The Kerala houseboat, tourism's hottest new attraction, graces the waters with a trail of history behind it. It is the contemporary version of the "Kettuvallom" or "boat with knots", the traditional country craft of Kerala. 80 feet long, these giant boats were once built by tying together massive planks of wood. Once used as rice boats, a part of it was covered with bamboo and coir to be used as a restroom and kitchen for the crew. A properly maintained Kettuvallom lasted for generations. The advent of road transportation of cargo pushed these ingenious boats to the verge of extinction. Today this utilitarian country craft has undergone an exciting evolution. Thanks to an innovative holiday idea.