What makes a "Deluxe" houseboat different from a Premium or Luxury one?
The primary difference comes down to Air Conditioning (AC) timings and overall luxury finishes:
Deluxe Houseboats: AC is operational only during the night (typically from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM) inside the bedrooms. During the day, the open-air living area uses natural breeze and ceiling fans.
Premium/Luxury Houseboats: AC is available 24/7 in both the bedrooms and glass-enclosed living areas.
What is the typical check-in and check-out schedule?
Houseboat cruises follow a strict, regulated schedule to accommodate local fishing communities:
Check-in: 12:00 PM (Noon). You will be greeted with a welcome drink, and the cruise begins shortly after.
Anchorage: 5:30 PM. By government law, all houseboats must stop cruising and anchor by the lakeside. This allows local fishermen to cast their nets without interference.
Morning Cruise: 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM the following morning.
Check-out: 9:00 AM.
Note: If you are short on time, you can also book a Day Cruise which typically runs from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM (includes lunch and evening tea, but no overnight stay).
What food is served on board? Is it customisable?
All overnight Deluxe packages include full board meals: Welcome Drink, Lunch, Evening Tea with snacks (like banana fritters), Dinner, and Breakfast.
The menu consists of authentic, traditional Kerala cuisine cooked right on board by a private chef. A typical lunch features Kerala red rice, local vegetable dishes (thoran), sambar, papadum, and a fresh fish fry (usually Pearl Spot/Karimeen or Seer fish).
Vegetarian/North Indian Options: If you prefer pure vegetarian, Jain food, or North Indian dishes, simply inform the operator at the time of booking so the chef can prepare accordingly.
Fresh Catch: You can purchase fresh prawns, crabs, or lobsters from local shore-side vendors during the cruise and hand them to your onboard chef to cook for dinner.
will be on the boat with us? Is it private?
Yes, unless explicitly booked otherwise, houseboats are reserved on an exclusive, private basis. You won't be sharing the boat with other tourist groups.
The only other people on board will be your dedicated 3-member crew:
The Captain / Skipper
The Oarsman / Engine Driver
The Private Chef
