The Houseboat

The heart and soul of the boats that ply the Backwaters of Kerala, is the "Kettuvallom", the traditional rice barge, with its sturdy build and stately carriage. The Kettuvallom offers those who wish to truly experience the backwaters, a combination of complete relaxation, languid sightseeing, and ecological living. The houseboats are single or two-bedroom, complete with kitchens, bathrooms and your own personal cooks-cum-attendants-cum-boatmen. The boat's hulls are made from seasoned Jackfruit logs, that have a natural gentle curvature, while the keels are flat to accommodate the shallow rivers. The decks are laden with coir matting, and the distinctive canopy uses split bamboo, lashed together with coir and covered with palm fronds.