Kettuvalloms or Houseboats (Rice boats) are country boats that were used in the early days for the transport of goods from the isolated interior villages to the towns. With the advent of roads, bridges and ferry services, gradually the Kettuvaloms went off the scene. Now these Kettuvalloms are back again as a major tourist attraction. A ride on a Kettuvallom is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters. A houseboat is about 67 feet in length and has a width of around 13 feet in the middle. The materials that go in to the making are all local and Eco friendly bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, coir carpets etc.The main wood used is "Anjili". The houseboats have fully furnished single and double rooms with WC. In addition there is also separate rest room for the crew. Traditional lanterns are used as lights. The crew includes a chef and two oarsmen. The cuisine is traditional Kerala flavor with the local specialties; delicious fish and prawns. There are single bedroom houseboats for two people and two bedroom houseboats for four people.

The houseboats are generally with one bedroom or two bedrooms, which can accommodate two & four persons respectively. There will also be a balcony on top to get a feel of the panoramic nature around. Another feature some offer is the sundeck for sunbaths.
The backwaters act as a vital waterway for the transport of goods and people and are often the only link between isolated villages and crowded towns. In Kerala the total expanse of backwater stretches over 1500 kms, with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes from north to south. Alleppy which forms the main part of this network has the peculiar geographical feature of having the water in level with the land. This gives the advantage of getting a closer look at the village life on shore while on a backwater ride.

A glide in a "Kettuvallom" (Houseboat) through the enchanting backwaters of Alleppy is sure to rob your heart. Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found on the way. Flocks of ducks swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this unique land.

The sparkling water and the caressing cool wind is a temptation too strong to resist. Country boats of various types criss cross the path with passengers from all walks of Kerala's rural life ranging from milkman and news paper boy to local politicians, priests and wedding parties. It is a unique experience as this is as close as one can get to feel the vibrant life in the country side of God's own country.