Sharing Boathouse
A Sharing Houseboat (or Shared Houseboat) in Alleppey is an economical option for couples, solo travelers, or small families. Instead of renting an entire multi-bedroom vessel, you book a private bedroom with an attached bathroom, while sharing the common areas—such as the lounge, dining section, and upper deck—with other guests.
1. Sharing Houseboat Overview & Experience
- Private vs. Shared Space: You get a private, lockable air-conditioned bedroom with an attached bathroom. The open living space, dining table, and sun/viewing deck are shared with other passengers.
- Cost Efficiency: Rates are significantly lower than booking a full private houseboat (typically starting around ₹5,999 – ₹7,500 per couple depending on the season and category).
- Onboard Crew: The houseboat is operated by a 3-member professional crew—a Captain, Engine Driver/Oarsman, and a Chef.
- Meals Included: Packages are generally all-inclusive (APAI – full board), serving traditional Kerala meals cooked fresh in the onboard kitchen.
2. Typical Itinerary & Cruise Schedule
| Time | Schedule / Activity |
|---|---|
| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Check-in at the boarding jetty (e.g., Punnamada / Pallathuruthy), welcome drink served. |
| 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Backwater cruise begins through canals and Vembanad Lake. |
| 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Traditional Kerala Lunch served on board (boat halts briefly). |
| 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Cruise resumes along village canals, paddy fields, and backwater circuits. |
| 5:30 PM | Boat anchors at the shore for the night (mandatory government regulation). Evening tea/snacks served. |
| 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Dinner served in the dining area. Overnight stay in your private AC room. |
| 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM | Morning cruise and breakfast served on board. |
| 9:00 AM | Check-out and drop-off at the jetty. |
3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How does a sharing houseboat work?
A: Multi-bedroom houseboats (ranging from 2 to 8 bedrooms) are used. Each guest/couple receives their own private bedroom with an attached bathroom. The common dining table, front seating area, and upper deck are shared among all occupants.
Q2. Is a shared houseboat safe for couples and families?
A: Yes, it is completely safe. Private bedrooms feature individual locks. Licensed houseboats carry mandatory safety gear, including life jackets and fire extinguishers, and the crew is available on board at all times.
Q3. What are the food options available?
A: All meals are included:
- Lunch: Traditional Kerala meal (Rice, Sambar, Thoran, Meen/Fish Fry or Curry, Papad, Salad).
- Evening: Tea/Coffee with Kerala snacks (like banana fritters).
- Dinner: Rice/Roti, Chicken/Fish/Vegetable Curry, and side dishes.
- Breakfast: South Indian dishes (Idli/Dosa/Appam with curry) or Bread-Eggs, with Tea/Coffee.
- Vegetarian / Special Diets: Pure vegetarian or Jain meals are available if requested at the time of booking.
Q4. What is the difference between Deluxe and Premium sharing houseboats?
- Deluxe Sharing: Air conditioning in the bedrooms operates during nighttime only (typically 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM).
- Premium Sharing: Air conditioning operates 24 hours (or full-time during stay) in bedrooms, and boats often feature enhanced furnishings or glass-enclosed upper decks.
Q5. Why do houseboats stop cruising at 5:30 PM?
A: As per Kerala Government fisheries regulations, all houseboats must anchor by 5:30 PM to allow local inland fishermen to lay their fishing nets without interference from motorized boat traffic. Cruising resumes the next morning at ~7:30 AM.
Q6. Are there any extra/hidden charges?
- Transfers: Railway station or airport pick-up and drop-off are generally charged extra.
- Special Seafood: Buying extra items like prawns, crabs, or duck from local vendors along the riverbank (you pay the vendor directly, and the chef prepares it free of charge).
- Daytime AC: If you request AC outside standard night operational hours on a Deluxe boat, additional hourly charges may apply.