Since its founding in 2003, Kerala Houseboats has continuously set the standard for providing extraordinary houseboat adventures on the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, a treasure hidden away in the center of Kerala, often known as “God’s Own Country.” Our goal at the beginning of our trip was to create an original story that our guests will remember forever, rather than offering just a trip. Our constant commitment to providing high-quality service and guaranteeing the best return on your investment has allowed us to stand out in Kerala’s lovely landscape.
Our houseboats are a gateway to the unique backwaters of Kerala, an unusual system of rivers, lakes, and canals that support the state’s lush landscape. Kerala Houseboats invites you on an extraordinary journey where every second is dedicated to exploring the tranquil beauty, lively culture, and delicious food of this captivating area.
What is Kerala Houseboat?
Kerala houseboats, a modified form of Kettuvallams, are massive boats made of wooden planks and bamboo sticks that float all the time in the water. The average lifespan of a Kerala houseboat is 6-10 years, so when booking a Kerala houseboat, try to find out how long it has been in use as well as details about its construction. Online booking will provide you with more information about the houseboats’ condition and amenities.
What To Know Before Booking a Kerala Houseboat
Know all the options for houseboats in Kerala
Regardless of your budget, there are a few things you should expect when booking a houseboat in Kerala. There are options for day cruises and overnight stays. We recommend a two-night cruise. One night is insufficient, but we felt three nights to be useless.
Begin your Kerala houseboat tour in Alleppey (not Kollam)
Houseboats in Kerala are not regulated, so the quality of the boats might vary greatly. We looked at seven boats before settling on one, and while this may seem excessive, we recommend that you look at at least three houseboats before making a decision.
Travelers to Kerala may begin their journey in Fort Cochin, where there are numerous tour operators offering days and overnights on the backwaters. However, given the significant difference in quality, you should see the boat. If you pre-booked, you’ll have little leverage to renegotiate if you don’t like your boat.
Skip the water taxi option
When shopping, you’ll come across mentions of a water taxi between Kollam and Alleppey. This is correct; a 300 rupee ferry ($6) departs between the towns every day, and you will see the same sights as you would on a houseboat trip. However, the ships are rust buckets, loud, smell of gas, overcrowded with commuters, and lack restrooms. If you have a very limited budget, this may be an alternative; but, for everyone else, we recommend the far more peaceful houseboat.
How to Select the Best Kerala Houseboat Tour
Kerala’s backwaters are canals that extend along the Arabian Sea coast and inland from Cochin to Kollam. There are several paths across these canals where houseboats can sail.
Alleppey and Kumarakom are among Kerala’s most beautiful and popular backwater vacations. The Alappuzha or Alley Backwaters Round and Kumarakom Backwater Round, as well as houseboat tours along these waterways, provide calm and beautiful views.
Alleppey or Alappuzha Backwater Route: The Alleppey round trip is quite popular in the form of an Alleppey houseboat day trip cruise when the houseboat sails past Kuttanad, the ideal location for a houseboat tour. The natural scenery in this central backwater area is lush and serene, with coconut palms lining the margins. The placid waters even reflect the surroundings.
Kumarakom Backwater Route: Kumarakom is a lovely town in Kerala that is famous for backwater tourism, eco-tourism, and beach tourism. Kumarakom has been a popular vacation resort for many VIPs and celebrities, including Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the former Prime Minister of India, and Britney Spears. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, located near the gorgeous Vembanad Lake, is another renowned tourist attraction in the area.
Alleppey to Kumarakom Backwater Route: This route combines the best of backwater houseboat cruise experiences in Alleppey and Kumarakom. Some of the features of this journey include farm fields, local communities, a bird sanctuary, and other interesting stops. During the trip, you can also visit Kuttanad, also known as the ‘rice bowl of Kerala’. This route is particularly popular not just with honeymooners but also as a weekend cruise alternative.
Alleppey to Alumkadavu Backwater Route: Alumkadavu is about 21 km from Kollam. The trip from Kollam to Alleppey is Kerala’s longest backwater tour, lasting eight hours. This cruise explores the whole backwater area, except for a few locations where the boat cannot fit.
Alleppey to Thottappally Backwater Route: Another peaceful backwater boat route in Kerala is Alleppey to Thottappally. This route also includes several views, including traditional homes on the banks known as Chavara Bhavan, a sail on Punnamada Lake, the Ambalappuzha temple, the 11th century Buddha statue temple-Karumadikkuttan, and Champakulam Church.
What are the different categories of Kerala Houseboat
Deluxe Houseboat Experience
Our Deluxe Houseboats, with their voguish wooden ceiling design and expansive bedroom windows, offer a fresh perspective on luxury waterborne living. Each detail is thoughtfully curated to enhance your experience, ensuring a seamless blend of classic elegance and contemporary convenience. They are ideal for those looking for an immersive journey into the heart of Kerala.
Premium Houseboat Experience
Explore the calm waterways of Kerala’s backwaters with our Premium Houseboats, where tradition meets luxury. These houseboats, with traditional wooden ceilings and huge glass windows, provide an immersive experience that combines heritage charm with premium comforts. Our Premium Houseboats feature a conference space, making them suitable for office vacations, family parties, and friend get-togethers. Enjoy the attraction of the backwaters with clear, unbroken vistas, making every moment onboard amazing.
Luxury Houseboat Experience
Embark on an amazing tour across Kerala’s beautiful backwaters on our Luxury Houseboats, where tradition meets incomparable luxury. These floating sanctuaries include first-rate amenities, traditional hardwood ceilings with overlapping woods for a sense of history, and glass-covered exteriors for unimpeded views of the gorgeous backwaters. Our Luxury Houseboats are ideal for discriminating travelers, workplace retreats, or memorable gatherings with family and friends, providing a seamless blend of elegance, luxury, and modern conveniences, laying the groundwork for an extraordinary journey.
Why Choose Kerala Houseboats
With nearly two decades of experience creating personalized houseboat experiences, Kerala Houseboats is a beacon of quality, comfort, and amazing memories. Our dedication to your happiness is woven into the very fabric of our services, ensuring that your experience with us is as breathtaking as the landscapes of Kerala.
- Expertise and Dedication– Our expert team at Kerala Houseboats is committed to offering individual attention and ensuring that every part of your vacation meets and exceeds your expectations.
- Unmatched Quality-From the craftsmanship of our houseboats to the gastronomic pleasures produced by our onboard chefs, we adhere to the greatest quality standards, providing you with a genuinely premium experience.
- Memorable Experiences– Each journey with us is a story waiting to be told, full of beauty, adventure, and peace. We try to make every experience unforgettable, leaving you with stories to tell and a desire to return.
