Kettuvallams of Alleppey, Kerala (Travelogue)

" Boats sail on the rivers, 
 And ships sail on the seas; 

       But clouds that sail across the sky 

        Are prettier far than these."

                                                     Christina Georgina Rossetti

Nearly every poet has written a poem about boats and streams and I always wondered why it captured a moment of spell in them- until I took the boat ride on the backwaters of Alleppey.

Kettuvallam on the backwaters

The kettuvallams (Kerala houseboats) in the backwaters of Alleppey are one of the most prominent and exciting tourist attractions of Kerala. More than 2000 kettuvallams ply in these backwaters and this place is rightly called "The Venice of the East".

View of a house boat on the lagoon

In a water bound land of Kerala it must be the most common sight for the locals of this region, but for a visitor to cruise in a houseboat,which glides along the vast expanse of the brackish lagoons for a full day and night; is one of the most amazing spectacle to be experienced.

A bridge across the canal connecting the backwaters

Even more enchanting is when its a complete holiday package delivered in these Kettuvallams-which are equipped with all the necessary facilities, caters to all needs such as delicious food and tidy rooms and provide the most exotic kaleidoscopic scenery changing right before our eyes (as three sides of these boats are open).

Cup of chai with the misty morning as a backdrop

The breath taking views of the land and the habitats on either sides, the water birds and the soft ripples of waters all around-this journey on waters is sure to make even a layman pen down a few poetry.