Photo Gallery

This boat is a traditional vessel often referred to as a ‘Kettu Vallam’. Historically, these boats served as the ‘freight carriers’ of the backwaters, transporting goods such as rice, coconuts and sand before the advent of proper roads and railways. A characteristic feature is the sail, which is often made from simple materials such as grain sacks. The banks are densely covered with coconut palms, which is typical of this region near Thrikkunnapuzha, a picturesque coastal town in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. – 1990

The traditional boats of Kerala’s backwaters were historically used as ‘waterway lorries’ to transport goods such as rice, spices and sand. This is a Kettu Vallam from the Thrikkunnapuzha region. The boats are often characterised by hand-woven roofs made of coconut fibre and bamboo, as well as distinctive sails. – 1990

The traditional boats of Kerala’s backwaters were historically used as ‘waterway lorries’ to transport goods such as rice, spices and sand. This is a Kettu Vallam from the Thrikkunnapuzha region. The boats are often characterised by hand-woven roofs made of coconut fibre and bamboo, as well as distinctive sails. – 1990