Referred to in Kerala as Kettuvallams, houseboats were first built in Southwestern India in around 3,000 B.C.E. and were used for the transportation of merchandise such as rice and spices as well as passengers. With an average length of 100 ft, the immense scale of the boats allowed them to transport impressive quantities of goods, equal to three times that which can be carried by a modern cargo truck. For centuries these boats navigated the backwater canals, yet as time passed and technology advanced, traders began to prefer efficiency and speed over the elegant charm of the Kettuvallam, and the boats was ultimately overtaken by trains and motor-vehicles.

In more recent years increased tourism has resulted in the assembly of many ancient style Kettuvallams, and new versions of these venerable cargo ships have been built following the same traditional techniques. Incredibly, not a single nail is used to construct the body of the boat. Instead the hull is formed from long wooden planks fastened together using coir rope with coconut fibers fitted in between, and is ultimately coated with a black resin made from boiled cashew nut shells. Many Kettuvallams also continue to be maneuvered with the use of man-operated bamboo poles, preserving the blue-green waters of Kerala’s lengthy canals.

Although much of the concept remains the same, certain changes to the shape and design have been made to adapt the boats to their new function. Modern vessels are complete with up to date fixtures and appliances to allow for optimum comfort. As in the original Kettuvallam designs, the upper portion of the ships are woven of natural materials like panambu, bamboo and coir, and fashioned into vaulted formations resulting in high ceilings and spacious interiors. Furnishings are made with similar natural materials to inspire a tranquil environment. Most Kerala houseboat experiences are complete with an on board chef to add a culinary element to this scenic adventure. With the numerous lagoons, lakes, canals and rivers that compose the 900 km web of backwater waterways that cut through Kerala.