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Description:
From
the air, they look like a web of tiny silver threads spinning across the
patchwork quilt of the Kerala coast. Canals, sometimes as narrow as an
arm-span, sometimes broadening out into vast, misty lakes. Straight as
an arrow, or curling gracefully through scented forests of coconut,
pepper and cinnamon.
These are the backwaters of Kerala. And their life's blood are the boats
that ply here, used for housing, transport, commuting, commerce and in
recent times, pleasure.
The queen among these is the 'Kettuvallom', the traditional rice barge,
with its sturdy build and stately carriage.
Today, the Kettuvallom offers the visitor to Kerala an entirely new kind
of experience. Combining holidaying, pleasure boating and ecological
living in an exhilarating way.
Spice Coast cruises feature single and two-bedroom houseboats, complete
with kitchens, bathrooms and your own personal
cooks-cum-attendants-cum-boatmen.
The boat hulls are made from seasoned 'Anjili' (Jackfruit) logs, that
have a natural gentle curvature. Keels are flat, because the rivers here
can get mighty shallow at times, and also to allow the boat to be easily
punted. (They come with a quiet outboard motor too, so the boatman can
get some rest) |
Puthenangadi Jetty, Kottayam
