Houseboats were large barges used to carry goods. Traditionally, the houseboats were called Kettuvallams, which means a boat made by trying together pieces of wood. It is made of wood planks and coir rope and then coated with black resin made from boiled cashew nuts shells.

Now they have been modified to luxurious houseboats without losing its originality. While converting kettuvallams into houseboats, care is taken to use only natural products.
Bamboo mats, sticks and wood of the aracanut tree are used for roofing, coir mats and wooden planks for the flooring and wood of coconut trees and coir for beds. Solar panels are used for lighting.

Today, the houseboats have all the comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony. Parts of the curved roof of wood or plaited palm open out to provide shade and allow uninterrupted views.