Boating on the backwaters of
Kerala is one of the top travel experiences in India. It presents India at its
most tropical and relaxed way. A world of its own, the backwaters here denote a
picturesque network of lagoons, lakes, river and canals that comprise one of
the most beautiful experiences in Kerala. In a way, Kerala backwaters are
beautiful in every right. Not because of just the cruise, but also of the
scenic opportunity it offers in its course of action. Lined by lush green
coconut groves and rice farming stretches, these backwaters present the sights
from the rural countryside in the most authentic setting.
A part of Kerala’s life since
antiquity, backwaters offers a unique opportunity of observing the natural life
of Keralites and the scenic charm of the god’s own country. And all that is
possible with the presence of special houseboats called Kettuvallams.
Anciently, these houseboats were used as barges for transporting tonnes of rice
and spices. And now, these houseboats bring one of the best-kept travel
experiences to the travellers in the form of calming and elevating backwater
vacation.
There are many more unique facets
about Kettuvallams that differentiate it from others. This houseboat in its
construction doesn’t use even a single nail and entirely is made of jack wood
planks tightened with coir rope. The boat is then treated with a coat of
caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kernels. With such an effort, a
kettuvallam can last for generations. In modern days, a usual Kettuvallam has special
rooms to accommodate travellers for their overnight stay. Its ambiance is
completely eco-friendly where the furniture is entirely made of natural
products. For roofing, the boats utilize bamboo mats, sticks and wood of the
areca nut tree, coir mats and wooden planks for the flooring and wood of
coconut trees and coir for beds. It also has furnished bedrooms, modern
toilets, living area, kitchen and even a balcony for angling. Solar panels are
used for lighting purpose in this houseboat.
The houseboat also has a portion
covered with bamboo and coir that serves as a restroom and kitchen for the
crew. The travellers aboard this special deluxe houseboat can enjoy the freshly
cooked meals onboard. Freshly cooked fish from the backwaters is an added specialty
of a Kettuvallam cruise.
Built in an eco-friendly way,
these houseboats promote the eco-friendly tourism on the Great backwaters. A
cruise taken here does more than its purpose. It creates awareness in every
possible way to save environment and preserve the bounties like forests,
greenery and resort to environmental friendly initiatives to preserve
backwaters. It is for these eco-friendly initiatives only that Kerala Tourism
received the UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Award for backwaters at Kumarakom.
Besides, the houseboats are
extremely popular among tourists for its plush comforts and natural luxury it
offers. The cruising houseboats are a common sight on the Allappuzha / Alleppey
and Kumarakom stretch.
These backwaters not only host a
perfectly relaxing experience, but also make sure that tourists get to witness
one of the selected specialties of India tour.
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