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This fleet of 9 traditional houseboats, called “kettuvallams”, are designed to complement the tranquil passage on the picturesque backwaters. They are built with wood harvested from local jackfruit tree plantations, hand-stitched by local craftsmen with coconut fibre rope (coir) and strengthened with fish oil—a tradition pre-dating industrial engineering techniques but proving stronger than modern alternatives. Xandari are committed to keeping this knowledge and traditions alive.
Each houseboat is furnished comfortably and attractively while hewing close to tradition. The boats have one, two or three air-conditioned bedrooms. All have an open-air living area and a fully- equipped kitchen. From the viewing deck, or through your bedroom’s picture window, and on a canoe through the backwater heartland, you will see simplicity in action, and the result is immediate: slow down, de-stress, rejuvenate.
Meals are an essential part of the Xandari Riverscapes experience. With your backwater excursion beginning at noon, sit down to a delectable lunch of classic Kerala cuisine cooked on board. Dinner comes calling under starlit skies on clear nights, at the spot where your boat rests to watch the day close out. Rise to the sight of sun rays dancing into your bedrooms, and watch the day unfold as the boat sails past a day in the life of the backwater country.
Can’t find a suitable itinerary that features a destination, experience or accommodation you fancy? All our group tours and holiday ideas can be personalised, or we can create a tailor made itinerary for you.
Opulent: Exceptional, unashamedly the best of sheer luxury. (£££££)
Luxury: Outstanding levels of 5* comfort, hospitality and facilities. (££££)
Premium: Excellent levels of comfort and hospitality and a wide range of facilities. (£££)
Mid-Range: Good levels of comfort and hospitality, with a reasonable range of facilities. (££)
Simple: Clean and simple, no frills. Often in areas of natural beauty or near wildlife reserves. (£)
