Walter Lustig
03-21-2012 Kottayam IX - Houseboats
Alleppey which was the final destination of that boat trip is also called "Venice of the East" as it has a large network of canals that meander through the town.
These "Kettuvallams" which is the name for the Kerala houseboats in the backwaters are a prominent tourist attractions and can be rented for trips suiting everybody's taste and budget. They come in different sizes and there are supposed to be some 2000 in Kerala and 120 of them in Alappuzha or Alleppey.
According to Wikipedia, the kettuvallams were traditionally used as grain barges, to transport the rice harvested in the fertile fields alongside the backwaters. Thatched roof covers over wooden hulls, 100 feet (30 m) in length, provided protection from the elements. At some point in time the boats were used as living quarters by the royalty. Converted to accommodate tourists, the houseboats have become floating cottages having a sleeping area, with western-style toilets, a dining area and a sit out on the deck. Most tourists spend the night on a house boat. Food is cooked on board by the accompanying staff – mostly having a flavour of Kerala. The houseboats are of various patterns and can be hired as per the size of the family or visiting group. The living-dining room is usually open on at least three sides providing a grand view of the surroundings, including other boats, throughout the day when it is on the move. It is brought to a standstill at times of taking food and at night. After sunset, the boat crew provide burning coils to drive away mosquitoes. Ketuvallams are motorised but generally proceed at a slow speed for smooth travel. All ketuvallams have a generator and most bedrooms are air-conditioned. At times, as per demand of customers, electricity is switched off and lanterns are provided to create a rural setting.
03-21-2012 Kottayam IX - Houseboats
Alleppey which was the final destination of that boat trip is also called "Venice of the East" as it has a large network of canals that meander through the town.
These "Kettuvallams" which is the name for the Kerala houseboats in the backwaters are a prominent tourist attractions and can be rented for trips suiting everybody's taste and budget. They come in different sizes and there are supposed to be some 2000 in Kerala and 120 of them in Alappuzha or Alleppey.
According to Wikipedia, the kettuvallams were traditionally used as grain barges, to transport the rice harvested in the fertile fields alongside the backwaters. Thatched roof covers over wooden hulls, 100 feet (30 m) in length, provided protection from the elements. At some point in time the boats were used as living quarters by the royalty. Converted to accommodate tourists, the houseboats have become floating cottages having a sleeping area, with western-style toilets, a dining area and a sit out on the deck. Most tourists spend the night on a house boat. Food is cooked on board by the accompanying staff – mostly having a flavour of Kerala. The houseboats are of various patterns and can be hired as per the size of the family or visiting group. The living-dining room is usually open on at least three sides providing a grand view of the surroundings, including other boats, throughout the day when it is on the move. It is brought to a standstill at times of taking food and at night. After sunset, the boat crew provide burning coils to drive away mosquitoes. Ketuvallams are motorised but generally proceed at a slow speed for smooth travel. All ketuvallams have a generator and most bedrooms are air-conditioned. At times, as per demand of customers, electricity is switched off and lanterns are provided to create a rural setting.