Kettuvallam Houseboats

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.
Kettuvallam Houseboats, Kerala Houseboats Reservation
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