work. Backwaters And Boathouses in Kerala
Kuttanad

Cruisng along the backwaters at Kuttanad is also a lovely chance to observe the farmers at this place that is known for its lush paddy fields. A hundred shades of green provide a rare and lasting feast for the eyes.
 
Pathiramanal
Pathiramanal is a beautiful island accessible by boat from Alappuzha. Cruising along the waters here you can also observe varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world that frequent the place.
 
Kottayam
Kottayam, the land of lakes and latex, is a land blessed abundantly by nature's charms. Tranquil expanses of backwaters, lush paddy fields, highlands and extensive rubber plantations makes Kottayam special.
 
Kumarakom
House boat cruises along the waters around Kumarakom is an opportunity for observing the fishermen and also watch several species of birds that make the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary their home. The place is so enchanting that it captured the imagination of the poet prime minister of India Mr. AB Vajpayee who chose it for his annual retreat.

Kollam
An important city by the banks of the famous Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam is considered the gateway to the legendary backwaters of Kerala. Kollam offers exotic and refreshing backwater experience.
 
Kochi
Delightful cruises along the vast waters that surround the many islands, which make up Kochi, is a lovely experience. Passing by in local ferries and special boats, one can also observe beautiful sights including mansions built in Indo- European style of architecture rubbing shoulders with traditional Kerala style houses. Chinese fishing nets which have become an integral part of the local landscape gain a dreamlike aura when seen against the setting sun.
 
Trivandrum
Akkulam and Veli in Trivandrum are other locations to embark on enchanting boat cruises.

Houseboats
A visit to Kerala is incomplete without a trip in one of the Kettuvallams. The houseboats or kettuvalloms are specially constructed boats that are about 80 feet long. These are around 13 feet wide in the middle and are made up of eco-friendly materials like bamboo poles, coconut fiber, ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. The structure is even strong enough to transport a truckload of materials through the sea.

These boats haveKerala - Snakeboats luxurious furnishing with exquisite flooring, hull and valavara (canopy) they are provided with sun deck, spacious living / dining area. Boats that are being offered to tourists are complete with attached toilets and classy kitchen. These are maintained safe and free of insects and are provided with fire extinguishers. The services of professional cooks are available on the boat

Tuesday, 2 June 2015

KERALA KETTUVALLAM HOUSEBOATS, HOUSEBOATS, KERALA HOUSEBOATS

KERALA HOUSEBOATS ( KETTUVALLAM )
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.

Witness The Making Of the Traditional Kettuvallams
At a quiet spot just outside the small town of Karunagapally, 23 kms north of Quilon, it's possible to watch the construction of traditional Kettuvallams. Kettuvallams are built entirely without the use of nails.

It requires great skill and adroitness to construct these giant boats by tying huge planks of jack wood together. The boats are applied with fish oil and cashew nut oil and left to cure for days.

Oil is simultaneously applied atleast three times before the boat is set on water. Each jackwood plank is joined to the next with coir rope, and then the whole is coated with a caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kernels. With careful maintenance, they last for generations.

Enjoy The Backwaters of Kerala 
A sojourn in Kettuvallams, the House boats of Kerala, offers a panoramic view of one of the most picturesque aspects of the God's Own Country. One can cruise in it through the palm-fringed backwaters, throughout a night in waxing moonlights.

The lullaby of the waves and the dazzling delights of the moonlit night can be experienced by spending a couple of nights aboard the Kettuvallam. The traditional houseboat of Kerala is one of the most enduring images of the backwaters.

These houseboats are converted version of the "Kuttanadan Kettuvallams".

The Luxury In Water - Kerala Houseboats
Kettuvallams, the large traditional houseboats are converted into floating luxury dwelling units.

These house boats are available in all sizes and shapes, the most popular accommodation type being a suite, having one or two bath attached bedrooms, one living room, kitchenette, an open lounge, deck and a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook and guide.

The houseboats are generally powered by a small outboard engine, allowing one to cruise along the backwaters. A recent innovation is a small conference room in a houseboat.

Price For Comfort
A 24-hour stay costs somewhere in the range of Rs. 6000. There are cheaper ones including dormitories and one bedroom. About 250 boats operate along the backwaters.

Cheaper boats are available for much less but it is a cheaper experience too. At the dockside, called Finishing Point at Alappuzha, the town of houseboat operators and the starting point for backwater journeys, the boats are available for even Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per day.

Kerala Travel Tours - Kerala means "land of coconuts". Many call the beach at kovalam the best in India. Emerald Kerala Backwaters, lush hill stations, ayurveda and health resorts, enchanting beaches of Kerala, and exotic cuisine... all of which are a part of Kerala Travel and Tourism Guide

Popular Posts