P1020505

Houseboat Heaven in Kerala's Backwaters

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April 22nd 2017
Kettuvallum is the name given to houseboats used in the Kerala backwaters. With Kettu meaning 'to tie' and Vallum meaning 'boat' these are literally tied together boats. Made from Anjili wood (Jack fruit tree) the planks are tied together using coir ropes made from coconut fibre. Historically used to transport goods between the port of Cochin and Kuttanad, these 100 foot long boats could carry up ... read more

Asia » India » Kerala » Alleppey

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The Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the world, dates back at least 5,000 years. Aryan tribes from the northwest invaded about 1500 B.C.; their merger with the earlier Dravidian inhabitants created the classical Indian culture. Arab in... ... read more