Ultimate Guide to Kerala Houseboats: Exploring the Backwaters
I. Introduction
Overview of Kerala's Houseboats
Kerala's houseboats, known locally as kettuvallam, allow visitors to intimately explore the serene backwaters that this tropical state is famous for. These traditional Kerala boat house vessels were once used to transport goods but have now been converted into comfortable floating hotels. Houseboat cruises showcase the raw natural beauty of Kerala as well as the rich culture.
Houseboats play a vital role in Kerala's booming tourism industry. They attract visitors from India and across the globe who are seeking a soul-soothing experience amid lush greenery, coconut groves, and tranquil villages dotted along meandering canals.
While houseboats in Alappuzha across Kerala offer magical journeys, the backwaters of Alleppey (Alappuzha) are especially renowned as the ideal place to enjoy an authentic houseboat experience. You can find Alleppey boat house photos online to get a glimpse of these scenic journeys.
II. Top Destinations for Kerala Houseboats
Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Alleppey is often called the "Venice of the East" thanks to an intricate network of canals, lagoons, lakes, and rivers interwoven with coconut and areca nut groves. Cruising these verdant backwaters on a traditional houseboat Kerala lets you soak in the raw tropical beauty of Kerala.
The houseboat Kerala experience here includes activities like birdwatching, canoeing through narrow channels, enjoying Ayurvedic treatments, interacting with locals, sampling fresh seafood delicacies, biking through villages, visiting coir factories, and more. You can also explore Alappuzha images that capture the essence of these serene waterways.
Other Popular Destinations
III. Types of Kerala Houseboats
Types of Boats in Kerala
IV. Kerala Houseboat Interior: What to Expect
Facilities Inside Bedrooms
Cozy bedrooms feature large windows, crisp linen, and modern or heritage-styled furnishings depending on boat type. Kerala boat house inside images often showcase the comfort and elegance of these rooms. Amenities like WiFi, TV (in luxury boats), air conditioning, and attached toilets are offered.
Dining Areas Dining setups include open sit-out spaces with comfortable cane chairs, coffee tables, and sofa seats in shaded portions of the deck. Some boats feature air-conditioned dining halls. You can browse houseboat interior photos to understand how these spaces are designed.
Bathrooms Modern plumbing, showers with hot water supply, and toiletries are standard in most houseboats. Kerala boat house inside images can give you a good idea of the typical bathroom setups.
Decks Sprawling open decks with lounge chairs are available for sunbathing, along with covered portions for relaxing in the shade. Safety railings are provided. Some boats even have premium features like Jacuzzis, WiFi, and entertainment systems, as seen in luxury houseboat interior photos.
V. Kerala Houseboat Experience: What It's Like
A Day on a Houseboat
A standard full-day cruise begins early morning with boarding formalities and a warm welcome, including flower garlands, tender coconut water, and light snacks. Guests are given a boat and safety briefing.
As the houseboat in Kerala begins cruising, guests can sit outdoors on cushioned chairs, enjoying the views and breeze. Activities include small boat rides through narrow channels, guided nature walks, meeting toddy tappers, visiting local craft centers, fishing, cycling through villages, and more.
Lunch around noon is Kerala fare like sadya, fish molly, and appams, prepared fresh on board. Post-lunch is relaxation time – reading on deck or opting for Ayurvedic spa sessions. Evenings feature cultural shows at stops or while anchored for the night. Dinner is followed by leisure time before retiring for the night.
VI. Kerala Houseboat Costs & Pricing
Boat House Price in Kerala
Houseboat rates depend on several factors, including the size, duration, amenities, and season. Below are indicative costs for an overnight stay on a boat house Kerala:
Day Cruise Rates start at ₹6000+ per boat, depending on the amenities. The Alappuzha boat house price generally varies based on the season, with peak season (December to February) rates about 20% higher. Monsoon season offers off-season discounts, making it a more affordable time to visit.
VII. Tips for Choosing the Right Houseboat
Factors to Consider
Book based on your group size, interests, budget, and duration of stay. Premium houseboats in Alleppey with multiple bedrooms are ideal for larger families or groups. Specify your activity preferences, such as fishing, village visits, or birdwatching, so they can be scheduled in advance.
Booking Suggestions
Browse listings on trusted platforms and verify credentials and reviews before booking a houseboat Kerala. Make sure to provide accurate group size information.
For good deals, especially in peak seasons like December-February, book at least 4-6 weeks early. Last-minute bookings can be expensive or unavailable. Opt for eco-certified green houseboats for sustainable tourism. Avoid older houseboats that may lack proper facilities.
X. Conclusion
Cruising the legendary backwaters of Kerala in a traditional Alleppey houseboat is a quintessential South Indian experience that awakens all senses while soothing the soul with lush green vistas and local culture. From Alleppey to Kollam, Kumarakom, and beyond, a kettuvallam cruise lets you access hard-to-reach villages and waterlogged areas inaccessible by road, letting you witness the raw, almost forgotten beauty of this tropical Indian state.
With abundant nature, wildlife, rich cuisine, heritage, and welcoming locals, Kerala promises to be the trip of a lifetime, whether you opt for a day cruise or extended backwater journey. Houseboat tourism empowers local communities by generating tremendous economic impact and employment opportunities. No wonder Kerala’s houseboats attract global tourists in droves for a chance to immerse in the subcontinent’s fabled “tropical paradise” in intimate luxury.
