Kottayam houseboats are the best way to explore the picturesque backwaters set along the palm-fringed backwaters. This leisurely cruise allows the traveler to explore the coir villages, ancient temples, lush paddy fields, water lilies and coconut groves. The Kottayam houseboats, popularly known as “Kettuvallams”, in their regional language comes adorned with all modern day comforts and services that feature tastefully furnished rooms and cabin crew at their guest service.
The massive houseboats moving slowly on the tranquil water feature an exotic barges design for sheer leisure trips. In the ancient times, these houseboats were the convenient mode to ship spices, rice and other goods between the Kuttanad and famous Cochin port. A standard houseboat about 100 feet long holding up to 30 tons took three days to reach the destination.
Houseboat cruises:
Kottayam Houseboat cruises allow their guests to experience the height of thrill and pleasure. It fills one with exotic feeling, which is sure not to fade from one’s memory for a longtime. Indulging in the guided tour, along the picturesque backwaters, would allow the travelers to enjoy most captivating experience. While relaxing in the houseboats, the guests can enjoy the close quarter visit to the rustic village life of the locals. These houseboat cruises of Kottayam are non-polluting, economical and environmentally friendly.
Enjoy the sunset and sunrise excursion while balancing on these floating villas. The overnight trip passes through the legendary backwater lakes. Another distinctive highlight of Kottayam houseboat cruising is that one stands a chance to witness snake boat races at close quarters while the trial races are being practiced during the month of July in the morning and evening hours. It is a much better view than witnessing these boat races standing among the crowd. The overnight Kottayam backwater cruises include sailing in houseboats, in the enchanting Vembanad Lake and passing through the legendary Punnamada Lake, viewing the unique lifestyle of people in Kerala, passing through the villages.
Engineering of Houseboats:
In literal meaning, the word Kettuvallam means tying of two or more vallams together. Each of these houseboats is uniquely designed and engineered. In the making of houseboat, hundreds of fine heavy duty planks of jack-wood are held together by tying them with coir knots. The specialty of these houseboats is that not even a single nail is used during the construction. After the framework is worked out, it is coated with a caustic black resin which is extracted from the boiled cashew kernels, in order to protect the boat from wear and tear.
These majestic houseboats which are presently being used for tourism are powered by the inconspicuous inboard diesel engines and are equipped to make use of the solar energy for the various power requirements. The Kottayam houseboats feature 3 and 5 bedrooms, single bedrooms and double bedrooms. The in-house kitchen, present in the houseboats, served their guests platter with an array of delectable cuisines, mainly featuring traditional Kerala state recipes.
