Experiencing the Houseboats in Kerala

For anyone heading to the Kerala backwaters, an experience on the houseboats in Kerala is a must, for you have not really experienced the backwaters if you have not done this. The life that goes by with squealing school children on water taxis, duck farmers herding their birds, toddy shops and busy fisherman – you will the life on backwaters of Kerala is a colorful experience.

The houseboat experience can be done at Alleppey or Kumarakom in Kerala.  For a more rustic experience, would recommend Alleypey, while Kumarakom is quite well-developed and gives a more touristy experience. There are quite a few Kerala tour packages that offer a trip across these two destinations.

But most of us will be faced with this dilemma of – stay or a day trip?

Houseboats in Kerala www.thrillingtravel.in
Houseboats in Kerala in the backwaters of Alleppey

Most houseboat operators offer both. Here are some travel tips that you should keep in mind for the houseboats.

Travel Tips for Houseboats in Kerala

  • The houseboats operate on the backwaters only between 9 am to 5 pm.
  • Post 6 pm, all of them dock at their pre-designated spots and stay there till the next morning 9am.
  • Some houseboats are well equipped with a TV and DVD sets but do note, that the regular channels will not be available and unless you are carrying your own set of CDs, you are left at the mercy of what is available with the houseboat.
  • Food on the houseboat – both dinner and breakfast is what the houseboat will offer you. You will not have a choice around considering you will be docked at points, that may not even have a grocery outlet.
  • If you are a non-vegetarian – do not miss their local Karimeen (local fish) preparation. Most houseboats offer the same for lunch/ dinner.
  • Keep a mosquito repellent handy in the evening

If you are in a group, we suggest you go for this experience of overnight as it can turn out to be good fun when you have company.Or if you are a honeymoon couple, it would not be such a bad option either!

Here is one experience that my blogger friends Vyjay and Sandy had in Kochi, another place to try out houseboats.

Suggested Tour Operators for Houseboats in Kerala : 

(based on various traveler feedback)

  • https://www.amruthamholidays.com/
  • https://lakeviewhouseboat.com/
Houseboats in Kerala
Show some love and share the post

48 thoughts on “Experiencing the Houseboats in Kerala”

  1. Houseboats experience in Kerala is something that cannot be found in any other part of India. It is best recommended for Honeymoon couples and also for families looking for a relaxed vacation. There are number of Houseboat options in Kerala which would include Alleppy, Ashtmudi Lake, Kumarakom, Alumkadavu, Paravur etc.

    Reply
  2. Kerala, the most beautiful state of India, offers unique opportunity to experience breathtakingly beautiful backwaters which consist of a complex network of brackish lagoons, lovely lakes and canals. The most predominant way to experience the Kerala backwaters is Kerala houseboats in Alleppey.

    Reply
  3. This brought back fond memories of our own trip across the backwaters of Kerala. They are one of a kind destination. And the hospitality on the houseboat is also commendable.

    Reply
  4. This post bring me back into memories of a wonderful experience in the pristine backwaters of Kerala. It is one of the most sought after destination in South India. Much thanks for sharing a useful information that will definitely helpful for those who planning for a backwater trip.

    Reply
  5. In spite of traveling so many times to Kerala, have never stayed in a houseboat there. Had the houseboat experience on Dal lake in Kashmir though. Love the experience of waking up in the midst of water. Need to head back for the Kerala houseboat stay experience.

    Reply
  6. well a houseboat stay is a beautiful and a completely different experience than staying in a hotel, truly i haven’t stayed in Kerela houseboat but i have seen the pictures of the houseboats in Kerela they are beautiful like the houseboats we have here in Kashmir however there is difference in build and styles but the experience of staying in houseboat is a life time memory.

    You have written a nice article would like to see more from u on other topics

    Reply
  7. We did a local boat trip along the backwaters from Allepey in the 70s. There were no houseboats then. Only a Diesel belching local boat.

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Ami Bhat Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.