How a kettuvallam is built
Jackwood planks, coir rope and no nails: a visit to the yard that repairs our boats.
Monsoon on the backwaters: why June is worth it
Rain on the lake, lower rates and fewer boats. What to expect from June to September.
Most people think of the backwaters as a winter holiday, and from October to February our boats are full. But some of our crew will tell you the lake is at its best in the monsoon.
The rain on Vembanad does not usually last all day. It comes in heavy bursts, often in the afternoon, and then clears to a washed sky and very green fields. The water is higher, the canals are full, and the paddy is being planted. Watching a storm cross the lake from a moored boat, with tea, is something guests write to us about years later.
There are practical advantages too. Our monsoon rates are about 30% lower than winter, there are fewer boats on the water, and you can usually book a week ahead rather than a month.
A few things to know. Decks have roll-down screens, and we close them in heavy rain, so you stay dry but see less. On days of very heavy rain or high wind, the harbour authorities sometimes stop boats from crossing the open lake, and we keep to the sheltered canals instead. If they stop all cruising, we offer a free date change or a full refund. Bring a light jacket and sandals rather than shoes.
