ayuryogashram

Kerala House Boats & Backwaters

Kerala the house of gods is home also to backwaters and lagoons criss-crossing the length and breadth of the state. A boat cruise along the palm-fringed backwaters of Kerala in a luxury houseboat or ‘Kettuvallam’ (also spelled as ‘Kettuvallom’) is the most enchanting holiday experience not to be missed in India today.

Houseboats or ‘Kettuvallams’ are huge, slow moving, exotic barges specially designed for pleasure tours. In the past, Kettuvallam were used to transport cargo like grains and spices to the Cochin port. A Kettuvallam is made of hundreds of beautifully polished heavy-duty planks of jack-wood held together by coir knots (not a single nail is used). ‘Kettu’ means knot, and ‘vallam’ means boat. This entire framework is then coated with a caustic black resin extracted from boiled cashew kernels which lasts for many generations. A Kettuvallam is an architectural wonder.

Kettuvallam cruises are relaxing and invigorating. A slow cruise in one of the luxury packed houseboat is sure to set the right tone for experiencing the feel and culture of south India. As part of your stay in Ayuryogashram, we arrange customized trips in these houseboats to suit your requirements.

The modern day Kettuvallam are maintained and perfected as luxury liners. They are modified and comfortably furnished with an open lounge, one to two bath attached bedrooms and a kitchenette. They are constructed and maintained as eco friendly, and manned by a crew of three or more men (a cook, the captain, and an oarsman).

The mouth watering traditional Kerala-style seafood cooked on-board the well-equipped kitchen is served in authentic Kerala style. Freshly caught angled fishes add special charm to the entire experience. Food is prepared under high standards of hygiene and professional competency by specially trained expert traditional cooks. Discuss on the colorful culture and mouthwatering delicacies of Kerala with your English-speaking crew.

Floating on this Kettuvallam you'll pass ancient Chinese fishing nets, water lilies, lush paddy fields, coir villages, rustic homes, temples and coconut groves. Irrespective of your age, health or temperance a cruise along the backwaters of Kerala is an experience you will enjoy and cherish forever. Time stands still when you are floating down the placid waters of the waterways appreciating the simple life styles of the villagers on either side of the lagoons. Wake up to the chirping of birds and enjoy the fascinating glimpses of beautiful countryside. Travel to the enchanting backwater destinations of Kumarakom, Allaphuzha, Vembanad, Kuttanad and Cochin and get enchanted with their scenic charm.

Enjoy your stay in Ayuryogashram and build a lifetime of memories of your blissful journey in Kerala backwaters.