 |
The Houseboats of Kerala are a new addition
to the travel and tourism of the state's backwaters. These
crafts, measuring up to 120 feet in length, retrieved
from the age old cargo vessels of the State. Once they
ruled the backwaters, poled along by one or two men, heavily
loaded with rice, coconut and other commodities. But in
the recent times, these big vessels have been replaced
by more and modern modes of transport, relegating them
to neglect and decay. But like the phoenix it again raises
to the attention of the modern world, with a difference
– this time the cargo is comfort and rippling relaxation |
|
It takes great skill
and meticulousness to construct these giant houseboats
by tying huge planks of jack wood together. Curiously
enough, not a single nail is used in their making of
a houseboat. There used to be an entire clan of artisans
who were involved in house boat construction. Today,
an innovative holiday idea has restored these majestic
representatives of a unique culture and with them their
makers.
The Kerala houseboats that cruise these emerald waterways
are an improvisation on the large country barges, which
were an essential part of the land's ethos in days gone
by. Modified to meet a novel concept of holidaying,
the kettuvalloms (houseboats) are comfortably furnished
with an open lounge, one or two bath attached bedrooms
and a kitchenette, and are extremely eco friendly, merging
smoothly into the panorama. Every houseboat is manned
by a crew of 3 men, usually a cook, guide and oarsman.
House Boating
House boating can be the most relaxing experience for
any age, size or type of people. The following are a
few suggestions and ideas are the result of many years
of experience, and with an intension to help make your
trip more fun. What works for one person does not necessarily
work for another, so you may find only bits and pieces
of this useful to you. Feel free to use your imagination
to expand your experience on a lazy houseboat trip in
any way you can think of. The idea is to have fun, and
there are lots of ways to do it.
|
