Houseboat cruise
Welcome to the Kerala Backwaters; the most exciting thing about the backwater Tourism is undoubtedly the Houseboats (traditional kettuvallom) which have now become the hottest tourism destinations today in India. Kettuvalloms or Rice boats are country boats that were used in the early days for the transport of goods from the isolated interior villages to the towns. With the advent of roads, bridges and ferry services, gradually the Kettuvalloms went off the scene. Now these Alappuzha Houseboats (Kettuvalloms)are back again as a major tourist attraction. Kettuallom, which means a boat made by tying together pieces of wood.
Interestingly not even a single nail is used in the making of a kettuvallom.Jackwood planks are joined together with coir ropes and this is then coated with black resin made from boiled cashew nut shells. The materials that go in to making are all local and Echo-friendly, bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, coir carpets etc...The body of the Kettuvallom was redesigned and remodeled to adapt for the new demands and functions. Certain elements had to be added and others removed to make it good enough for comfortable cruise. Height of the roof was increased to get sufficient bed room. A plank was laid all through the length to reduce the disadvantages of curved shape of the hull for walking and comfortable seating. Windows and other openings were provided for light, air flow and view The entrance is provided in the centre of the linear axis with a top hung panel, which was supported by poles on either ends of the valavara.
Interestingly not even a single nail is used in the making of a kettuvallom.Jackwood planks are joined together with coir ropes and this is then coated with black resin made from boiled cashew nut shells. The materials that go in to making are all local and Echo-friendly, bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, coir carpets etc...The body of the Kettuvallom was redesigned and remodeled to adapt for the new demands and functions. Certain elements had to be added and others removed to make it good enough for comfortable cruise. Height of the roof was increased to get sufficient bed room. A plank was laid all through the length to reduce the disadvantages of curved shape of the hull for walking and comfortable seating. Windows and other openings were provided for light, air flow and view The entrance is provided in the centre of the linear axis with a top hung panel, which was supported by poles on either ends of the valavara.