The House Boats (Kettuvallams) of Kerala, India are an integral part of its way of life. These boats were originally used as cargo boats until trucks took over. With the boom of tourism in the area recently, the number of these boats has skyrocketed. A cruise along the mirror-still lagoons, picture-book lakeside, palm-fringed canals and shimmering rivulets is the most enchanting holidaying experience in India.