"KETTUVALLAM" means stitched boat. They are 80 feet long, made with wooden planks, joined and stitched together with coir (coconut Fibre) ropes and painted on the outside with cashew nut shell oil or fish oil. A distinctive feature of the Kettuvallam (Houseboats) is the design suggesting the possible Chinese influence. These Kettuvallams (Houseboats) were used for transporting huge quantities of heavy materials from one place to other. In certain areas Kettuvallams (Houseboats) are still used for transferring Coconut Husk, Sand and other goods

In earlier days since all places were not well connected by roads, Kettuvallams (Houseboats) were the main source of transportation through the Kerala backwaters. It took long journeys ranging from 5 to 6 days, sometimes weeks even to transport things. Boatmen rarely stopped along the waterways for meals. Their diet consisted of freshly caught backwater fish, like Karimeen (pearlspot) and Kalangi. Non perishable staples such as lentils, local large grain "red" rice and inexpensive spices like coriander, ginger, dried chillies, turmeric and black mustard seeds were packed by them before embarking on a journey. Boatmen used to stay in the Kettuvallam which had all the basic facilities

Kettuvallams equipped with all modern facilities and requirements are called Houseboats. The houseboat has a living room, a sunbathing deck, and bedrooms with attached European style bath and a kitchen. The boat has solar lamps and fans. Without experiencing and enjoying a houseboat cruise, the trip to Kerala will not be a complete one

Talking of a Kettuvallam ride, The National Geographic Traveler says, "It is astonishingly romantic to watch the sunset from one kettuvallam among several, while the three boatmen hang lanterns and a pearly glow fades behind the scrim of palms... Waking at dawn, we find ourselves surrounded by hundreds of fishermen's skiffs on immense Vembanad Lake. It’s like time travel into a quiet morning of another century

Kettuvallams, the large traditional houseboats are converted into floating luxury dwelling units. These house boats are available in all sizes and shapes, the most popular accommodation type being a suite, having one or two bath attached bedrooms, one living room, kitchenette, an open lounge, deck and a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook and guide. The houseboats are generally powered by a small outboard engine, allowing one to cruise along the backwaters. A recent innovation is a small conference room in a houseboat