House Boat

Kerala is renowned for its backwater tourism, a visit to Kerala isn’t truly finished without exploring its backwater tourism. If you think Alleppey and Kumarakom are your only options, think again! With 44 winding rivers, the backwaters of Kerala attract visitors from around the world.

Currently, houseboats are huge, slow-moving exotic barges used for leisure trips, a reworked version of the Kettuvallams. Originally, traders used these vessels to transport rice and spices across the Kerala coast.  A standard Kettuvallam is capable of carrying up to 30 tons of goods.

In Malayalam language Kettu refers to ‘dwelling structures’ whereas ‘Vallam’ means boat. It consists of a wooden hull with a thatched roof. Construct it from planks of jack-wood joined together with coir. Then it is coated with a caustic black resin that is made from boiled cashew kernels. It is possible to maintain a Kettuvallam for generations with careful care.

The crew covered a portion of the Kettuvallam with bamboo and coir to serve as a kitchen and restroom. Onboard, we cooked meals and supplemented them with fresh fish caught in the backwaters.

A new way of keeping these boats on the market, most of which were over 100 years old, became necessary when trucks replaced this method of transport. These boats soared from near extinction to enjoy their present popularity by constructing special rooms to accommodate travelers.

Explore the exciting Kerala houseboat packages

For those seeking an authentic Kerala houseboat experience, Grace Travel Mart stands out as a premier destination management company in India, offering the finest Kerala houseboat packages. These packages provide a perfect blend of tradition and modern comfort, allowing travelers to explore the serene backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom. With a focus on personalized service and attention to detail, Grace Travel Mart ensures a memorable journey through the picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Kerala.