Alleppey Houseboat
Alleppey houseboats (traditionally known as Kettuvallams) offer a unique way to experience the tranquil backwaters, palm-fringed canals, and traditional village life of Kerala.
Overview & Categories
- Deluxe (Standard): Air conditioning operates during specified nighttime hours (typically 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM).
- Premium & Luxury: Full-time 24-hour air conditioning with premium interiors, upgraded living areas, and superior dining setups.
- Onboard Facilities: Private air-conditioned bedrooms with attached washrooms, dining/living area, open front deck, and a dedicated onboard kitchen.
- Crew On Board: Most houseboats come with a dedicated 3-member crew—a captain, an engine driver/oarsman, and a personal chef.
- Dining: Traditional Kerala cuisine prepared fresh onboard (includes welcome drinks, lunch, evening tea with snacks, dinner, and breakfast). Vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and custom dietary requests are accommodated.
Cruise Options & Timings
|
Package Type |
Typical Check-In |
Typical Check-Out |
Details |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Overnight Stay |
12:00 PM |
9:00 AM (Next Day) |
~5 to 6 hours of daytime cruising, anchored overnight, includes all meals. |
|
Day Cruise |
11:00 AM |
5 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why do houseboats stop cruising at 5:30 PM?
A: Under Kerala government and inland water authority regulations, cruising halts at 5:30 PM to allow local fishermen to set up their fishing nets in the canals and lakes without interference from boat engines. The boat anchors at a designated quiet shore for the night and resumes short cruising in the morning before check-out.
Q: Are the houseboats private or shared?
A: When you book an overnight stay, the entire houseboat and crew are reserved exclusively for your group or family. Shared day trips are sometimes offered, but standard overnight bookings guarantee full privacy.
Q: Are houseboats safe for children, elderly guests, and solo travelers?
A: Yes. All tourism-approved houseboats are equipped with mandatory safety gear, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, and first-aid kits, with staff trained in basic emergency response.
Q: What routes do the houseboats take?
A: Common routes include the Alleppey Round Trip (exploring Punnamada Lake, Pallathuruthy, and surrounding canal villages) and the Alleppey to Kumarakom route across Vembanad Lake.
Q: Is pre-booking required?
A: Advanced booking is strongly recommended during peak season (October to February) and for weekends or holidays to secure high-rated operators and preferred boat categories.
Compare the Alleppey Round trip itinerary with the Alleppey to Kumarakom houseboat route?
Both the Alleppey Round Trip and the Alleppey to Kumarakom Route offer memorable backwater cruises, but they differ significantly in scenery, pace, and overall experience.
Route 1: Alleppey Round Trip
This itinerary starts and finishes at the same jetty in Alleppey (Alappuzha). It focuses heavily on navigating narrow village canals, inland waterways, and rural backwater living.
- Landscape & Vibe: Intimate, culturally immersive, and vibrant.
- Key Highlights:
Begins along Punnamada Lake, famous for host venues like the Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
- Cruising through the narrow, palm-fringed village canals of Kuttanad, where you can view farming below sea level, coir-making units, and local duck farming.
- Close-up views of daily village life along the canal banks.
- Best Suited For: First-time visitors, families, and travelers seeking classic backwater village life and cultural sightseeing.
Route 2: Alleppey to Kumarakom One-Way (or Cross-Lake Route)
This route begins at an Alleppey boarding jetty, navigates through the main canals, and crosses the expanse of the lake to drop off or anchor on the Kumarakom side.
- Landscape & Vibe: Expansive, serene, and nature-focused.
- Key Highlights:
- Transitions from narrow canal networks into open waters across Vembanad Lake.
- Picturesque sunrise and sunset views across vast, open water horizons.
- Sightseeing near the shores of the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (Note: sanctuary grounds are currently temporarily closed for land access, but water-side birding along mangrove edges remains scenic).
- Ideal point-to-point transfer if your travel plan involves staying at a resort in Kumarakom after your houseboat trip.
- Best Suited For: Couples, nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and travelers looking for a quieter, luxury-focused lake cruise.
Key Comparison Summary
| Feature | Alleppey Round Trip | Alleppey to Kumarakom |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Scenery | Narrow canals, paddy fields, village shores | Wide open lake waters & mangrove shores |
| Cruise Pace | Active & varied | Slow & tranquil |
| Logistics | Same pick-up & drop-off jetty | One-way transfer (convenient for multi-destination plans) |
| Atmosphere | Culturally rich & lively | Peaceful, romantic & nature-focused |
Kerala House Boat Rental Services & price list of 2026 to till march 2027
Kerala Boat House 1 bedroom Kerala Houseboat two adults ₹6,500/- check in place Alappuzha backwaters villages.
Kerala houseboat 1 room luxury category honeymoon private Kerala houseboat 1 couple ₹7,500/- check in place Alappuzha backwaters villages.
Kerala houseboat two bedroom private four people ₹8,500/- check in place Alappuzha backwaters villages.
Kerala houseboat two bedroom canal special four people ₹10,500/- check in place Alappuzha backwaters villages.
Kerala houseboat three bedroom six people ₹ 10,000/- check in place Alappuzha.
Kerala houseboat three bedroom canal special six people ₹ 13,000/- check in place Alappuzha backwaters villages.
Kerala houseboat four bedroom eight people ₹ 12,000/- check in place Alappuzha and kumarakom.
Kerala houseboat four bedroom canal special eight people ₹ 16,000/- check in place Alappuzha backwaters villages.
Kerala houseboat five bedroom ten people ₹ 15,000/- check in place Alappuzha and kumarakom.
Kerala houseboat five bedroom canal special ten people ₹18,000/- check in place Alappuzha backwaters villages.
Kerala houseboat six bedroom 12 people ₹ 20,000/- check in place Alappuzha and kumarakom.
Kerala houseboat seven bedroom 14 people ₹22,000/- check in place Alappuzha and kumarakom.
Kerala houseboat eight bedroom 16 people ₹ 26,000/- check in place Alappuzha and kumarakom.
Kerala houseboat nine bedroom 18 people ₹ 29,000/- check in place Alappuzha and kumarakom.
Kerala houseboat ten bedroom 20 people ₹ 33,000/- check in place Alappuzha and kumarakom.
Kerala houseboat eleven bedroom 22 people ₹36,000/ check in place Alappuzha and kumarakom.
Kerala houseboat twelve bedroom 24 people ₹ 40,000/- check in place Alappuzha and kumarakom.
Kerala houseboat Day trip standard two person non a/c ₹5,000/- extra per person ₹ 650/-.
Kerala houseboat day trip luxury category 2 people ₹8,000/- extra per person ₹1,500/- additional.
Kerala houseboat day trip premium category 2 people ₹10,000/- extra per person ₹2500/- additional.
speed boat ten minutes 2 people ₹2000/-.
Shikara open boat two hours two people per boat ₹1,200/-.
Canoe boat five hours backwater village tour two people with food ₹3,500/-.
Kayaking two people with food five hours ₹3,500/-.