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[BennyRoyce]

Houseboat in Kerala on Kumarakom lake is called the Kettuvallams (Kerala houseboats) in the backwaters are one of the prominent tourist attractions in Kerala. More than 400 Kettuvallams ply the backwaters, 120 of them in Alappuzha. The Kettuvallams were traditionally used as grain barges, to transport the rice harvested in the fertile fields alongside the backwaters. Thatched roof covers over wooden hulls, 100 feet (30 m) in length, provided protection from the elements. At some point of time the boats were used as living quarters by the royalty. Converted to accommodate tourists, the houseboats have become floating cottages having a sleeping area, with western-style toilets, a dining area and a sit out on the deck. Most tourists spend the night on a house boat. Food is cooked on board by the accompanying staff – mostly having a flavor of Kerala. The houseboats are of various patterns and can be hired as per the size of the family or visiting group. The living-cum-dining room is usually open on at least three sides providing a grand view of the surroundings, including other boats, throughout the day when it is on the move. It is brought to a standstill at times of taking food and at night. After sunset, the boat crew provides burning coils to drive away mosquitoes. Kettuvallams are motorized but generally proceed at a slow speed for smooth travel. All Kettuvallams have a generator and most bedrooms are air-conditioned. At times, as per demand of customers, electricity is switched off and lanterns are provided to create a rural setting.

A launch wades through water hyacinth in an Alappuzha canal. While many Kettuvallams take tourists from a particular point and bring them back to around the same point next morning there are some specific cruises mostly in the Alappuzha area, such as the one night cruise from Alappuzha to Thotapally via Punnamada Lake, two nights cruise from Alappuzha to Alumkavadi, one night cruise from Alappuzha to Kidangara, and one night cruise from Alappuzha to Mankotta. There are numerous such cruises.

[stavrizatz]

Sorry BennyRoyce, where exactly is Kettuvallam.

Welcome by the way

[animon09]

Hi ..Marari beach resort is one of beautiful place in kerala. Natural beauty, clean air and primordial greenery amidst the vast expanse of water and sky, typifies the state of Kerala – better known as God's own country.

Marari beach resort The enigmatic strip of land is replete with endless miles of placid backwater that adds to its marine beauty. The slopes of the Western Ghats are a perfect rundown of rare flora and fauna and the fragrance of its coffee blossoms waft in the air round the year.

If the strain of urban life has your nerves jangling, Kerala's popular Ayurvedic centres will help you unwind and drain the tension out of you.

The state's rich cultural past finds expression in dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniattam, while Kalaripayattu the traditional martial art form of Kerala has been practised for ages.

[animon09]

animon09 wrote: Hi ..Marari beach resort is one of beautiful place in kerala. Natural beauty, clean air and primordial greenery amidst the vast expanse of water and sky, typifies the state of Kerala – better known as God's own country.

Marari beach resort The enigmatic strip of land is replete with endless miles of placid backwater that adds to its marine beauty. The slopes of the Western Ghats are a perfect rundown of rare flora and fauna and the fragrance of its coffee blossoms waft in the air round the year.

If the strain of urban life has your nerves jangling, Kerala's popular Ayurvedic centres will help you unwind and drain the tension out of you.

The state's rich cultural past finds expression in dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniattam, while Kalaripayattu the traditional martial art form of Kerala has been practised for ages...malayalam love letters