Kerala Backwaters Houseboats

The Houseboats of Kerala (once known locally as rice barges or Kettuvallams to give them their local names) are gentle giants of the water measuring up to eighty feet in length traditionally used to transport local goods along the backwaters. Once these majestic craft ruled the rivers and lakes and were simply poled along by one or two men, heavily laden with rice, coconut and other commodities. In more recent times, the Kettuvallams or rice barges have been replaced by more modern modes of transport, relegating them to neglect and decay - at one time they were threatened with extinction there was a plan to provide newer safer craft to the local populace, with an attractive offer of compensation in exchange for the old 'useless' vessels, thankfully enterprising locals identified a new use for these old masters of the water.
 
The Kettuvallams or Rice barges of Kerala are constructed with great skill and meticulousness by tying huge planks of jack wood together without the use of a single nail, the hull is coated with a caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kernels. Today, appropriately called houseboats they have interior furnishing decorated in local style with air conditioned bedrooms, modern toilets, living rooms and even balconies for angling. Sections of the curved roof of wood or plaited palm leaves open out to provide shade and allow an uninterrupted view of the backwater country.

The Kerala houseboats that cruise these emerald waterways are an improvisation on the large country barges which were an essential part of the land's ethos in days gone by.  There used to be an entire clan of artisans who were involved in kettuvallam construction. Today, an innovative holiday idea has restored these majestic representatives of a unique culture and with them their makers.
 
The Kerala House boats are either poled by local oarsmen or powered by engines. All of them have a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook and a guide.  Gliding along the calm and serene backwaters flanked by green palm groves, watching rural Kerela is a unique experience to any visitor.
                                                    
House boats are either poled by local oarsmen or powered by engines. All of them have a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook and a guide.  Gliding along the calm and serene backwaters flanked by green palm groves, watching rural Kerela is a unique experience to any visitor.
                                                    
The houseboats of Kerala have become one of the most sought after tourism products in India.