Kerala Houseboats

Kerala Houseboats (Kettuvallam) in the olden days were used to transport rice and spices from the isolated interior villages along the backwaters to towns like Alleppey, Kollam and Kochin. With the development of the South Indian infrastructure this means of transportation was replaced by its modern successors such as trucks, trains, ferries and planes. The Kettuvallams were not in use for decades until they were transformed into modern moving houses when they gained again popularity as a major tourist attraction. The size of an average houseboat is about 60 to 70 feet (18 to 21 m) long and about 15 feet (4.6 m) wide in the middle. The hull is made of wooden planks held together by ropes of coconut fiber. The roof is made of local, eco-friendly bamboo poles and palm leaves. The exterior of the boat is painted with protective coats of cashew nut oil.

We offer our guests fully furnished, a/c or non-a/c, one to five bedroom houseboats with kitchen, bathroom, rest room, living and dining area, sundeck and balcony. Our professional and friendly three member crew (captain, chef and cabin assistant) will make sure you have the most fascinating journey of your life.

You just need to sit back and enjoy the cruise along the palm-fringed waterways of Kerala sailing by ancient Chinese fishing nets, water lilies, coconut groves, temples and charming villages. Our crew will be happy to guide you throughout the journey and share some interesting facts about the life of Kerala people, their history and culture. The cruise is not only filled with breathtaking view but it’s also a culinary experience. Our chef will prepare delicious Kerala specialties made of locally grown ingredients and along with your meal we serve the famous Kerala tea and tender coconut water just as nature gave it to us. When the night comes, before you sleep look up at the clear sky to see the shining stars and enjoy this world of simple pleasures.