House Boats
These house boats are converted 'Kettuvallams', which were traditional cargo boats used for transporting, say 30 tons of rice and vegetables. These 85-90ft houseboats come with kitchen, well-furnished bedrooms, attached western bathroom with running water. Living and dining area is supplemented by a sunbathe-deck. Kettuvallam will be supported by a cook , driver and an assistant/guide.

The traditional cargoboats were known as "KETTUVALLOM" - KETTU means to tie, VALLOM - means boat in local parlance. So literally translated means boat which are made by planks tied together. Mastercraftsmen with tremendous knowledge and experience make the kettuvallams without any scale or drawing as its in any other engineering or architectural style.

Itinerary and wayside attractions:
The House boats will be cruising through the backwaters of Kuttanad -the rice bowl of Kerala and Alleppey (Alappuzha) in Kerala. The cruise will go along vast paddy fields, Chinese fishing nets, coconut grooves, and local villages(with traditional -Naalukettu- houses) to provide a glimpse of local culture and activities.

Probably this is one of the few areas in the world where farming is done 1-2 metres below sea-level. Inland waterways which flow above the land level are an amazing feature of this region. You can also enjoy small walk along villages, visit local temples and churches, see local farmers tapping toddy (local coconut beer) and coir making units.

In the evening, Kettuvallam will be anchored in scenic locations were you can watch sunset and sunrise.

Travel writers:
Travel writer Anthony Weller says about one of his experiences from a backwater cruise: 'It is astonishingly romantic to watch the sunset from one Kettuvallam among several, while the three boatmen hang lanterns and a pearly glow fades behind the scrim of palms. Dinner is an abundant 11 platters of keralan cuisine, built around subtly spiced fresh fish. As the coconut islands darken, the shimmering water doubles the infinite tree of stars. Waking at dawn we find ourselves surrounded by hundreds of fishermen's skiffs on immense Vembanad Lake. It's like time travel into a quiet morning of another century'.

What our guests say:
Cecile Desille, France: ‘Pure Magic'

Anne Julie, France: ‘It was a magical experience'

Julie Greenberg, USA: ‘We had the privelege to see a thunderstorm while in your boat, it was so romantic to see the rain from the boat'

Salam Albana, France: Such a work of art! It was a great experience to float along the vast backwaters and then cruising through narrow canals.

Raghupato Rai, UK: Wish we could take your cook with us back to London

Karolene: The best was the combination of beach resort and houseboat in two days

Divya Prabhakaran, India: Never had such an experience. Perfect honey moon trip. Though born in Kerala, this was the first time we ever ventured into the marvellous backwaters.

Extension Trips:
Centrally located between South and North Kerala, the Back waters of Alleppey offers wonderful opportunities to explore rest of Kerala and Tamilnadu. Once can travel towards Munnar, Thekkady, Varkala, Kovalam, Cochin, River Nila, Athirampally, Calicut and Wayanad.

Contact our reservation for more details:

Packages along the Backwaters:
3 nights 4 days
One night in House Boat
One night in Backwater resort
One night Beach Resort

2 nights 3 days
One night in House Boat
One night in Backwater resort

2 Nights 3 days
One night in House boat
One night in Beach resort

2 Nights 3 days
One night in Backwater resort
One night in the Beach resort
 

Contact Us:

For reservations:
The Blue Yonder
#7,1st Floor,7th Main
Indiranagar 2nd Stage
Bangalore - 560038
T +91.80.32906620 / 41481369 / 41152218
F +1(USA).309.285.0535
M +91.9886053286
Email
www.theblueyonder.com