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The Houseboats of Kerala are converted Kettuvalloms. In the Malayalam language “kettu” means tying and “vallam” means country boat – the two together make the local name “kettuvallam”. In the past,Kettuvaloms were the main method of cargo transportation in the backwaters of Kerala, especially of rice from the highly fertile paddy fields field to the major port of Alappuzha.
The Kettuvalloms were also used for general transport purposes, especially in the Travancore and Kochi regions of Kerala. They were punted across the backwaters to the sea where the goods were offloaded. A trip from the Kuttanad to Cochin port was about three days travel. A traditional boat might carry as much as 30 tons of goods, which is the equivalent of three modern lorries. With the backwater area of Kerala so waterlogged, other forms of transport were both inefficient and difficult.
The Kettuvalloms were also used for general transport purposes, especially in the Travancore and Kochi regions of Kerala. They were punted across the backwaters to the sea where the goods were offloaded. A trip from the Kuttanad to Cochin port was about three days travel. A traditional boat might carry as much as 30 tons of goods, which is the equivalent of three modern lorries. With the backwater area of Kerala so waterlogged, other forms of transport were both inefficient and difficult.
Each houseboat is constructed using the ancient principles and techniques of boat building by the local carpenters.A Kerala houseboat is, on average, 70 feet long and 15 feet wide in the central section. They are made from wooden planks that are stitched together by coconut ropes. Interestingly, not a single nail is used in the making ofkettuvaloms. Most of the houseboats are made from a wood known by the name of Anjili. Palm leaves tied over bamboo poles form the roof of these houseboats. Cashew Nut oil is used as a varnish to ensure a protection for the houseboats.
Houseboats last for generations.The kettuvallam is motorized and is steered in deep waters by means of oars. Long bamboo poles or ‘punts’ are used to propel in shallow areas. Bamboo beams sprouting off on the sides are used as foot holds for the same. Bamboo is used for the framework of the roof and splits of bamboo are used for weaving mat for roofing.
