Houseboat packages The Kettvalloms (houseboats) of Kerala are giant country crafts, measuring upto 80 feet in length, retrieved from being lost to the state altogether. Once, they ruled the backwaters, poled along by one or two men, heavily loaded with rice, coconut and other commodities. But in recent times the Kettuvalloms have been replaced by modern modes of transport, relegating them to neglect and decay. It takes great skill and meticulousness to construct these giants by tying huge planks of jack wood together. Curiously enough, not a single nail is used in their making. There used to be an entire clan of artisans who were involved in Kettuvallom construction. Today, an innovative holiday idea has restored these majestic representatives of aunique culture, and with them their makers.