Alleppey & House BoatAlleppey is a small market town, and the centre for Kerala's Coir products. House boats were originally built 40 years ago and are constructed from Anjili wood and coir. With a capacity of 35 tons they were used for transporting a variety of goods, but mainly rice. The rice barge is traditionally pushed through the water by two men using tall Bamboo poles they cover a distance of approximately 20 Kms a day. They are simply furnished and consist of a thatched covered Lounge cum Dining area, a Double Bedroom (with mosquito net) and a Bathroom with a WC and Wash basin. In the evening the boat is lit by hurricane lamps. Thatched awnings on both sides of the boat allow the breeze and views to flow through, there is a service area at the back where the cook prepares simple meals using as many of the fresh provisions as can be plucked, caught or bought on the back waters. A guide also travels with the boat to make life as informative and interesting as you wish. This is a unique opportunity to leisurely explore the beauty and tranquillity of the Kerala backwaters on your own private rice boat; converted with care into a comfortable but simple house boat whilst retaining the local style. The backwaters are a network of lakes, coconut shaded canals and estuaries - tiled and thatched cottages bright with hibiscus dot the embankments. Witness local life with children swimming and playing in the water, women attending to their daily chores and men fishing from their canoes.  A Houseboat |
