Houseboats in Allapey, Kerela! I had been to Kerela before and spent almost four hours on a smaller houseboat(more like a boat),drifting leisurely and soaking in all that “God’s Own Country” had to offer, the rustic village life and the greenery on either side of the backwaters. The water itself had a story of its own and each time the boatmen moved their oars,a myriad of life would open up our almost sleepy selves. That was an experience of its own. But a night on a big houseboat was something I had secretly prayed and hoped for.
When my son’s short holidays started, a good excuse was to go to Kerela(again!!). So we planned a trip to Munnar, Thekaddy and Allapey.When we arrived Allapey,it had been raining,and water from the backwaters had flooded the road in some areas. However, by the time we reached the bay area it had stopped so we could easily walk up to our houseboat. We were warmly greeted by their staff with welcome drinks. There were nine bedrooms on the houseboat but a few rooms would be empty we were told. There was a living area both on the ground and upper decks, kitchen and a dining area. The houseboat was spick and span, door handles polished, that we could see our faces.The staff were particular that cleanliness and discipline were maintained through out the trip.The ride started sharp at 1.30 pm.A much needed relaxation,after a hectic tour of Munnar and Thekaddy.
Our Bedroom
The bedrooms and the bathrooms were very clean and the best part was we could just lie on bed and observe nature as we passed through a palette of colours.
Dining Area
Shades Of Blue
Golden Paddy Fields as we saw from the houseboat
Lunch was at 2.00 pm where we got to taste an authentic Mallyali cuisine, a vegetarian platter. At 3.00 pm the houseboat was docked, so that the boatsman and staff could have their lunch.
Bananas,a variety commonly found in Kerela(Picture taken when boat was docked,tree near our window)
Buying Fresh Pomfret
The manager of the boat told we could buy fresh fish when the fishermen pass by and which the cook would prepare for us at dinner time. We bought fresh Pomfret and King pawns which were cooked for us and which we relished at dinner.And delectable it was. At 5.00 pm the boat was docked at a small town of Ambalapuzza. We were told that till the next morning we would stay in this little town and that if we wanted we could move out and visit the tourist sites or go shopping.While the rest of our co passengers decided to stay close by, we decided to be adventurous and visit the town. We visited an ancient Krishna temple that is believed to have been built during 15th – 17th AD by the local ruler Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran.This temple is directly associated with the famed Guruvayoor Sri Krishna Temple.
Houseboats in Kerela are called “Kettuvallum”.With Kettu meaning ‘to tie’ and Vallum meaning ‘boat’ . Made from Anjili wood (Jack fruit tree) the planks are tied together using coir ropes made from coconut fibre. Historically these boats were used to transport goods like rice, fruits, spices etc. But with passage of time and with modernization of transportation, the house boat business suffered a setback. Railways and other modes of transportation proved quicker and probably cheaper than the houseboats. It was then decided to utilize these almost defunct houseboats for tourism. It was like stricking gold. Kerela, is known for these houseboat cruises and is on the bucket list of most tourists especially foreigners.
As darkness descended, we all decided to spend our time chatting and listening to music till late into the night.We woke up next morning to the sound of the rain drops dashing against our windows and the boat rocking gently from side to side, an experience again to remember.
After breakfast the boat moved gently back to where our house boat began its journey, the bay area in Allapey.And as all good things come to an end a time of leisure, relaxation and a calm nerve soothing journey came to a close.And it was time to get back to the hustle and bustle of city life, never ending chores and breaking deadlines. Till next time!
