Kerala - paradise on the Earth

Houseboats, Kerala: Kettuvallam Houseboats of Kerala: Kerala Houseboats - Tourindia

Kerala Backwaters and Houseboats - THE PARADISE OF KERALA

Kerala Backwaters are one of the unique attractions in Kerala, a chain of canals extending about 1500 kms, with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes. Most of the Kerala backwaters are naturally formed and some of the backwater canals are manmade. Canals are remade for continuous traffic of men and materials. Before the modern transport methods like road and air transport became popular, the main cargo transportation in Kerala was through backwaters by 'Kettuvalloms'. 

The traditional cargoboats are called "KETTUVALLOM" - KETTU means to tie, VALLOM - means boat. So literally translated means boat which are made by wooden planks tied together with coconut ropes and painted with cashew nut oil outside. They are 70 to 100 feet long and 15 to 20 feet wide.

Master craftsmen of these Houseboats of Kerala, is now numbering. Only a few have tremendous knowledge and experience. Without a scale model or drawing, they build these magnificent and beautiful Kettuvalloms. The natural coir fibre once soaked in oil, seal the holes and at the same time yield a little bit on mild impacts saving the boat. The ‘valavara’ the roof of the Kettuvallom is made of split bamboo poles Coir ropes and bamboo mats. The art of roof making is specialty of certain villages in Kerala. You can observe by their deft hands how they make thousands of knots with ropes to make the skeleton and the various decorations.




Backwaters in Kerala form an inherent part of life in Kerala. Newspaper, mail and milk are delivered by boats, members of political party with red flags and Christian missionaries spreading the words of God, share the same boats along with fully made up Brides and wedding party.

tourindia, a specialist tour operator started with a team of young people about 40 years ago. tourindia has pioneered the development of backwater tourism by introducing first Kettuvallam Houseboat (Rice Boat) for comfortable cruise in the canals in 1991 after several years of trials and experiments.

These kerala Houseboats are converted ‘kettuvalloms’. They are designed for comfortable cruise and overnight stay. 

These kerala houseboats are known for its unique design use of local and eco-friendly materials like bamboo poles, coconut finer ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. 

These kerala Houseboats invites you to enjoy in a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauties of backwaters.

With their languid grace and quaint design adds another dimension to your cruise in the shimmering blue waters.

These Houseboats kerala have single room, double room, triple room configuration with, sun deck and private balcony with comfortable chairs.

The rooms are fully furnished with attached bathrooms with shower, wash basin and flushing WC with tiled floor.

Each Kerala Houseboat has a fully equipped kitchen and an experienced cook to prepare authentic Kerala cuisine with sea food specialties and fresh vegetables. An array of Kerala delicacies are spread for you on a banana leaf and your escort will show you how to eat with fingers.

Here man and nature strike up a balance of co-existing harmoniously beyond the temptations of modernization.

The guest can go for short expedition on cycle or the modified bullock carts which are available to take you higher and higher to enjoy the beauty of village scenarios.




Houseboat cruise includes the visit to the villages, schools, temples, churches, markets, beaches, coir making, tea shops, paddy fields.




Kerala backwater tour is one of the most preferred tour packages for Kerala tours and travel. Perhaps the most suitable way to explore the beauty of breathtaking backwaters and villages is Kerala boat house which takes you to the totally different world where you will find serene and sheer ambiance for your holidays. At backwater destinations in Kerala, house boats are available on hire and its cost depends on facilities available on them. It is sure that Kerala houseboats tour will be an experience of lifetime.

Prime Destination of Backwater Tour Kerala 

• Kollam Backwaters
• Ashtamudi Backwaters
• Munrothuruthu Backwaters
• Alumkadavu Backwaters
• Thottappally Backwaters
• Mannar Backwaters
• Alleppey Backwaters
• Vembanad Backwaters
• Kuttanad Backwaters
• Kumarakom Backwaters
• Fort Kochi ( Cochin) Backwaters

Kerala backwaters are amazingly beautiful and are the major attraction of tourists in the state. A view of houseboats in backwater is really enchanting that tempt tourists for a backwater cruise or a houseboat stay. The meandering pathways of the Kerala backwater tours take you to the world of tranquility and wonderments that gives you wonderful opportunity to enjoy your vacation in a memorable way. Newly wedded couples and honeymooners prefer to celebrate their honeymoon vacation staying in a luxurious houseboat cruising over the scenic backwaters of Kerala, India. Visit this God’s Own Country and enjoy the beauty of the backwater tourism, which is truly unmatched and its beauty beyond words to describe.