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 Kettuvalloms
or Houseboats (Riceboats) 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
kettuvalloms are back again as a major tourist
attraction. A ride on a Kettuvallom is a fabulous way to
explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.
 A
house boat is about 67 feet in length and has a width of
around 13 feet in the middle. The materials that go into
the making are all local and Eco friendly bamboo poles,
coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, coir carpets etc. The
main wood used is "Anjili". The house boats
have fully furnished single and double rooms with
sundeck, private balcony with comfortable chairs,
kitchen and toilet with WC. In addition there is also
separate rest room for the crew. Traditional lanterns
are used as lights. The crew includes a chef and two
oarsmen. The cuisine is traditional Kerala flavor with
the local specialties; delicious fish and prawns. There
are single bedroom houseboats for two people and two
bedroom houseboats for four people.
 The
houseboats are generally with one bedroom Or two
bedrooms, which can accommodate two & four persons
respectively. There will also be a balcony on top to get
a feel of the panoramic nature around. Another feature
some offer is the sundeck for sunbaths.
 The
backwaters act as a vital waterway for the transport of
goods, people and their produce are often the only link
between isolated villages and crowded towns. In Kerala,
the total expanse of backwater stretches over 1500 kms,
with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes from
north to south. Alleppey which forms the main part of
this network has the peculiar geographical feature of
having the water in level with the land. This gives the
advantage of getting a closer look at the village life
on shore while on a backwater ride.
 A
glide in a "Kettuvallam" (Houseboat) through
the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey is sure to rob
your heart. Palm fringed narrow canals winding through
the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny
hamlets lined up along either sides of the canals are
panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese
fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links,
are also found on the way. Flocks of ducks swimming
around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky
remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of
this unique land.
 The
sparkling water and the caressing cool wind is a
temptation too strong to resist. Country boats of
various types crisscross the path with passengers from
all walks of Kerala's rural life ranging from milkman
and newspaper boy to local politicians, priests and
wedding parties. It is a unique experience as this is as
close as one can get to feel the vibrant life in the
countryside of god's own country.
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