Kerala, situated in the South of India, is famous for many things among which backwaters are the most famous. Unlike the canals in Thailand and Milan, the Kerala backwaters are less crowded and less polluted. The Arabian Sea caresses the Southern tip of India and hence Kerala backwaters have a complex network of lagoons, lakes and canals meandering through the entire state. Cruising down the backwaters, catching a glimpse of the scenery around is an experience never to be forgotten.
Houseboats are the chief attraction in the backwaters and are much more modified than the old models that were used for carrying goods. The houseboats used for tourists are huge, slow moving, exotic barge suitable for leisure trips. The houseboats are called Kettuvalloms which mean ‘boat with knots’. As the name suggests, the entire boat is held together with coir knots only without using a single nail. Planks of jackwood are joined together with coir. Caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kernels are used to coat the boat. A portion of the houseboat is covered with bamboo and coir that serves as a restroom and kitchen for the crew. These houseboats provide tourists with exotic travel experience. To add comfort to the houseboat they are provided with furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and balcony for angling. The curved roof of wood or plaited palm is built to provide shade and allows uninterrupted views. The breathtaking view of the rural and untouched Kerala provides a magical experience and hence the great demand.
