Earthy scent of coir and wood is what one would take note of upon reaching the village of Alumkadavu at Karunagapally in the Kollam district of Kerala, India. The village is famous for its backwaters and also as a centre for houseboat making.

The houseboats here are made by country craftsmen who join planks of jack wood together with coir rope. Caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kernels is later applied. Nails are not used for making the houseboats here.

Modern day houseboats are different from those of the yesteryears. They have furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, well-equipped kitchen and even a balcony for angling and most of them are powered by diesel engines.
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