Everything You Need to Know About a Houseboat in Kerala Backwaters

Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country”, is a splendid place to visit in India, with its amazing backwaters, and one of the best ways to explore its beauty through its palm-fringed lakes, lagoons, and canals is on a houseboat in Kerala.

The houseboat in Kerala, locally known as kettuvallams, is an exclusive attraction in Kerala, gaining a lot of popularity among tourists from all around the world.

Now, if you are planning a cruise in Kerala, it is best to know what a houseboat in Kerala is all about.

See: Kerala Holiday Packages
See: Top Tourist Attractions in Kerala

Kerala Tour Packages :

Everything You Need to Know About a Houseboat in Kerala Backwaters

House boat in backwaters in Alappuzha, Kerala, India

Categories and Types of Houseboat in Kerala

A Kerala houseboat is typically made up of indigenous eco-friendly material and well-equipped with the modern comforts a hotel has.

They can come with single or multiple bedrooms with private balconies, fully-loaded kitchens, toilets and sundecks.

They also have skilled oarsmen and trained cooks. Generally, they are:

Standard Houseboats

Mostly without an air-conditioning system, these boats have basic necessities with nothing else more than this.

Premium or Deluxe Houseboats

These boats are more comfortable, where you will have air-conditioning for around 10 hours at night.

Super Deluxe or Luxury Houseboats

These are filled with world-class comforts and luxuries, including well-mannered butlers.

Interiors of Houseboat in Kerala

These houseboats can also come with a double-deck, accommodating more people, where you can savor stunning views of the backwaters on the upper deck, which usually comprises of a double bedroom with attached bathroom, a living area that features a TV and music system and a sundeck.

For the lower deck, there could also be an air-conditioned double room with attached bathroom that can easily accommodate more people, and even a welcome area and a dining area with TV and a sit-out.

Given all the qualities of these types of the houseboat, they can be hired by two separate groups at the same time.

houseboat on Kerala backwaters. Kerala, India Picture: Houseboat in Kerala.

Knowing Your Options and Booking

If you do not want to experience any disappointment from not being able to get a houseboat on a first-come-first-serve basis, then it is highly recommended to make your reservation beforehand, whether you are in for a day cruise, an overnight stay or even a two-night cruise.

Regardless of how much you are setting aside for this boat, there is basically a few things that come standard for your houseboat cruise experience.

Picture: Kerala Tourism Board

Amenities, Comforts, and Services

These amenities, comforts, and services include 3 meals per day that will come with an afternoon snack, where you will have to make clear whether you want to have Keralan cuisine or Western-style food; welcome drinks; drinks for the trip, including water, coffee and tea; a fruit basket; working fans in each room; towels; and toiletries, such as soap.

Keep in mind that these houseboats will not stock soft drinks and alcohol for you, so you might want to stock up on these items.

Picture: Kerala Tourism Board | Boat ride in Kerala backwaters

Houseboat prices

Houseboat prices vary depending on the type and category of the boat that you will pick and the duration of your cruise.

With all these bits of information, you will be able to find the perfect houseboat for your cruise along the beautiful Kerala backwaters.

Picture: Kerala Tourism Board | Boat Race in Kerala.

Read More : 55 Top Tourist Attractions of Kerala

Read More : Top Destinations in Kerala

About Author

Posted by La Vacanza Travel | 26 Sep 16

“Your Holiday is our Destination” is our Motto. We are committed to offering authentic & holistic travel experiences. La Vacanza is a leading travel agency headquartered in New Delhi, India.

Everything You Need to Know About a Houseboat in Kerala Backwaters