Houseboat Haven

Traditional Kerala houseboats glide through tranquil backwaters

The iconic houseboats of Alappuzha, known locally as 'kettuvallams,' represent a unique form of eco-tourism that has preserved traditional boat-building skills while providing sustainable livelihoods for local communities. These boats were originally used to transport rice and spices through Kerala's waterways, but have been converted into floating hotels that offer visitors an immersive experience of backwater life. The traditional construction uses no nails, relying instead on coconut rope and natural materials that make them completely biodegradable.