Kerala’s backwaters are one of the region’s major attractions: a system of interconnected rivers, lakes and lagoons that extend across more than 900 kilometres along the Arabian Sea, taking in vistas that can be seen exclusively in this part of India. Hundreds of old rice barges have been converted into houseboats to serve the tourist industry and offer an excellent way of viewing these tranquil waterways and the rural villages along them. Most visitors choose to stay at least a night or two on one of these ‘kettuvallams’, enjoying the unique delta scenery, lazy pace of the cruise, and traditional Kerala cuisine cooked by the staff on board.