Kerala Boathouse

The houseboats (kettuvallam) of Kerala trace their origins to traditional cargo boats used for transporting rice and spices across the state’s intricate backwater network. Over time, they evolved into luxury accommodations, blending Kerala’s cultural heritage with modern tourism. The experience of living on a houseboat offers a connection to the region’s agrarian lifestyle and serene landscapes, reflecting the harmony between people and water.

The houseboat industry is a cornerstone of Kerala’s tourism sector, providing employment to thousands, including boat operators, guides, and artisans. The backwaters also support rice cultivation, fishing, and coir production, making them a hub of economic activity. The shift from transport to tourism illustrates a sustainable adaptation to changing economic demands.

The Kerala backwaters are a unique ecosystem of interconnected lagoons, lakes, and canals fed by rivers flowing into the Arabian Sea. The houseboat tradition celebrates this natural environment while also posing challenges, such as water pollution and ecological strain from tourism.