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HOUSE BOAT
Love & Peace Charitable Trust Holiday Planner
About Boathouse
The Houseboats of Kerala are a new addition to the travel and tourism of
the state's backwaters. These crafts, measuring up to 120 feet in length,
retrieved from the age old cargo vessels of the State. Once they ruled the
backwaters, poled along by one or two men, heavily loaded with rice,
coconut and other commodities. But in the recent times, these big vessels
have been replaced by more and modern modes of transport, relegating
them to neglect and decay. But like the phoenix it again raises to the
attention of the modern world, with a difference – this time the cargo is
comfort and rippling relaxation.
It takes great skill and meticulousness to construct these giant houseboats by
tying huge planks of jack wood together. Curiously enough, not a single nail is
used in their making of a houseboat. There used to be an entire clan of
artisans who were involved in house boat construction. Today, an innovative
holiday idea has restored these majestic representatives of a unique culture
and with them their makers.
The Kerala houseboats that cruise these emerald waterways are an
improvisation on the large country barges, which were an essential part of the
land's ethos in days gone by. Modified to meet a novel concept of holidaying,
the kettuvalloms (houseboats) are comfortably furnished with an open lounge,
one or two bath attached bedrooms and a kitchenette, and are extremely eco
friendly, merging smoothly into the panorama. Every houseboat is manned by
a crew of 3 men, usually a cook, guide and oarsman.
House boating can be the most relaxing experience for any age, size or type
of people. The following are a few suggestions and ideas are the result of
many years of experience, and with an intension to help make your trip more
fun. What works for one person does not necessarily work for another, so you
may find only bits and pieces of this useful to you. Feel free to use your
imagination to expand your experience on a lazy houseboat trip in any way
you can think of. The idea is to have fun, and there are lots of ways to do it.
To go house boating
Houseboats generally have one, two and three bedrooms, which can sleep 1-6
people. Putting a couple per bedroom together is the usual way. Here are
several suggestions for which you might include on your trip. (Don't feel limited
to these, however)
A. Family & Extended Family
Some people have a large enough family that they can fill a boat with family
members, which can be a lot of fun and can create some really meaningful
experiences among siblings and/or cousins. You might just decide to make it
an annual reunion, as many people do. For this type of large number of
passengers, houseboats with five or above rooms are desirable.
B. A Group of Friends
Inviting a group of all single adults (which can be all male or all female), or
adult couples, can be loads of fun. Enjoying the water by day in the cool
tropical climate without the noises of the modern life, this is going to be the
ultimate vacation. For this cruise, we have a mammoth vessel, which can
accommodate 40 people for the cruise.
C. A Group of Co-workers
Inviting your friends from work can build bonds beyond the workplace and
create memories you love to reminisce about when you return to the drudgery
of your job! Think of inviting a group of families, or make it an all male or all
female outing.
D. Two or Three Unrelated Families
Often great friends make a tradition out of an annual house boating trip
together. Their children have lasting memories, and the adults have fun, too.
There are no limits, to which you might invite, and many times your friends
might bring their friends and new friendships are formed!
