With a cruise along the enchanting backwaters of Kerala becoming the most popular tourist pleasure in the holidayers' itinerary, the traditional ‘kettuvallam’ or houseboat has emerged as the mascot of Kerala Tourism.

Backwater houseboats were originally barges used to transfer paddy along the inland waterways. Today, many of the barges have been converted into floating cottages or even palaces for their luxury.

Most of the latest designs have incorporated 1-3 bedrooms with toilets, a living space and kitchen. But there are all types of boathouses-- ranging from the lowly small, bamboo-work roofed boat to the most dazzling variety with as many as 7 rooms. Thrown in are dance room, air-conditioned conference rooms, partying deck et al. Boats provide Yoga and Ayurveda massage facilities too. While most boats are built of eco-friendly materials  fiberglass boats too are in vogue today. Most visitors however prefer open, simple boats that allow a free commune with Nature. And, they are cheaper by comparison.

Hundreds of houseboats of varied types ply Kerala backwaters. Some 400 houseboats, 120 of them luxury liners, are on regular service, mostly Alappuzha-Kollam-Kottayam backwater networks. Crew of houseboat generally consists of two oarsmen and one cook. Those attending to other services are summoned on request. Hot, fresh and delicious seafood is the specialty of houseboats. Coconut toddy, which if taken in pure form, has medicinal qualities too are made available to holidayers.

The aquatic scenery of water-lilies, palm trees, patches of sacred groves, and colourful villages from the upper deck, the tasty cuisine whipped up on board with fresh ingredients purchased en route, being rocked to sleep fanned by sea breeze, watching the twinkling diamonds through the window and waking up to the chirpings of the birds, is the gem of an idea of holidaying.

Blogs by visitors who enjoyed the backwater house boating reveal that they love the green ambience and listen to Nature’s lingo reflected by winged friends and puny animals and cicadas. A nocturnal float along these lovely backwater canals also allow you, if you prefer, an introspection of life and living and tickle your brain cell to come out with ideas you’d love to follow.

Houseboats are licensed and crew trained. The backwater cruise is perfectly safe. Built for safety and comfort rather than speed, these water taxies, afford one a stealthy look into the Nature’s boudoir. For the lovers or just married, there’s nothing better than having a memorable time than sitting washed with healthy sea breeze, occasional drizzle, and taste-bud-tickling seafood while listening to the orchestra the nightly creatures strike.

Smaller houseboats are good for those who seek a little more than imbibing the nature and a cool ride. You could take a dip in the shallow area of the canal or river, as your crew will tell you, or swim. If you want to share the thrill of fishing with a local fisherman, you could ask the tour operator will arrange that. Houseboats of today are fitted with most modern gadgets.