Kerala thrives in backwaters being a Coastal land. The magnificent splendor of Kerala’s backwaters grabs the mind's eye of the populace coming here. The backwaters of Kerala are vibrant with fiscal activities and customary township and vegetation. The natural magnificence of Kerala backwaters can be well cherished through time-honored Kerala houseboats.

Customarily, the houseboats in Kerala are called Kettuvallam, implying a ferry made by fastening pieces of wood. It is remarkable that not a single nail is used in the constructing of the Kettuvallam. Wooden boards are coupled with coir cords and then encrusted with black resin made from boiled cashew nut shells.
The equipments that go into the making of a Kettuvallam are all local and biodegradable like bamboo poles, bamboo mats, coconut fiber ropes, coir carpets etc.

These boats were used as the means of transport in the early times. Now, the giant 80-foot long Kettuvallams have been modified into fabulously furnished houseboats.

A typical Kettuvallam normally has one or two bath attached rooms, deck, kitchenette, an open lounge and a crew comprising two oarsmen and a cook. Traditional lanterns are used as lights in the houseboats.