How To Book A Houseboat In Kerala – A Complete Guide

The outstanding scenic beauty of the backwaters has attracted numerous tourists from around the world to Kerala. Your Kerala trip will be complete with enjoying a houseboat ride on the backwaters of Kerala. In these houseboat tours, visitors get to experience the local people’s life.

During your boat ride, you will notice some picturesque villages on the sides of the backwaters. Moreover, you can also pursue the wonderful symphony of bird calls. Several tourists preferred to enjoy the stunning backwaters sunsets view with delicious Kerala cuisine. So if you’re willing to spend some peaceful time far away from city crowds, it is the perfect tourist destination.

Why do tourists need to consider a houseboat trip in the backwaters of Kerala?

Kerala is known for its breathtaking views of backwaters. These backwaters are none but a dense network of rivers, lakes, and canals. All these water bodies are interconnected and span more than 900 km in length. Many beautiful villages and small towns are located on the banks of the backwaters. These backwaters are very special because the Arabian Sea seawater and the rivers’ freshwater meet here. Tourists can also notice barriers in several areas that prevent seawater from mixing with fresh water. After that, vast freshwater is widely used for agricultural activities.

As per the information, these unique backwaters are home to various aquatic animals. Carbs and turtles are the most remarkable ones. Several nature enthusiasts visit this backwater’s distinct ecosystem every year.

The sparkling backwaters of Kerala are also blessed with several rare species of aquatic organisms, such as:

Otters
Mudskippers
Turtles
King crabs
Various frogs (etc.)

Apart from these animals, tourists can also spot here existing water birds such as:

Darters
Terns
Kingfishers and many more.

You can enjoy the views of Dense pandanus shrubs here. Moreover, swaying palm trees and many leafy plants will surely relax your tired eyes while travelling in these peaceful backwaters.

Which is the most suitable season for a Kerala houseboat trip?

These houseboat tours are generally available and can be hired throughout the year. But the months of December and January are considered the peak season. However, tourists can also plan their trip between May and August.

Visitors always have to ensure they don’t plan their journey during the monsoon season because, due to heavy rain, you won’t enjoy your ride that much. If you plan your houseboat trip between May and August, then it is highly recommended to go with an air-conditioned houseboat because, during these months, the heat is just unbearable.

Read also: Why October is the Perfect Time to Visit South India

Most popular routes available for houseboat cruises in Kerala:

In general, visitors board the houseboats from the Alleppey region. Visitors can enjoy a round boat tour by the vast stretches of the backwaters. Below, a few of the most popular destinations are listed, which will help you decide the perfect route.

Alleppey to Kuttanad

This route is famous among visitors for its narrow backwaters covered with paddy fields. You will be amazed by watching how farming is done below sea level in these villages.

Alleppey to Kollam

You must choose an overnight return or a one-way day boating on this route. Here you can enjoy the beautiful views of narrow canals, secluded villages, and farm fields.

Alleppey to Kumarakom

Among all routes, it is the most luxurious route, which covers many birdwatching spots. Here you can explore wider canals and large areas, providing amazing panoramic views.

Alleppey to Thottappally

It is one of the most attractive routes for exploring beautiful backwater views. Most interestingly, this route can offer you several tourist attractions, which include –

The Buddha Temple
Chavara Bhavan (traditional house on the bank)
Champakulam Church (etc).

Alleppey to Alumkadavu

Houseboat rides on this route are getting popular among young travellers because they can enjoy overnight and long trips offering exotic natural beauty here.

Which route is best for your houseboat tours?

According to several visitors, the best houseboat route is the Kumarakom because it offers all in the state to enjoy. Here tourists can enjoy much wider canals which are filled with coconut grooves.

On the other hand, Alleppey cruise services are also great to go with. Tourists can enjoy the culture of the land here. This route is used as the local transportation route. These two routes can provide you with the best houseboat experience.

The category and types of houseboats you find in Kerala:

1. Different categories of houseboats

Standard houseboat: These boats can provide you with basic facilities, and they come without an air-conditioner.
Deluxe or premium houseboat: These boats are comfortable and offer air-conditioning facilities for 10 hours.
Luxurious or super deluxe houseboat: These boats provide you with world-class comforts and modern facilities. Provide air-conditioning facilities for 24 hours.

2. Major types of houseboats

Double-deck houseboats: These kinds of cruises provide double-deck services. From the upper deck, tourists can enjoy the scenic beauty of the backwater. These boats offer several facilities and accommodate lots of tourists. The upper deck generally has a double bedroom with an attached bathroom. On the other hand, on the lower deck, you will find two air-conditioned double rooms with attached bathrooms.
Sun Deck houseboats: These kinds of boats do not have an upper deck. However, it has a sun deck from where tourists can enjoy the breathtaking view of the surroundings. In general, at the welcome area of this houseboat, tourists will find a staircase, which takes them to the sundeck. These sundecks can be open or glass covered
Houseboats without Upper Decks: This kind of houseboat is made from different parts of a coconut tree. These boats can plough on the water. Most interestingly, these types of vessels provide visitors with a chance to go into the interior of the lakes. These boats are similar to a house. These boats offer a sitting area, two bedrooms, and a loaded kitchen.

Which kind of houseboat tour is best for you?

When it comes to choosing the best between an overnight cruise and a day cruise, it depends on your style of vacation plan. Because both are good, their hiring cost is the only difference between them. If you want to spend quality time with your special one, you can choose overnight cruises. These houseboats offer quite a romantic ambiance, and you can also enjoy the tranquillity of the backwaters.

On the other hand, if you visit with your family, you can choose Day cruises. Several tourists visit these cruises and enjoy many activities. However, people will also find some houseboats that provide overnight stay and day cruise services. These unique boats provide such facilities – bedrooms, meals, and other amenities.

Foods you can get on Kerala Houseboats

If you plan a night stay trip on a houseboat in Kerala, you will get all three meals inside the cruise. In these houseboats, you will find several food options: Continental, South Indian, and North Indian.

Moreover, you will also find authentic Keralite cuisine here. Local fish delicacies are one of the key attractions of this tour. These houseboats have professional cooks. Most importantly, you can also specify your choice of oil between coconut and sunflower.

How long can tourists spend time in these houseboats?

As per the information, these houseboats’ most common check-out and check-in timing is noon. These houseboats should be anchored by 5:30 pm per the government’s rules. If you plan to hire a day cruise with houseboats, rent it from 10:30 am to 5 pm.

On the other hand, tourists can rent overnight cruises for 22 hours per day. Most of the day, houseboats are rented for 7.5 hours (from 11 am to 5:30 pm). Most interestingly, tourists will also get a chance to spend their entire vacation inside a houseboat.

Is it very costly to hire a houseboat in Kelela?

People will find several packages while booking a houseboat in Kerala. Prices of these tour packages depend on many things, such as- the number of days you spend on the houseboat, the types of houseboats you choose, in which weather you are renting it, etc. During the winter season, these houseboat rents are incredibly high because it is the peak season.

During this season, demand increases for these houseboats, so prices are also increasing. Moreover, if you choose the Laxurios houseboat, the cost also changes. Compared to typical houseboats, premium houseboats with romantic dining areas and AC rooms will cost very high. You will also have to pay more to explore fishing or other activities like this.

Are these houseboats safe?

As per the information, these boats are made with planks from the Anjili tree (a local tree). The Kerala government has taken many steps to increase the quality of the houseboats. Only skilled and experienced boatmen are allowed to manoeuvre houseboats.

Several onboard inspections and periodic audits are conducted for frequent maintenance. All of these houseboats have emergency alarm buttons for an emergency. Currently, the height of railings is increased for extra security.

How can tourists hire Houseboats in Kerala?

Tourists always have to book their houseboats in advance via websites. Tourists can also book their houseboats in advance through their tour operators. However, you can book boats on the spot but end up with low-quality boats. If there is increasing demand, you may also have to pay a higher price.

Most people depend on their tour operators to hire these boats. Because with the help of your tour guide, you can choose houseboats as per your budget and provide all the necessary facilities. Moreover, these tour guides will also give information on the surrounding place.

Conclusion

For its marvelous natural beauty, Kerala is also getting popular with the name “God’s Own Country”. Houseboat rides play a significant role in the tourism industry of Kerala. This unique activity seeks the attention of travellers from around the entire world. A houseboat trip is something you never miss while on a Kerala tour.

Relevant Posts:

How To Book A Houseboat In Kerala – A Complete Guide

Why do tourists need to consider a houseboat trip in the backwaters of Kerala?

Which is the most suitable season for a Kerala houseboat trip?