India’s Backwater Houseboats

Kerala Houseboats, also called kettuvallam, are country boats that were used to transport goods through the state’s backwater maze of canals. As more roads were built and the barges were no longer needed, the country boats transformed into a tourist attraction.

Kerala houseboats can have up to 5 bedrooms, in addition to bathrooms, sun rooms and dining areas. You board your boat about noon and begin snaking your way through the palm-fringed canals, gliding past isolated houses, coconut groves, schools, tiny stores, and churches and temples.

After a lunch of local fish, the meandering continues and you sit back and enjoy spying life on the famous Indian backwaters. Here’re an inside peek of life on the backwater canals:

p.s. If you’re thinking of tooling around on a houseboat, write me – I have recommendations for you!

Here’s an inside peek of life on the backwater canals: