Coco Punting Boats

The start of Journey via the slow moving Kettuvallam / Houseboats splitting the serene backwaters flanked by greenery provides the tourist with an enchanting experience to the Kerala countryside. Boating in these backwaters within a country craft or Kettuvallam / Houseboats and exploring the unusual landscape of Kerala through the intricate maze of canals conjures up a surreal existence devoid of time sense

The swift movement of the punts, dropping down and then slowly rising skyward, glistening in the day's brilliant light is a methodological procedure before again plunging downward to pierce the serene waters. This hypnotic poling process propels you and your floating home farther into the sublime world of the Kerala backwaters.

Situated between the vast network of palm-fringed rivers, lakes and lagoons in southwest India rests the island of Kerala bordered by the Arabian Sea shore. The Sea shore covers almost 1,200 miles of the shoreline. Unlike the exposed coastline, these backwaters were left unscathed by the recent tsunami. Kerala's coast survives calamities at a bare minimum compared to India's east coast, which faces the wrath of the Indian Ocean head on. However, due to headlines of the recent tsunami in Indonesia, Kerala, an acclaimed tourist destination for travelers in India, is to date suffering from lack of tourists.

Houseboats boats are made from jackwood which during ancient times were used for transportation of tons of rice and spices through the myriad of Kerala backwaters which have now been have been converted into exotic Kettuvallam’s. During the ancient days braided palm leaves, aracanut trees and coconut-husk mats marvelously coalesce to form the unique living quarters, with cozy bedrooms and modern day toilets. Today it is not so, this is been well equipped with a superb living style to best accommodate the tourist during his vacation stay in this exquisite ‘Gods Own Country’

A houseboat during ancient times is a wooden long boat that has rooms for sleeping as well as a kitchen and an area to sit while a man rows the boat using a long pole. During the trip the boatman can float by many villages and watch fishermen doing fishing, some stooped along side the river during this process. You also can venture to follow the same routine as also take a look around, see water snakes snacking on fish, local people shopping (both selling and purchasing) vide boats etc.,. The sunset is naturally brilliant and appears to set neatly amidst the palm trees along the shore. During this perfect time you can watch the proceedings around, watch the sunset or play card games enjoying different games with local backwater people

The lighting within the boat is well set to match the environment during the trip across scenic locations. In some Kettuvallam’s / Houseboats, power is supplied by discreet solar panels hidden in the roof. In shallow waters the boat which is almost 50 feet long, is propelled from the bow and stern by the boatmen using punting poles. This is a process that is followed as a routine as these boats require a depth of at least above 10 ft for the motor to function effectively (an outboard motor is used sometimes in deep waters on longer cruises).

With two "punters", a driver and a superb cook on board, your task is to simply sink into the comfy confines and let traditional rural Keralite life pass you by. You can glimpse vibrantly clothed women wandering waist-deep in verdant rice paddies, while others seemingly dance beneath the palms in the midst of their washing at the water's edge. Strolling during the night you can see an elderly fisherman's canoe silently streaming past in the moonlight is a wonderfully surreal experience.

Kerala's backwaters also receive the most incredible rain (monsoon - June & July) , strong winds, lightning storms that you have ever experienced. This utter excitement lingers in your mind reminding you of that nature's fury aren’t always devastating and deadly. Sometimes it can be pure magic and is exquisite.

There are no fixed itineraries for Kettuvallam’s / Houseboats cruises. These houseboats are mainly based at Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kuttanad ,Kottayam from where one can desires to board the boat for stay / cruise for one, two or more nights for period chosen.

Travel between Alleppey and Kollam, or Alleppey and Kochi, by houseboat is over 24 hours but lesser when on larger boats that have an outboard motor. Punting houseboats are environmentally friendly, as also peaceful. Those that are propelled by punting with two long bamboo poles obviously don't allow you to cover as much distance, but is calm and a wonderfully relaxing way to travel. The traveler can choose from one [1] room houseboats, [2] two room houseboats, [3] Three room houseboats or [4] four bedroom Houseboats with or without Air Conditioning. A ride on a Kettuvallom’s (Houseboat) is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters, but only small boats can provide you with punting by the crews

The slow travel pace is very relaxing, and everyone is flexible when you get off the boat to explore. The olden days houseboats / kettuvallam’s did not have electricity, and at this time lanterns were used to provide a soft, gentle light, not every boat have now-a-days.

A private Kettuvallam / Houseboats can be booked for a magical journey through the backwaters. The boats used are very comfortable with private bedrooms and bathroom facilities. The crew will ‘punt’ the rice boat through the narrow waterways en-route to Alappuzha. This is the time for total relaxation, to appreciate the enchanting scenery and watch daily life along the backwaters. Your trip passes through exquisite areas of palm trees, rice paddies and lakes. All your meals whilst onboard will be prepared by the crew using fresh local produce. You can have the unique experience to spend the night on the serene backwaters.

The smaller Kettuvallam / Houseboats are propelled by boatmen using punting poles while the larger boats have outboard motors. Luxury boats come equipped with air-conditioned rooms, large dining and living rooms and sun decks.

Choose your stay - Punting houseboats or mechanized houseboat during your holidays in the backwater.