Alleppey houseboat
A cruise on a traditional Kerala houseboat (Kettuvallam) through the backwaters of Alleppey (Alappuzha) is one of the most iconic travel experiences in India.
Houseboat Types & Categories
- Deluxe Houseboats:
- Features comfortable furnished bedrooms with attached western-style bathrooms, a common living/dining area, and a sun deck.
- AC Timings: Air conditioning in the bedrooms is typically operated during night hours only (from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM).
- Premium / Luxury Houseboats:
- Higher-end boats built with modern aesthetics, completely glass-covered living areas, and superior wood finishings.
- AC Timings: AC can be operated flexibly on-demand or throughout the stay (check-in to check-out).
- Bed Count Configurations:
- Available from 1-Bedroom (ideal for couples and honeymooners) up to 10+ Bedrooms (suitable for large families, group tours, or corporate retreats).
Standard Itinerary & Timings
- Overnight Cruise:
- Check-in: 12:00 PM (with a welcome drink, typically tender coconut).
- Cruise & Lunch: Cruising through narrow canals, lakes, and paddy fields until a 1-hour lunch break around 1:30 PM (traditional Kerala meals served on a banana leaf featuring rice, Karimeen fish fry, avial, thoran, and payasam).
- Evening: Tea/coffee with local snacks (like banana fritters) around 4:00 PM.
- Night Halting: By 5:30 PM, all houseboats must anchor by law (to allow local fishermen to cast nets). Guests can take a village walk or relax onboard.
- Next Morning: Short morning cruise followed by breakfast, with Check-out at 9:00 AM.
:00 AM.
- Day Cruise: Typically runs from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including welcome drinks, sightseeing, lunch, and evening tea/snacks without an overnight stay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is included in the houseboat package price?
For overnight stays, the price is fully inclusive (APAI / Full Board)—covering the boat rent, fuel, a dedicated crew (captain, oarsman, and onboard chef), and all meals (welcome drink, lunch, evening tea/snacks, dinner, and breakfast).
2. Why do houseboats stop moving at 5:30 PM?
Government regulations mandate that all houseboats anchor by 5:30 PM. This is to prevent collisions with local fishing nets deployed in the lakes and canals during the evening and night, and to protect the local ecosystem.
3. Is AC available throughout the day on all houseboats?
No, standard and deluxe houseboats run bedroom ACs only during designated night hours (9:00 PM to 6:00 AM) when the boat is anchored and engines/generators are managed for sleep comfort. Premium and Luxury categories usually offer flexible or 24-hour AC options.
4. Can we buy extra seafood during the cruise?
Yes! During the daytime cruise, the boat often slows down near local waterside markets or fishermen. You can choose live fresh catches (like prawns, crabs, or pearl spot fish) and the onboard chef will cook them for you for a nominal extra preparation fee.
5. Are vegetarian and vegan food options available?
Yes. Traditional Kerala vegetarian options (Sadhya style dishes, dal, thoran, sambar) are standard. If you require specific dietary preferences like Jain food or vegan meals, you can request them in advance during booking.
6. What is the best time of year to visit Alleppey for a houseboat trip?
While the winter months (October to March) offer the most pleasant weather, the monsoon season (June to August) is also immensely popular for travelers seeking lush green scenery and a quiet, romantic backwater atmosphere.