WELCOME TO Megham tours & travels

Houseboats

Houseboats are Kerala's traditional kettuvalloms (tied - rice boats). The modern versions are equipped with all contemporary amenities. To stay, dine and truly experience the timeless beauty of life – floating on the numerous winding, scenic backwaters of Kerala.

Kettuvalloms can be as large as 80 feet. They are made from the wood of the Anjili tree. The planks are bound together using coir ropes and coated with a black resin. Nothing can match a stay on a Kettuvallam. These giant boats float on placid waters, rocking slowly. They are slow, calm and environment is peaceful. Many of these houseboats even have solar lighting, chemical toilets and outboard engines.

Now you can meander by tiny hamlets and the Kerala countryside. Stop by at a local country liquor bar, a village or a church. Cast a line. Catch a fish. Savor local cuisine. Or just lie down and enjoy the scenic beauty of the backwaters.

Backwaters are a unique web of lakes, lagoons, canals and rivers - are an integral part of Kerala. Floating through the curving and winding backwaters is like a return to nature.

Megham, offers you the opportunity to traverse the backwaters. Our houseboats are mini-cottages on the waters. They have cabins, sit outs, sundeck, bedroom and private bath. Our houseboats have guides and a crew of experienced personnel. You can relish traditional Kerala style cuisine and fresh water fish items.

So welcome to a fascinating cruise at a leisurely and relaxed pace. With Megham

Making of a Houseboat

Kettuvallams are giant country crafts, made by tying together pieces of Anjili or Jack tree wood planks together without using a single nail. They are made with various eco-friendly stuff like coconut fiber ropes, bamboo poles, bamboo mats and coir carpets. The huge planks are first joined together by coir ropes and then coated with fish oil and cashew nut oil and left for several days. The boat is finally set on water after coating oil on the joint portions of the wood. These traditional boats can measure up to 80 feet in length.

Facilities in a Houseboat

In times of yore, houseboats were one of the primary modes of transportation. Now with increased road transportation and transfer of goods by lorry, houseboats were converted to luxuriously floating resorts / villas. Houseboats come in various sizes and are equipped with attached bedrooms, open lounges, decks, kitchenettes and a crew comprising of two oarsmen, a cook and guide. Traditional lanterns and solar powered lights are used.

The pleasure of a trip in a Houseboat

Kettuvallams offer panoramic views of Kerala backwaters. You get a chance to explore the wildlife and the traditional life in Kerala. All the houseboats are classified into two categories - Silver Star and Gold Star by the Department of Tourism according to facilities offered by them. There are also air-conditioned houseboats fitted with modern facilities including multi-cuisine spread and indoor games like chess and carom. A trip along on the backwaters in a houseboat is an experience beyond description.