Kerala Houseboats

The Kerala backwaters are a distinct natural gift to the state of Kerala which can't be found elsewhere. These backwaters are a unique network of lakes, canals and various other water bodies which drain into the Arabian Sea. The Kerala backwaters are a self sustaining eco system which are a huge reservoir of aquatic as well as other forms of life.

Ketuvallams in the Backwaters
The Ketuvallams in the Kerala backwaters are known by the name of Ketuvallam which means stitched boats. These boats are about 70 to 80 feet long and are constructed with wooden planks and stitched together with coir, the coconut fibre. The exterior of these Ketuvallams are painted with cashew nut shell oil or fish oil.

Traditionally, the Ketuvallams in Kerala were always used for transportation of huge quantity of heavy materials between two places. In the earlier days when the roads were almost absent, the backwaters used to connect two or more places. However, as the modern transportation means arrived, the Ketuvallams became obsolete. A new lease of life was given to them by converting these into the modern day houseboats which have all the modern facilities which the modern day traveller looks for.


Features in a Usual Houseboat
Every houseboat is excellently constructed and are elegantly appointed with modern furnishings. The facilities here include a living room, a sunbathing deck, and bedrooms with European styled bathrooms and a kitchen. There are separate toilets for the crew members. The kitchens are fire proof and come complete with the fire extinguishers. The houseboats provide you with a clean environment and professional cooks are also provided so that you can concentrate on your vacations.


Routes for Cruises
» Short Cruise around Alappuzha and Kollam
The short cruises are of great help for you if you don't have enough time for the longer cruises. These cruises usually take 3 to 6 hours.

» Short Cruise from Kollam
In this cruise, you'll be taken around the Punnamada lake, in which you'll also watch the 400 years old church and Kerala race boat.


Overnight Cruise from Alappuzha
» Alappuzha to Kumarakom
Take a cruise through the Punnamada lake, also see the venue of the Nehru Trophy boat race. Thereafter you enter the Vembanad lake and visit attractions such as R Block and C Block where cultivation is being done below the sea level, also visit the Chavara Bhavan and Pathiramanal island. The tour finishes at Kumarakom.

» Alappuzha to Kottayam
This cruise connects the two district headquarters. Make your way through the Punnamada lake and visit attractions such as R Block and C Block.

The other popular cruise routes are Alappuzha to Thottapally and 2 Nights cruise from alappuzha to Alumkadavu.