In India, houseboats are common on the backwaters of Kerala, and on the Dal Lake near Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir.

Houseboats were originally used for transporting people as well as goods such as rice and spices across the Kerala backwaters. It played a significant role in the rural life at those times but later on lost its importance with the advent of motorized boats and other improved transportation methods.

However, houseboats came back soon as a lure for tourists with its inbuilt accommodation facilities and its capability to traverse the backwaters gracefully and at a leisurely pace. And now they are popular as ever.

‘Kettuvalloms’, as it is known in the native language of Kerala, are erected by tying up wooden planks and other components together using coir ropes, just as its name in the native language indicates (‘Kettu’ means ‘Tie’ and ‘vallom’ means ‘boat’).

In other words, houseboats are entirely made of natural materials such as wooden boards, bamboo poles and palm leaves and are held together only by ropes without the use of even a single nail! This is perhaps a unique feature that you may not get to see in any other houseboat in the world. Obviously, the houseboats require a lot of skill and craftsmanship to build.

Backwater cruises in houseboats is now a favourite activity in Kerala and attracts a lot of tourists from around the world. They are strong, perfected for luxury and offer great view of the scenery around. It forms the identity of Kerala and is a synonym for comfort and luxury.

Houseboats were originally used for transporting people as well as goods such as rice and spices across the Kerala backwaters. It played a significant role in the rural life at those times but later on lost its importance with the advent of motorized boats and other improved transportation methods.

However, houseboats came back soon as a lure for tourists with its inbuilt accommodation facilities and its capability to traverse the backwaters gracefully and at a leisurely pace. And now they are popular as ever.

‘Kettuvalloms’, as it is known in the native language of Kerala, are erected by tying up wooden planks and other components together using coir ropes, just as its name in the native language indicates (‘Kettu’ means ‘Tie’ and ‘vallom’ means ‘boat’).

In other words, houseboats are entirely made of natural materials such as wooden boards, bamboo poles and palm leaves and are held together only by ropes without the use of even a single nail! This is perhaps a unique feature that you may not get to see in any other houseboat in the world. Obviously, the houseboats require a lot of skill and craftsmanship to build.

Backwater cruises in houseboats is now a favourite activity in Kerala and attracts a lot of tourists from around the world. They are strong, perfected for luxury and offer great view of the scenery around. It forms the identity of Kerala and is a synonym for comfort and luxury.