Boat House Available

Boat House Available

Houseboat rentals in Kerala—primarily operating out of Alappuzha (Alleppey) and Kumarakom—offer private, fully equipped options ranging from single-bedroom vessels to large multi-room options.

Available Houseboat Categories & Pricing

​Prices vary based on season (peak season runs from October to March). Standard check-in is 12:00 PM and check-out is 9:00 AM the following day.

Key Inclusions

• ​Dedicated Crew: 3 crew members on board (Captain, Engine Driver, and Private Chef).
• ​Meals Provided: Traditional Kerala cuisine (Welcome drink, Lunch, Evening Tea & Snacks, Dinner, and Breakfast).
  • ​Typical menu: Karimeen (Pearl Spot) fish fry, chicken curry, Kerala rice, veggies, sambar, and fresh local fruit. Custom vegetarian/vegan menus are available upon request.
• ​Private Cruise Route: Navigates Punnamada Lake, Vembanad Lake, and narrow backwater canals (e.g., Kuttanad region).

​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

​Q1: What is the typical check-in and check-out timing?

​Standard check-in is at 12:00 PM (noon). Cruising runs until 5:30 PM, after which the boat anchors for the night per government safety regulations. Cruising resumes at 7:30 AM the next morning before check-out at 9:00 AM.

​Q2: Why do houseboats stop cruising at 5:30 PM?

​The Kerala Government mandates all houseboats anchor between 5:30 PM and 7:30 AM to allow local inland fishermen to cast their fishing nets without damage or disruption.

​Q3: Is Air Conditioning available all day?

• ​Deluxe: AC operates only in the bedroom during night hours (9:00 PM to 6:00 AM).
• ​Premium: AC operates full-time inside the bedroom.
• ​Luxury: Central AC covers both the living lounge and bedrooms around the clock.

​Q4: Can we customize the food menu?

​Yes. Chef services are personalized. You can specify dietary requirements (Vegetarian, Jain, Halal, Less Spicy, No Seafood) at the time of booking.

​Q5: Is it safe for families with kids or elderly passengers?

​Yes, houseboats are equipped with life jackets, fire extinguishers, and first-aid kits. The boat moves at a low, calm pace along shallow inland waters, making it very safe and smooth.

Give me a detailed 1-night 2-day itinerary for a Kerala houseboat trip including meal times and sightseeing spots?

An overnight houseboat trip through the backwaters of Alappuzha (Alleppey) follows a structured schedule to make the most of daytime cruising while respecting local navigation regulations.

​Day 1: Boarding & Scenic Cruise

12:00 PM – Boarding & Welcome Drink

• ​Location: Board your houseboat at Punnamada Finishing Point Houseboats (or your designated boarding jetty).
• ​Activity: Get introduced to the captain, engine operator, and private chef. Receive a welcome drink (fresh tender coconut water or seasonal fruit juice) while settling into your air-conditioned room.
• ​Cruise Start: The boat sets sail into the expansive Punnamada Lake, heading toward the backwater routes of Kuttanad.

​1:30 PM – Traditional Kerala Lunch

• ​Meal Time: Served on the open lounge deck.
• ​Menu Highlights: Freshly cooked Kerala red rice, Karimeen (Pearl Spot) fish fry, chicken curry, avial, thoran, sambar, rasam, papad, and payasam for dessert.

2:30 PM to 5:00 PM – Sightseeing & Backwater Village Exploration

• ​Sightseeing Spots:
  • ​R Block & C Block: Experience farming below sea level, where vast paddy fields are protected by dikes and embankments.
  • ​Vembanad Lake: Sail through broad channels and witness local country boats (vallam) passing by.
  • ​Kainakary & Champakulam Waterways: Pass through narrow village canals framed by coconut palms, traditional wooden houses, and local churches along the bank.

​5:00 PM – Evening Tea & Local Snacks

• ​Meal Time: Enjoy fresh hot tea or coffee accompanied by traditional evening snacks like Pazham Pori (banana fritters) or Samoosa while taking in the sunset views.

​5:30 PM – Night Anchoring

• ​Location: The boat anchors along the banks near Kainakary or Nedumudi.
• ​Note: Government safety rules require all houseboats to anchor by 5:30 PM to avoid disrupting night fishing nets.

​8:00 PM – Dinner

• ​Meal Time: Candlelight dining in the calm, serene backwater night.
• ​Menu Highlights: Chappathis, rice, Kerala-style chicken or fish curry, vegetable stir-fry, and fresh salad.

​Day 2: Morning Cruise & Disembarkation

7:30 AM – Morning Refreshment & Morning Cruise

• ​Activity: Wake up to morning mist over the backwaters. The boat resumes cruising around the calm streams of Alleppey Backwaters.

​8:00 AM – Breakfast

• ​Meal Time: Served fresh before arrival.
• ​Menu Highlights: Traditional Kerala breakfast (Appam with Stew, Puttu with Kadala Curry, or Idli/Dosa with Sambar & Chutney) along with fresh fruit, eggs to order, and tea or coffee.

​9:00 AM – Check-out

• ​Location: Disembark at the boarding jetty (Punnamada Finishing Point Houseboats.

​Would you like to customize this itinerary with optional activities such as a canoe or Shikara ride through narrow canals, or dietary preferences for meals?

What are the main differences between booking a houseboat in Alleppey versus Kumarakom?

Both destinations offer access to Vembanad Lake, but the landscape, atmosphere, and cruising experiences differ significantly depending on where you board.

Alleppey Backwaters

​Alleppey is considered the houseboat capital of Kerala, making it the most popular choice for backwater trips.

• ​Landscape & Cruising Routes: Offers a network of narrow backwater canals, village waterways (such as Kainakary and Champakulam), and paddy field views (R Block and C Block).
• ​Atmosphere: Lively and busy, with high houseboat traffic, especially around boarding points like Punnamada Finishing Point.
• ​Pricing & Options: Features a wide range of options across standard, deluxe, premium, and luxury categories due to high boat availability.
• ​Best For: Travelers wanting to see local village life, bustling canal activity, and traditional backwater scenery.

Kumarakom Backwaters

​Situated on the eastern shore of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom offers a more tranquil, nature-centric environment.

• ​Landscape & Cruising Routes: Focuses on expansive open-water lake cruises, sanctuary borders, and wide rivers rather than tight village canals.
• ​Atmosphere: Quiet, serene, and uncrowded, making it a popular choice for luxury resorts and peaceful retreats.
• ​Pricing & Options: Generally leans toward premium and luxury offerings, with fewer budget operator choices compared to Alleppey.
• ​Best For: Couples, honeymooners, and travelers looking for relaxation, open lake views, and birdwatching near the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

​Comparison Summary