Experiencing the Houseboats in Kerala

by | posted in: Asia, Culture, India, Kerala, Nature | 44

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)

  • http://www.amruthamholidays.com/
  • http://lakeviewhouseboat.com/

Houseboats in Kerala

 

 

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44 Responses

  2. Restless Traveler
    | Reply

    Thanks Maniparna for reading through. Backwaters is an unforgettable experience and am sure you will cherish it for a long time.
    Keep reading my blog
    Cheers

  3. Mridula
    | Reply

    I now understand what you are talking about even though I went only on a day trip! It is beautiful.

  5. Unknown
    | Reply

    I am impressed with your blog and the fact you have a responsible blogger badge on your site. I will visit hourly for updates.

  6. Unknown
    | Reply

    I am impressed with your blog and the fact you have a responsible blogger badge on your site. I will visit hourly for updates.

  8. Ami Bhat
    | Reply

    Thanks a bunch. Do join in on my blog as a subscriber. It will help you keep in touch more regularly. 🙂

  21. Raghav
    | Reply

    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.

  22. Johnson's Ecohouseboat
    | Reply

    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.

  23. neha
    | Reply

    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.

  25. Rekha Menon
    | Reply

    Hi That was a great post, I really liked it. Kerala is most interesting places to visit.It’s a great experience to visit backwaters in Kerala.

  27. Muhammed Rashid
    | Reply

    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.

  28. Sandy N Vyjay
    | Reply

    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.

    • Ami
      | Reply

      It sure is a different experience to wake up with water around you. Try the Kerala boats once. Cheers

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