Houseboat Building

Kettuvallam - Indian Cruise line from Kerala

Kettuvallam

Kerala houseboats

Kettuvallam is a house boat widely used in the Indian state of Kerala. These have thatched roof covers over wooden hulls. The traditional kettuvallam is mainly used for promoting Kerala tourism.

Etymology

In the Malayalam language "kettu" means "to tie" and “vallam” means boat – the two together make the local name "kettuvallam”. Each houseboat is constructed using the ancient principles and techniques of boat building by the local carpenters using 'Anjili' wood. Coir ropes are used for fastening the wooden planks together.

History

Boats in a variety of shapes and sizes have traditionally been the main means of transport of men and materials in the Kerala Backwaterssince olden days. In particular, the house boats were used to ship rice and spices and other goods between Kuttanad and the Cochin port. It was a three-day affair in those days. A standard house boat, which could be about 100 feet long, can hold up to 30 tons, about as much as three big lorries can carry. For the royalty these boats even became comfortable living quarters. It was the important mode of transportation in coastal Kerala just because of its accessibility to the most remote areas. However, the scenario changed. Motorized road, rail and air transportation scored over the slow and staid country boat, with people opting for speed.

Construction

A kettuvallam 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 local and ecofriendly; bamboo poles, coconut fibre, ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. The main wood used is "Anjili" (Artocarpus hirsuta). There are houseboats with fully furnished single room, double room and triple rooms.

The hull is a series of wooden planks, long cut and carved, tied together using coir with coconut fibers stuffed in between. The hull which is made of hundreds of fine but heavy-duty planks of jack-wood is held together absolutely by coir knots (not a single nail is used). This framework is then coated with a caustic black resin extracted from boiled cashew kernels. And it lasts for generations. The kettuvallam is motorised and is steered in deep waters by means of oars. Long bamboo poles or 'punts' are used to propel in shadow areas. Bamboo beams sprouting off on the sides are used as foot holds for the same. Bamboo is used for the framework of the roof and splits of bamboo are used for weaving mat for roofing.

Basically the kettuvallam was designed to transport cargo and as such many design changes had to be made to make it a tourist vehicle. The height of the roof was increased to get sufficient headroom. A plank was laid all through the length to reduce the disadvantages of the curved shape of the hull for walking and comfortable seating. Windows and other openings were provided for light, airflow and view. The entrance is provided in the centre of the linear axis with a top hung panel.

Interior of a Kettuvallam

Most of the latest designs have incorporated 3 bedrooms with toilets, a living space and kitchen. There, of course, are variations. Some have a lesser number of bedrooms but with a large living space and maybe a deck balcony at the roof level. Normally, the platforms that cantilever from the hull are used as balconies. Innovative changes have been made to accommodate modern fittings. For fixing the toilet seats, shower tray and ceramic floor finish a concrete slab is laid at the floor level. The soil outlets of the toilet seats are taken through the hull and let out to the flowing water beneath. The use of bio-toilette is common now a days. These toilettes are made of steel cabinets with a network of steel meshes on which beneficial bacteria were grown with the help of a catalyst named actizyme. These bacteria feeds upon human excreta and produces a harmless germ free colourless byproduct. Thus the backwater canals are not polluted. The water for use is stored in a plastic tank kept at the top portion of the main body connecting to the kitchen and toilets. The pipes, tank and other synthetic materials are covered with coir or panambu to maintain the aesthetic quality of the eco-friendly materials. Modern house boats have been designed to meet the Green Palm/Gold Star Certifications by the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, which has recently enacted regulations, stipulating the standards of Kerala houseboats or Kettuvallams.

Fibreglass

Years ago, A. G. Sudhakaran built steel fishing and Kochi's first-ever `junkar' that plied between Fort Kochi and Vypeen. Subsequently, Samudra Shipyard (P) Limited, Aroor, managed by his sons, has given shape to another innovative holiday idea - a traditional kettuvallam made out of fibreglass. This is the first of its kind in India.

Tourism

Kerala was placed among the `50 destinations of a lifetime' by National Geographic Traveler in a special collectors' issue released just before the turn of the millennium.

The Hindu wrote, “A cruise along the mirror-still lagoons, picture-book lakeside, palm-fringed canals and shimmering rivulets of `God's Own Country' is the most enchanting holidaying experience in the country. With a cruise along the palm-fringed waterways turning to be part and parcel of holidayers' itinerary, the traditional kettuvallam has emerged as the mascot of Kerala Tourism.”

More than 900 kettuvallams ply the backwaters and there are various routes which are popular among the tourists.

Alappuzha is the citadel of house boats. There are some 120 of them, well maintained and perfected as luxury liners there. The house boats have all the creature comforts of a good hotel: well-furnished bedrooms, modern hygienic toilets, cosy living rooms, a beautiful kitchen and in some cases even a balcony for angling. The crew of a kettuvallam comprises two oarsmen and a cook. Fresh food, cooked in inimitable Kuttanadan style is the rage of the international tourists.Tourists can opt for a day cruise or an overnight stay in a houseboat. Most tourists prefer to stay overnight in a houseboat as it offers a holistic backwater experience.

Tour operators have been coming out with innovative options. The Kannur District Tourism Council has launched a `Nadi Darshan' (river viewing) programme in association with a private resort at Kattampalli as an initiative to popularise the kettuvallam for tourism promotion and as effort to let people know more about the Valapattanam River, one of the largest rivers in the region and the life stream of the district.

A seafood eatery has been opened in a kettuvallam on Kaloor- Kadvanthra Road. 

Kerala

Kerala is the most popular state in South India. Kerala was founded by merging the numerous Malayam speaking regions in south India on1 November 1956. Spreading across an area of 38,863 km sq Kerala shares its borders with Karnataka in the north, Tamil Nadu in the south and the Lakshadweep in the west. Thiruvananthapuram serves as the capital of the state. Also known as Gods Own Country Kerala is the favorite tourist spot of many Indian and foreign travelers. 
There are 14 districts in Kerala. Based on certain cultural, historical and geographical similarities the districts of Kerala are grouped into; Malabar Region North Kerala), Kochi Region (South Kerala) and Travancore (Central).

Kerala over the years has evolved to become the hottest tourist place in India. Both domestic and foreign travelers flock to this beautiful place known as Gods own country to witness the charms of nature. Kerala Travel and Tourismoffers Kerala travel packages, backwater tours, wildlife tours, hill Station tours, beach tours, heritage tours, houseboat cruises and hotel reservations. Characterized by undulating topography varied cultures, religious diversity, interesting history, ancient medical practices, numerous languages, distinct cuisine and captivating landscapes Kerala has it all. Synonymous with the backwaters Kerala is truly blessed in terms of natural beauty. The vibrant state offers something for everyone.

Previously known as Cochin, Kochi is an important port city in Kerala. Located on the western banks of the Arabian Sea. Kochi (link : http://www.mapsofindia.com/kochi) is the second largest city in the state. Also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea Kochi shares its borders with Karnataka on the East and Tamil Nadu on the South. Engulfed in large expansions of greenery this enthralling city in Kerala has been a major trade center since times immemorial. 

Travelling to Kerala by train is extremely easy. Kerala is connected to the other states and cities in India. Kerala Railway Network consists of almost 200 stations spread throughout the state. Kerala connects extremely well with major cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi and by 13 different railway routes. Traveling by train to Kerala can be said to be the most inexpensive and quick means of transpirations.

Thiruvananthapuram serves as the capital of the Kerala. It is located on the extreme south of the state. Engulfed in natural greenery Thiruvananthapuram happens to be the largest most populous city in Kerala. Also known as the IT hub of the state this city is the most popular tourist places in Kerala Malappuram is a quaint little city situated in the Malappuram District of Kerala. Malappuram serves as eye candy for the wildlife enthusiasts as this city is sprinkled with forests, meandering rivers, cascading hillocks and the evergreen backwaters.

There are various Telecom Circle Offices in Kerala. Access important circle office telephone numbers, customer care telephone numbers and mobile service enquiry numbers. 

Munnar is located in the Idukki district of Kerala. It is by far one of the most important hill stations in south India. Situated on the banks of the Nallathanni Muthirappuzha and Kundaly rivers Munnar rightly gets its name from the Tamil words Munnu meaning Three and Aaru meaning River. Covering an area of 557 km sq this mesmerizing hill resort is one of the major causes behind the successful tourism in Kerala. 

Kollam is the other gem in the crown of Kerala. It is a small city located on the boundaries of the Astamudi Lake. Kollam is also a famous tourist hub in Kerala. It is situated at a distance of 71 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Kollam serves as the southern gateway to the backwaters of Kerala. It is also the fourth largest city in Kerala and is also a major commercial hub of the state. 

Kottayam is an important industrial town in Kerala. It is situated at a distance of 150 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital. This was the first municipality of India to achieve the 100 percent literacy mark. It also became the first Indian state district to ban tobacco. 

Although Kerala is a part of India but Kerala Culture and Festivals are quite unique and different. The major cause for its extraordinary culture is that Kerala has been a place where people from different religious beliefs and cultures have mingled and co existed in harmony since centuries. Even the states geographical location contributes to a large extent to its culture