Kerala Houseboats – Palaces in a World of Serenity and Wonderment

Kerala offers a unique mini-canvas to the traveler. It is often compared to a mural painted by God – varied in its hues, shades and texture. Situated in Malabar Coast of southwestern India, Kerala attracts scores of tourists with its attractions that are colorful, rich and diverse.

Out of all attractions, backwater is the phenomenon unique to Kerala. Similar occurrence cannot be found in any part of the world. Backwater Kerala is a world of serenity and wonderment. The coastal regions of Kerala have a network of waterways, inlets from sea, estuaries of over forty rivers, lakes and natural canals connecting coastal towns and villages. This interlinked body of waterways is known as the backwaters of Kerala. Over nine thousand kilometers of Kerala backwaters are navigable and local folk has been using it as a means of transportation for long time. You can cruise through these water ways and enjoy the scenic beauty of backwaters.

Although there are several means of cruising from country boats to steam boats, the most iconic way of present times is Houseboat. A cruise through the waterways of Kerala in a houseboat is considered one of the enthralling holiday experiences in India today. In this journey you can savor the shores which are adorned by attractive monuments, verdant flora, lush green paddy fields, coir villages, rustic homes, temples and coconut groves. The backwaters are embellished by water flowers especially water lilies. The various acts of human drama as seen in backwater life also add to the experience.

Houseboat in Kerala is modeled on “Kettuvallams”. Houseboats are on the waters without compromising on the luxury demands of modern tourist keeping the traditional design and milieu intact. Kettuvallams once ruled Kerala backwaters. These extra large barges with high carrying capacity moving majestically through backwaters rowed by one or two men using bamboo poles was a sight to behold. They were used to carry rice, coconut and other items from isolated backwater villages to towns like Alleppey, Kochi and Kollam. Once modern amenities like bridges, roads and ferries came into being they slowly fell out of use. Now tourism has given it a new lease of life in the form of Houseboats. Kettuvallams came with thatched roofs over wooden hulls to provide protection from elements of nature. Houseboats, although of unaltered form, are two to three storied affairs with one to five bedrooms included. Apart from bedrooms, dining room and a sit out open on all sides are provided. From this sit out, the beauty of backwaters can be savored. Houseboats are adjoined with generators providing for air conditioning. A crew including a cook accompanies the guests. The food is usually that of indigenous variety with local fish included. There can be changes in menu according to the wants of guests. Although motorized, houseboats are run in a meandering pace letting the guests drink from the beauty of backwaters lavishly.

The making of houseboats requires extraordinary skill and meticulous craftsmanship. There used to be exclusive clans of artisans building them. Tourism also gave them a new lease of life. The hull is made of ‘Anjili’ (Wild Jack) wood. The wooden planks are tied together using coir. Unbelievable but true, not a single nail is used in the construction of houseboats. The materials that go into making of accessories are also local and eco friendly.