Houseboats
Kerala's palm fringed backwaters stretch over 1900 kms. The unique houseboats, also known as Kettuvalloms, were previously used for transporting rice and spices through the backwaters from Kuttanad to Kochi Port. These days the modernised houseboats are used for tourism purposes, and a stay in a houseboat will give an impression of life along the canals and in the backwater villages.
The Kettuvalloms measure up to 80 feet in length and have all the comforts of a good hotel, including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony. Parts of the curved roof of wood or plaited palm open out to provide shade and allow uninterrupted views.