Double decker houseboat in Alleppey

Double decker houseboat in Alleppey

Double-decker houseboats in Alleppey (Alappuzha) offer an elevated backwater experience, featuring a upper deck dedicated to panoramic sightseeing, private lounging, and dining.

​Overview of Double Decker Houseboats in Alleppey

Double-decker houseboats operating out of major boarding points like Alleppey Houseboats at Finishing Point are designed with two levels: lower deck bedrooms/saloons and elevated top-deck vantage areas.

• ​Layout Structure: The lower deck typically features fully air-conditioned bedrooms with attached private bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and crew quarters. The upper deck features open air or glass-walled lounges, dining areas, and sundecks.
• ​Vessel Categories: Available in Open Upper Deck (shaded seating with open sides) and Glass Covered Full-AC Upper Deck configurations.
• ​Capacity Options: Ranging from 1-bedroom luxury vessels for couples to large 5+ bedroom double-deckers capable of accommodating extended families, corporate retreats, and group events.
• ​Inclusions: Full board meal plans (traditional Kerala lunch, evening snacks, dinner, and breakfast), dedicated onboard crew (captain, engine driver, and chef), and customized cruise routes through Punnamada Lake, Kuttanad, and C-Block channels.

​Key Features & Advantages

• ​Unobstructed Panoramas: High-level views of palm trees, vast paddy fields, and passing backwater traffic above the shoreline vegetation line.
• ​Flexible Usage: Upper decks on larger vessels often provide spacious open floor plans suitable for family gatherings, corporate celebrations, or private dining setups.
• ​Enhanced Privacy: Bedrooms stay separated on the lower deck, leaving the upper level dedicated entirely to daytime lounge and leisure activities.

​Major Departure Jetties in Alleppey

Alleppey boat cruise starting point along Punnamada Lake serves as the main embarkation hub for premier backwater itineraries.

The Alleppey Houseboats operates direct overnight and day-cruise routes originating from Zilla Court Ward and Punnamada channels.

Pulickattil House Boat Jetty offers fleet access for large group and multi-bedroom double-decker vessels.

My Trip Houseboats – Alleppey Boathouse, Kerala provides boarding services along Pallathuruthy Kanitta jetty for quieter rural backwater routes.

​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

​Q1: What is the main difference between a Single Deck and a Double Decker houseboat?

​A: A single-deck houseboat features all bedrooms, the dining area, and the captain’s wheel on a single ground level. A double-decker splits these functions: bedrooms remain on the lower level, while the upper level provides an elevated living room, open sun deck, or glass-walled air-conditioned lounge.

​Q2: Is the upper deck on a double-decker houseboat air-conditioned?

​A: It depends on the houseboat category:

• ​Deluxe / Premium Double Deckers: Feature an open-air upper deck with a canopy roof, outdoor sofas, and lounge chairs.
• ​Luxury Glass-Houseboats: Feature a fully enclosed, glass-walled upper deck with 24-hour full-time air conditioning.

​Q3: Are double-decker houseboats suitable for day cruises and large groups?

​A: Yes. Double-decker vessels are popular choices for corporate outings, family reunions, and day trips because the upper deck provides ample space for 20 to 50+ guests during day cruise hours without feeling cramped.

​Q4: Can double-decker houseboats navigate narrow backwater canals?

​A: Due to their height and width, double-decker houseboats navigate primary lake routes and wider channels like Punnamada Lake and the main Kuttanad rivers. They cannot enter small, shallow village canals, which are best explored using a small Shikara or country canoe during anchored breaks.

​Q5: What is the standard schedule and operational timing?

​A: Double-decker houseboats follow standard Kerala tourism regulations:

• ​Check-in: 12:00 PM.
• ​Cruising: 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM (with a 1-hour lunch anchor).
• ​Night Anchor: 5:30 PM to 8:00 AM (engines stop by law to protect local fishing operations).
• ​Morning Cruise & Check-out: 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM after breakfast.

​Would you like more details on pricing tiers, group capacities, or route options for double-decker houseboats?