Kumarakom a small hamlet flaunts beautiful landscape along with serene backwaters which are dotted with coconut palms, lush paddy , exotic flora and fauna along with the life on the bank of its backwaters. Being the most one of the most visited backwaters destinations of Kerala state. A cool houseboat cruise is the major highlight of backwaters tourism and the best way to explore the tranquil backwaters.
Houseboats more popularly known as Kettuvallam are the giant country crafts measuring up to 80 feet in length which were once poled by one of two men and widely used for carrying coconuts, rice and other commodities. Now in the changing times these have added a new dimension to the Kumarakom tourism by providing for backwaters cruising. The Kumarakom Houseboat are specially designed for human dwelling. These high floating formations with high load capacity have become a major source of attraction for both national and international tourists visiting Kumarakom.
Houseboat cruises
Cruising on a Kumarakom Houseboat will take its visitors to the height of ecstasy and enjoyment. It is an exotic feeling that is so romantic , pulsating and thrilling which would not easily fade from your memory for a long time. A guided tour along the backwaters would offer the traveler with a complete and most captivating experience and will also expose them to some interesting facts about the life of local villagers. The Kumarakom houseboat cruises are very economical , environmentally friendly and non-polluting.
Houseboat cruising excursion on the picturesque Vembanad Lake during the sunrise and sunset will provide you with some of the breathtaking views to observe. As the cruise heads towards the famous C and R Block travellers will get a chance to explore some of the very few areas of the world where farming is done below sea level. Another highlight of Kuamarkom 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.
Engineering of Houseboats:
The literal meaning of the word Kettuvallam is two or more vallams (boat) tied up together. The houseboats are constructed using Eco-friendly material. The most common wood used for the construction of the houseboat is ‘Anjili’. The hull of the houseboat is made of by tying the wooden planks with coconut fiber. While the bamboo poles along with palm leaves are used in the construction of the roof. For preventing the wood from wear and tear cashew nut oil is used to paint the exterior of the boat which acts as a protective varnish.
The houseboats are powered by inconspicuous inboard diesel engines and use solar energy for power requirements. The houseboats in Kumarakom are categorized into 3 and 5 bedrooms, double bedrooms and single bedrooms. While the big houseboat features a private gallery furnished with comfortable chairs, sundeck, in-house-kitchen and toilet the luxurious houseboats come fitted with Air conditioning control and are adorned with all modern day facilities. The menu served in houseboat are mainly feature traditional Kerala state recipes. The other imaginative comforts available at these luxurious houseboats include modern hygienic toilets, well furnished bedrooms , dining areas and some even feature a balcony to enjoy angling activity.
