Houseboats in Kerala

The beauty of Kerala backwaters truly beggars description. The countryside lifestyle, scenic splendours, hordes of tourist destinations and a pristine flora and fauna all add to the beauty of these backwaters. The most alluring and the only way to explore these backwaters is by sailing in a houseboat, traditionally known as ‘kettuvallom’. These luxurious and multi-deck houseboats come along with modern-day amenities. The most interesting thing about these traditional houseboats is that they are completely devoid of nails. A backwater tour in a houseboat takes you past Chinese fishing nets, expansive paddy fields, coir villages and eye capturing coconut groves. So, are you ready to explore a Kerala that thrives on the banks of backwaters?

Historical Background

In the olden days, these houseboats actually served as ‘rice boats’. Kettuvalloms were used to carry men and materials (harvest) from one place to another. Since these large country crafts can access even remote areas, they have long been used as the major means of transport in coastal Kerala. As modernization took over, these charming country boats began to disappear from the scene. People began to prefer faster means like air, rail and road transportation over slow moving houseboats. People used houseboats for centuries because the latter were large enough not only for carrying materials but also for the lodging of boatmen and their families. Soon after Kerala burgeoned into a much sought after tourist destinations, kettuvalloms got a new lease of life. Thanks to the effort of the State Tourism Department that travelers can today enjoy houseboat rides and reminisce the glory of the bygone days.

Classification/ Category of Houseboats

According to the guidelines set by the State Tourism Department, houseboats can be classified into the following categories.

Gold Star (Deluxe Houseboats) – These houseboats fall into the deluxe category. ‘Gold Star’ status is awarded to those houseboats that comply with all the essential conditions prescribed by the Tourism Department, along with ten optional conditions.

Silver Star (Standard Houseboats) – Those houseboats that fulfill the essential conditions are distinguished as ‘Silver Star’. These facilities range from construction and room facilities to valid licensing.

Green Palm – Non-mechanised houseboats with an electric engine are regarded as ‘Green Palm’ houseboats. However, these houseboats are pollution free.

Facilities Available on a Houseboat

To cater to needs of the modern-day traveler, the houseboats in Kerala come equipped with contemporary facilities and amenities. Some of the houseboat facilities are as follows.

• Air-conditioning
• Bedroom
• Living & Dining Area
• Hygienic Kitchen with Storage
• Attached Toilet/ Common Toilet
• 3-feet wide Passage
• Electricity
• Hot/ Cold Running Water
• High Qulity Carpets, Curtains, Furniture (Made from cane and wood)
• Sun Deck
• Solar Power (for heating & lighting), Etc.

Whether you choose a Deluxe Houseboat or a Standard Houseboat for your backwater tour, you are surely going to have the time of your life. What’s more, if you wish to travel in group, you can also ask the operator to join two or more houseboats to make a ‘Houseboat Train’. This, however, will depend on the availability of houseboats.