"Houseboats or Kettuvallam" means stitched boat. They are 80 feet long, made with wooden planks, joined and stitched together with coir (coconut Fibre) ropes and painted on the outside with cashew nut shell oil or fish oil. A distinctive feature of the Kerala Kettuvallom (Houseboats) is the design suggesting the possible Chinese influence. These Kerela Kettuvallams (Houseboats) were used for transporting huge quantities of heavy materials from one place to other. In certain areas Kettuvalloms (House boats) are still used for transferring Coconut Husk, Sand and other goods
In earlier days since all places were not well connected by roads, Kettuvallams (House boats) were the main source of transportation through the Kerala backwaters. It took long journeys ranging from 5 to 6 days, sometimes weeks even to transport things. Boatmen rarely stopped along the waterways for meals. Their diet consisted of freshly caught backwater fish, like Karimeen (pearlspot) and Kalangi. Non perishable staples such as lentils, local large grain "red" rice and inexpensive spices like coriander, ginger, dried chillies, turmeric and black mustard seeds were packed by them before embarking on a journey. Boatmen used to stay in the Kettuvallam which had all the basic facilities
Kerala Backwater Destinations
Alleppey backwaters Alappuzha ( Alleppey ) is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. Alappuzha
Super Luxury-Houseboats Its really like a dream come true that when you float like a leaf over the rippling waves, but it’s the truth that super luxury houseboat
Super Deluxe Houseboats Join for a cruise in the Super-Deluxe Houseboats for an inspiring voyage through some of the picturesque backwater settings in Alappuzha.
House Boat Menu The kitchen in the houseboat or ketuvallam is the production center of the best traditional Kerala food. The availability of fishes and all along the backwater add special charm
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