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Kerala offers a unique
mini - canvas to the travelers; the backwaters, which consist of a
complex network of lagoons, lakes & canals. Life on the backwaters is
entirely different; water being the key to everything. There are no
roads here, only waterways. On the banks one can see lush green rice
fields spreading away into the distance and coconut groves with the
occasional temple or church.
These canals or waterways, vary in dimension from being wide enough to
be dubbed lakes, rich with marine bounty. To being nothing but snaking
silvers of freshwater. And are mainly concentrated around the townships
of Alepey, Kumarakom, Kottayam, Quilon and Cochin.
The backwaters are best experienced while slowly punting down the
labyrinth of canals in a traditional thatch-roofed houseboat, known as 'Kettuvallam'.
An experience you will savor for a long time.
The Kettvalloms (houseboats) of Kerala are giant country crafts,
measuring upto 80 feet in length, retrieved from being lost to the state
altogether. Once, they ruled the backwaters, poled along by one or two
men, heavily loaded with rice, coconut and other commodities.
But in recent
times the Kettuvalloms have been replaced by modern modes of
transport, relegating them to neglect and decay.
These eco-friendly houseboats are made
from local materials like bamboo poles, coconut fiber, ropes, bamboo
mats, carpets etc.It
takes great skill and meticulousness to construct these giants by tying
huge planks of wood together.
Curiously
enough, not a single nail is used in their making.
House Boats are provided
with all modern conveniences and comforts to make your stay a pleasant
experience. To complement the traditional way of rowing using large
poles, outboard engines are also provided. The boats are designed to
facilitate a most eco-friendly functioning.
A wide selection of beautiful routes are available for the cruises and
you can choose one that suits your budget and time frame. Each route is
comprehensive, serene and enjoyable in itself, extending to you a
complete experience of Kuttand-The unique water land of kerala.
1.Short
cruise in & around Allepey & Kollam
A boat ride into the countryside offers a close look at rustic
village life- skiff-fishermen launching their cockleshell boats,
large flocks of domesticated ducks waddling down to the water
from thatched houses on the banks. Women, neck-deep in water,
with their waist-length hair heaped in a crown, catching fish
with their feet, aimless cattle grazing in lush pastures, white
lotuses floating here and there in small, shallow ponds.
Short cruise on backwaters are also available on the smaller
boat If you don't want to stay overnight or longer in the
houseboats. The duration of these cruises are depends on the
routing & can be covered In 3 to 6 hrs of time period.
Houseboats for groups can be also arranged for the short cruise.
2.Alleppey to Kumarakom (Overnight Cruise)
Cruise through the Punnamada lake … the venue of the famous
Nehru trophy snake boat race. Enter the enchanting waters of the
Vembanad lake… Enjoy the panoramic views and the glimpses of
life along the banks. Visit r-block, c-block where paddy is
cultivated much below the water level. Stop by the Pathiramanal
island,Visit Chavara bhavan-the old wooden house where the
blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara was born. Night stay at
kumaramom .
3.Alleppey to Kottayam(Overnight Cruise)
A cruise that links two district headquarters. Glide across the
Punnamada lake- location of the famous boat races, take in the
fascinating life along the banks. Pass by r-block, observe how
paddy is cultivated by the help of dykes several feet below the
sea level. Have a long, enjoyable break from the routine. Night
stay on boat at Kottayam.
4.Alleppey
to Thottappally(Overnight Cruise)
Glide along from Alleppey through punnamada lake and admire the
old traditional houses on the banks.Visit the chavara
bhavan,admire duck farming,stop by at triveni ,visit the ancient
ambalapuzha temple and the church at Champakkulam,the 11th
century Buddha image or Karumadikkuttan. Night stay on the house
boat .
5.Alleppey - Alumkadavu( 2
Nights Cruise)
The most fascinating and enjoyable route available. Cruise
through the Punnamada lake,admire the old chavara bhavan and
traditional nalukettu houses,Enjoy panoramic view of paddy
fields, visit the ancient champakkulam church,View the snake
boats,visit the historical temple of Ambalappuzha and the
ancient buddhist image of karumadikkutan. At kumarakody memorial
recall the celebrated Malayalam poet Kumaran Asan who drowned
there. Enjoy the view of Chinese fishing nets at Kayamkulam
pozhy. Cruise through Alumkadavu lake,visit india's most famous
living woman saint Matha Amrithanandamayi. Drop by at the coir
village…observe the processes that go into making coir.
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Each houseboat is of excellent construction and luxurious
furnishing with exquisite flooring and
Fully furnished living and bed rooms ( A/C)
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Clean Environment with hygienic storage hold, free from insects
.And safe fuel storage facilities.
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Separate Dining space
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Clean good quality linen, blankets, towels etc.
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Bedrooms attached bathrooms
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Sunbath decks, Spacious passages
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Well equipped kitchen (Fire proofing) with an
excellent chef
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Uniformed and well trained staff
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Traditional Kerala Food
along with the local specialties; delicious fish and prawns.
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Power from Solar panels
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On board safety precautions
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