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Kerala backwaters and
lagoons are extremely famous for their serene
beauty and calm environment. An ideal method
to soak the sights and sounds of these backwaters
are to cruise along it in houseboats. The
houseboat is often synonymous with the backwaters
of the state. Traditionally the houseboats
used to be called kettuvalloms and were
used to transfer food and grains from one
part to the other. Later when better means
of transport were discovered, these kettuvalloms
ceased to be used for its original purpose
but were improved and developed into houseboats
for the benefit of the tourists.
The important backwaters in the state are
found predominantly in the four districts
of Kerala namely Kollam, Alleppey (alappuzha),
Kottayam and Kochi. Vembanad and Ashtamudi
lakes offer a lot of rides in houseboats.
. Houseboats of various budgets can be rented
out. There are luxury houseboats which can
give any five star hotels a run for their
money. These hotels have a crew which usually
consists of a captain a cook and oarsmen.
The cooks are trained and experienced and
specialized in the typical Kerala cuisine.
Fish is picked up during the journey and
made in the most authentic manner in the
kitchenette provided. Vegetables and other
products used in cooking is bought from
the local village that it travels through
so as to improve the village economy.
The modern day Kettuvallom or houseboats
are designed and decorated very tastefully.
The big houseboats usually have a long corridor
from which one or two or sometimes even
three rooms with attached bathrooms open
into. There is a kind of lounge or verandah
which is relatively open and the beauty
of the journey can be enjoyed. The houseboats
have huge windows and often the beds are
at the same height of the windows so that
the view is visible even while lying down.
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