Backwaters

House Boats (Kettuvallam) or Rice Boats are best described as mobile cottages with all modern facilities and offer excellent accommodation for a whole family. Houseboats are traditionally called 'Kettuvallam' which is in reality the converted rice barges of yester years.

Each houseboat is constructed using ancient philosophy of boat building by the local carpenters using anjali wood. Coir ropes are used for tying the wooden boards together. ("kettu" means tying and “vallam” means country boat in Malayalam the local language - hence the local name "kettuvallam). The materials which also go into the making are all local and eco friendly bamboo poles, coconut fibre ropes, bamboo mats, coir carpets etc.

The Backwaters are a unique web of lakes, lagoons, canals and rivers - are an integral part of Kerala's tourism scene. A Journey through the curving and winding backwaters of Kerala is an experience of returning to nature. The houseboats take one on a fascinating cruise at a leisurely and relaxing pace.

The Overnight cruise offers excellent opportunity to see the lifestyles of local people living along the large sections of the backwaters of Kerala There are halts in between to stretch your legs on the shore, visiting the ancient temples, churches, local villages & people, plus try the floating markets, duck rearing or take in a quick bottle of fresh sweet toddy from a local pub.

At night fall, drop anchor at any place that catches your fancy and let the lullaby of the gentle waves put you to sleep. Wake in the morning to the shouts of the fisherman.

There are several variations of this trip, please see example itinerary below.

Itinerary

	Day 1:	Kuttanad Retreat - The trip starts from Alappuzha, glide across the Punnamada lake - the venue of the famous Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race, take in the fascinating life along the banks. Enjoy the panoramic views of paddy fields and the rustic areas covered with gorgeous green, fringed palms. Enter in to the Lake Vembanadu and observe how paddy is cultivated by the help of dykes several feet below the sea level. A relaxing, enjoyable journey where travellers can experience toddy tapping (Coconut Beer), traditional techniques of shellfish gathering, village walks and different species of birds. Visit Chavara Bhavan - the old wooden house where the blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara was born. Night stay on Vattakaayal Lake.
	Day 2:	Enjoy a fantastic breakfast as the cruise continues. Highlights include: Champakkulam Church - St. Mary's Forane Church (AD 427), Kalloorkkadu Market, Champakkulam Village, Handicrafts shop, view the 110 feet long Snake boat. We pass by Ramankari, Nedumudy & Chathurthiakary villages and visit an ancient family house. Night stay at Onnaamkara or Chathurthiakary.
	Day 3:	Breakfast on board as the trip proceeds back to Alappuzha.

Luxuriously appointed with a comfortable living area, a sun deck, dining area and spacious bedroom to ensure you experience God's Own Country in all its glory. Both the a/c and non a/c versions come with an attached bathroom with an eco-friendly method of waste water disposal.

There is also a fully equipped kitchenette on board. Clean, good quality linen, blankets, towels etc. and high quality crockery and glassware are used on the boat. Luxurious twin beds, a table and chair, storage space, and even a mosquito net, are at your disposal.

Onboard you will be accompanied by three expert crew members. The chef onboard will relish you with traditional Kerala cuisine. The mouth watering delicacies of the Kuttanadan area like ducks, karimeen, prawns and other sundry delicacies will tickle your palette like no other. Indeed a feast fit for kings.