Kettuvallam: The Traditional Craft Behind Kerala Houseboats

Gently resting between wide green waters, beautiful Kettuvallams move slowly, with their curved roofs made of dried palm leaves and bamboo walls, quietly showing tradition and peace. These lovely boats are not just for travel—they are part of Kerala’s culture. Once used to carry rice and spices through the backwaters, Kettuvallams are now turned into floating homes, offering visitors a touch of village life along with modern comforts.

The Kettuvallam represents all that is functional, historical, and sustainable. Perhaps the most beautiful face of Kerala backwater tourism, from working barges to luxury houseboats, they deserve to have that story told.

What is a Kettuvallam?

The word Kettuvallam has been derived from two Malayalam words, kettu (to bind) and vallam (boat). The boats themselves are built by binding coir ropes on wooden planks rather than with nails. The whole unit is then treated with a black resin derived from boiled cashew shells to seal any water that might leak in and is very resilient.

They were once major cargo vessels, carrying commodities from remote villages to markets before road transport arrived. Kettuvallams traditionally carried commodities such as rice, spices, and coconuts on Kerala's extensive water system.

The Handicraft Behind Traditional Houseboats

Every Kettuvallam is a masterpiece of traditional engineering, meticulously handcrafted by generations of master craftsmen. The process is skill and nature-based.

Materials Used:

Wood of Jackfruit tree (Anjili) – Employed for the framework as it is strong and durable.

Coir (coconut fibre) strings – Employed in tying the wooden boards firmly together.

Palm fronds and bamboo poles – Employed in constructing the beautiful, curved roofing.

Natural resins – Extracted from cashew nut shell, used as waterproof sealing agents.

What is unique about these boats is not only the choice of materials but the environmentally friendly process of construction that prioritizes sustainability, usability, and aesthetics.

From Cargo Carriers to Floating Villas

With the growth of tourism in Kerala, particularly in areas such as Alleppey and Kumarakom, the Kettuvallam got transformed magically. From the sole purpose of being a vehicle for carrying commodities, the houseboats were redesigned as houseboats for leisure tourism, providing tourists with a peaceful experience on the backwaters.

Facilities of Modern Times:

Exquisite bedroom suites with attached bathrooms

• Local cuisine dining spaces

• Outdoor lounges and sun decks

• Solar lighting and air conditioning

• Woodial panel interiors and bamboo furniture

Besides, the existing structure and method of construction are kept the same to maintain the boat's originality and cultural heritage.

Significance of Houseboats in Kerala Tourism

Houseboats of Kerala have largely come to symbolize backwater tourism in areas like Allepey, Kumarakom, and Ashtamudi. These floating hotels attract tourists from all corners of the world who wish to observe village life, paddy farms, coconut plantations, and migratory birds while cruising amid calm waters.

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What a houseboat tour entails:

• Scenic lake and canal cruises

• Meetings with fishermen and natives

• Onboard traditional cuisine

• Overnights in nature's peace

For most tourists, it's the choice of their Kerala holiday—providing a mix of culture, luxury, and nature.

Sustainability and Eco-Tourism

With backwater cruises became popular, concerns regarding environmental impact too increased. Nowadays, most houseboats are built and operated with sustainability.

Eco-friendly aspects are:

• Bio-toilets for hygienically treating waste without polluting water

• Solar-powered lights and fans

• Waste management processes to dispose liquid and solid waste in an eco-friendly way

• Less consumption of diesel engines by the superior alternative

These practices enable houseboat tourism to flourish without imposing a strain on the health of the backwaters.

Living Kerala Through a Houseboat Cruise

The houseboat cruise is not merely an eye candy. It plunges the guests into the backwater life of Kerala. The leisurely character of the cruise facilitates introspection, bonding with nature, and learning about the local traditions.

Packages include:

• Day cruises for short scenic cruises

• Overnight cruises including meals and sunset cruise

• Multi-day cruises to various regions of the backwaters

• Honeymoon trips with private patios and candlelit meals

Every cruise is a unique one and one that offers tourists an eye-to-eye experience of Kerala's nature and rich culture.

Where to Enjoy a Kettuvallam Cruise

The most sought-after locations for houseboat cruises are:

Alleppey (Alappuzha) – Most mythological backwater destination, with canals, rice paddy fields, and houseboat amenities.

Kumarakom – Situated on Vembanad Lake, perfect for bird-watching and luxury holidays.

Ashtamudi Lake (Kollam) – Provides serene, offbeat backwater routes for the solo experience.

Kuttanad region – Famous for its sea-level farmings and rural backwater scenery.

All of the above are little bit different landscapes for the same genuine Kettuvallam experience.

Conclusion

Kettuvallams are a stunning fusion of art, culture, and conservation. They are not sightseeing spots—They are repositories of history, each with a history etched into wood and bound with rope. Riding in one is more than a matter of relaxation—It's a matter of coming close to Kerala's heart.

For tourists seeking a combination of history, heritage, and life in harmony with nature, a Kerala houseboat cruise aboard a traditional houseboat is an experience to be had.

Lake Queen Houseboats offers luxury and budget-friendly Alleppey houseboat packages. Enjoy scenic views, homely food, and Kerala’s warm hospitality on deluxe, premium, and ultra-luxury boats—crafted for comfort, tradition, and relaxation.