The spectacular beauty ofKerala's backwaters needs no introduction. This month's lens view takes you to the backwater stretch of the Vembanad, where one can go for a leisurely cruise on a multi deck boat, allowing you enjoy the scenic backwater life. Traditionally, the houseboat was called Kettuvallam, which means a boat made by tying together pieces of wood. Unbelievable as it may sound, not a single nail is used in the making of a Kettuvallam. Jack wood planks are joined together with coir rope and then coated with black resin made from boiled cashew nut shells. The materials that go into the making are all local and Eco friendly bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, coir carpets etc These traditional country boats were used as the mode of transport in the early times from the isolated interior villages to the towns. But these boat services have been laid off with the developments taken place in the transport services in the recent past. Today these giant 80-foot long crafts have been adapted into luxuriously furnished houseboats. A Kettuvallam usually has one or two bath attached rooms, an open lounge, deck, kitchenette and a crew comprising two oarsmen and a cook. Traditional lanterns are used as lights. Your holiday in this tranquil world is the comfortably furnished houseboats. Come, check into a houseboat for a memorable cruise along the backwaters of Kerala.
Alappuzha Backwater
Alappuzha, previously known as Alleppey, in Kerala is surrounded by waterways and canals and is therefore also called the "Venice of the East." Alappuzha is famous for the beautiful backwaters surrounding it. Many Kerala Backwater cruises begin or end in Alappuzha. The backwaters with water birds and flowers and greenery along their banks are a beautiful and refreshing sight. See the serene attractions of Alappuzha on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater. Alappuzha is also known worldwide as a center of the coir industry. Coir is made from the rough outer husk of the coconut. The fibers of the husk are processed and woven to make useful items including packaging material, boards, mats and brushes. Alappuzha is famous for the Snake Boat Races held here every year around the time of the Onam festival. The giant snake boats called Chundanvalloms, race against each other for the prestigious Nehru Trophy. Prime Minster Jawaharlal Nehru donated the trophy after he received an unforgettable reception along the waterways of Alappuzha. Teams of rowers seated on the long Snake Boats with their curving prows battle it out for the honor of winning the Nehru Trophy. Crowds throng the edge of the waterways where the race is held. Many tourists come to Alappuzha to see this exciting event. Alappuzha wears a carnival atmosphere during the boat races held at the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha. You can see the exhilarating snake boat races of Alappuzha on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.
Cochin Backwater
Cochin now known as Kochi is one of the most visited Kerala Backwater destinations. Cochin port is famous for its spices, exported to the west from ancient times to the present day. The Jewish Synagogue, Fort Cochin, The Matancherry Palace built by the Dutch and St Francis Church are popular tourist attractions in Cochin, visited by tourists on Kerala Backwater tours. Kochi also called the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," receives many visitors round the year who travel to Kerala to see its tourist attractions and because Cochin is Kerala's industrial and commercial capital. Many backwater cruises begin or end in Cochin. You're sure to find a Kerala backwater tour that will enchant and refresh you when you stay in Cochin. Enjoy the Kerala backwater tourist attractions of Cochin while stayKing at hotels in Cochin.
