Backwater flotilla - Old transport wind boat

Bakcwater flotilla is a large boat called as Vanchi in Malayalam is a cruise used to transport goods and people for long distance travel in earlier days in Kerala. This cruise reminds the Spanish armada cruises.

Flotilla meaning a group of small naval vessels, using wind panels especially a naval unit containing two or more squadrons and is a group moving together.

The above picture was a sight captured during the 1980's when the transport was at its peak on the backwaters of Kerala. These country boats, accomodates the space for cargo and also would have facilities for sleeping and cooking, during the period of the journey, which in some long distance travels might take several days.

The coir industry was mainly using these flottilla's to transport the finished choir products from Quilon (presently known as Kollam) to Cochin(Kochi).

Kadathuvallom is the local ferry service to cross small rivers in the water logged Midland areas in Kerala.