Must Do Activities

House Boat Cruises

House Boat CruiseKerala is far-famed for its houseboat cruise. Houseboat cruise has been a major attraction for tourists coming over to Kerala for years. A houseboat is regionally called as 'Ketuvallam' meaning a 'package boat'. These boats are huge in size, extending upto a length of 70 feet. These boats are made up by tying the pieces of wood (Anjili wood) together. The most amazing part about these boats is their construction where even a single nail is not used.

The making of the boat also includes joining together of the wooden planks of jackwood with ropes and coating of the boat from the outside with the use of black raisins obtained by boiling of the cashew nut shells. Palm leaves and bamboo poles are used in oder to make the roof covering.

Initially used as a medium of transport, the houseboats provide facilities for sleeping as well as cooking. But today, the use of these boats is not merely restricted to serve as a mode of transportation. These are now being used for boosting the tourism industry in Kerala. Houseboat cruise has become a choice for every tourist visiting Kerala. The cruise is exciting, pleasing as well as relaxing.

A whole group of artisans in Alleppy indulges in the making of the houseboats. A houseboat is equipped with all those luxuries and comforts that a modern-day traveler demands. An open lounge, a balcony, a bedroom and a kitchen. The crew at the houseboat comprises of a captain, a cook and an oarsman. Some houseboats are air-conditioned and adored with exquisite wood carvings. In order to lit up the houseboat during the night, lanterns are used. The night is the time when the houseboat looks simply stunning.

The houseboat cruises from Kumarakom to Alleppey or vice-versa. The cruise extends upto 24 hours. The best way to explore the serenity of the backwaters in Kerala is through a houseboat cruise along the Vembanad Lake. The extra-ordinary experience of a houseboat cruise will remain etched in your memory for a long time to come.

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