This morning we transfer to the jetty for a cruise on a traditional houseboat, which will take us through narrow lakes and canals towards Alleppey.  The backwaters of Kerala comprise of a network of 1500kms of canals, both manmade and natural. Kettuvalloms or Houseboats (rice boats) were used in the early days for the transport of goods from isolated interior villages to various towns. With the advent of roads, bridges and ferry services, Kettuvalloms gradually became scarce. Luckily for us, we still have the chance to experience this lovely form of transport.