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The Kettuvallam (House Boat
Tourism) is a large floating structure with high loading carrying capacity
was a part of Kerala's culture and heritage over the past years. Kettuvallam
could sail harnessing wild energy. A journey through the lagoon is
interesting, passing through sleepy villages, busy boat jetties and vibrant
celebrations. The boat glides across the shimmering blue waters with
gorgeous green and fringed edges.
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For centuries Kettuvallam have been roaming in the backwaters transporting
men and materials to different destinations. Due to its sheer size and
shape, Kettuvallam can carry load, which is more than thrice that of a cargo
truck. It was the important mode of transportation in coastal Kerala just
because of its accessibility to the most remote areas.
As time passed the scene changed gradually. Motorized road, rail and air
transportation scored over the slow and staid country boat, with people
opting for speed over charm.
With Kerala becoming an increasing popular destination for tourists
Kettuvallam have been given a new lease of life. A cruise in the backwaters
of Kerala is a remarkable experience, an opportunity to enjoy and contain an
unhurried pace of life. Floating along on cool tranquil water one can
experience at hand the unusual representation of Kerala life. Nowadays
environment friendliness has become the yardstick gauging the efficiency of
transportation. Kettuvallam is not only economical but also non-polluting
and environment friendly. It thus became imperative that this mode of
transportation be developed further and encouraged. |
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The tourist demand for an experience to get a feel of the Kerala shores
brought the Kettuvallam back to the waters. They were attracted by the
simplicity and the originality of the form. The tourist loved the slow and
leisurely movement more than the monotonous motion of the mechanized ones.
These were non-luxurious, non-mechanized simple traditional boats.
Basic Structure Back to Top
The hull is a series of wooden planks, long cut and carved by the expert
hands of the carpenter, tied together using coir with coconut fibers stuffed
in between. Kettuvallam is steered by two persons in deep waters by means of
oars. Long bamboo poles or 'punts' are used to propel in shadow areas.
Bamboo beams sprouting off on the sides are used as foot holds for the same
a senior oarsman and a helper control the Kettuvallam by singing songs and
chants for inspiration. A box of sand, a few bricks in interior facilitate
cooking on lower racks, with storage on the upper ones. Food and necessary
items are stored in shelves sleeping quarter is on the uppermost racks,
which have the best ventilation and accessibility. The interior space can
also be used for the same when there is no cargo. Fresh water is stored in
earthenware pots.
Basically Kettuvallam was designed to transport cargo to various
destinations in Kerala. When it was used for tourist purpose, there new
problem cropped up like - No free movement was possible because the floor
area of the hull was very less. The space below the hull was more compared
to the space above. There were no openings, which provided enough of light,
air or view towards outside. The tourist felt it difficult to walk through
the length because the curved shape of the hull with Manikals coming across.
The roof was made of thatch, which was not properly done so during rain
leakage was likely. Due to the low head clearance of the Valapura it was
only possible to sit on the padi of the hull. Since the Valapura was low,
the airflow through the Vallam minimum. The hull is curved and for the
beginners it was very difficult to balance when the vallam was in motion.
The body
Due to these difficulties it become necessary to make some changes in the
form so that a comfortable cruise was possible. The body was redesigned and
remodeled to adapt for the new demands and functions. Certain elements had
to be added and others removed to make it good enough for comfortable
cruise. Height of roof was increased to get sufficient headroom. A plank was
laid all through the length to reduce the disadvantages of curved shape of
the hull for walking and comfortable seating. Windows and other openings
were provided for light, airflow and view. The entrance is provided in the
center of the linear axis with a top hung panel, which was supported by
poles on either ends of the Valapura.
Roofing
Bamboo is used for the framework of the roof and splits of Bamboo are used
for weaving mat for roofing. Bamboo poles are used for punting the Vallams.
It is strong fiber and absorbs more carbon. The Kettuvallam has been so much
a part of Kerala's culture and heritage for years. Although it faced a
period of decline with the advent of surface transport it has now come back
to the scene as tourist attraction, it is a space adapted for the present,
from the past to be used in the future and it plays a significant role in
the social and economic aspects of the life e of the people of Kerala. The
slow moving Kettuvallam splitting the serene backwaters flanked by greenery
provide an enchanting experience to any visitor. Floating in these
backwaters in a country craft Kettuvallam or House boat tourism to explore
the unusual representation of Kerala through the intricate maze of canals
conjures up a surreal existence devoid of any time sense.
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