Joseph houseboat
An Alleppey (Alappuzha) backwater houseboat package is a complete, all-inclusive getaway designed to explore Kerala’s serene palm-lined backwaters, lake systems, and village canals onboard a traditional wooden Kettuvallam.
Houseboat Package Tiers & Estimated Rates
Prices are per boat per night (1-bedroom private boat for 2 adults) on an All-Inclusive (APAI) plan.
|
Category |
Air Conditioning (AC) |
Key Inclusions & Amenities |
Average Rate (1 Night / 2 Pax) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Deluxe Package |
Night-time only (9:00 PM – 6:00 AM) |
Standard double bedroom, attached bath, traditional fixed Kerala menu. |
₹4,500 – ₹12,000 + GST |
|
Premium Package |
Full-time (Check-in to Check-out) |
Glass-enclosed air-conditioned saloon, upgraded interior layout, enhanced menu. |
₹8,500 – ₹18,000 + GST |
|
Luxury Package |
Full-time (All interior spaces) |
Premium glass-walled architecture, upper decks, chef service, fine multi-course dining. |
₹12,000 – ₹25,000+ + GST |
Standard Overnight Itinerary (21 Hours)
- 12:00 PM – Arrival & Departure: Board at designated hubs like Finishing Point or Pallathuruthy Jetty. Receive a welcome drink (tender coconut/fruit juice) followed by a brief boat orientation.
- 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM – Open Water Navigation: Cruise across Punnamada Lake toward interior backwater routes.
- 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM – Traditional Kerala Lunch: Anchor near Kainakary, Alappuzha for a freshly prepared buffet.
- Menu: Rice, Pearl Spot Fish Fry (Karimeen Pollichathu), Chicken or Vegetable curry, Sambar, Avial, Thoran, Papad, and Salad.
- 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM – Village Canals & Kuttanad Route: Cruise through narrow inland channels, viewing historic village churches, palm-fringed banks, and below-sea-level paddy fields. Hot tea/coffee with banana fritters (Pazham Pori) served at 4:30 PM.
- 5:30 PM – Night Anchoring: Boat anchors securely along the bank per safety regulations. Step ashore for an evening walk along rural village paths.
- 8:00 PM – Onboard Dinner: Freshly cooked dinner (Chapatis, Rice, Chicken/Fish curry, and vegetable side dishes) served on board.
- 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM (Next Day) – Morning Cruise & Disembarkation: Morning cruise with breakfast (Appam with stew or Idli/Dosa with sambar, fresh fruits, tea/coffee) followed by check-out at 9:00 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is included in an all-inclusive houseboat package?
The standard package covers the private houseboat charter, all meals on board (Lunch, Evening Tea/Snacks, Dinner, and Breakfast), dedicated boat staff (Captain, Engine Driver, and Chef), fuel, and overnight docking.
2. Why do houseboats stop cruising at 5:30 PM?
By Kerala Maritime Board regulations, all houseboats must anchor by 5:30 PM. This allows local inland fishermen to deploy their fishing nets across the water channels without danger of net damage or propeller entanglement. Cruising resumes at 8:00 AM the next morning.
3. Can we accommodate extra adults or children on board?
Yes. Each bedroom is designed for 2 adults. Extra guests or children above 5 years can be accommodated with an extra bed/mattress for an additional per-head charge (typically ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 depending on category). Children under 5 years usually travel free.
4. Can we request special meals (Vegetarian / Jain / Seafood extras)?
Yes. Vegetarian and Jain meal plans can be arranged if specified at the time of booking. Additionally, houseboats can stop near local village fish stalls during the cruise where you can buy fresh jumbo prawns, crabs, or lobsters for the onboard chef to prepare.
5. Is a backwater houseboat safe for elderly travelers and children?
Yes. Backwater canals and lakes feature calm, still waters with virtually no wave action or pitching motions, making motion sickness very unlikely. Boats are equipped with life jackets, fire extinguishers, and basic safety gear.
6. What is the difference between an Alleppey Round route and a Kumarakom route?
- Alleppey Round: Departs and ends in Alleppey, navigating interior palm-lined canals, paddy fields, and backwater villages.
- Alleppey to Kumarakom: Crosses the expansive Vembanad Lake, offering wide-water vistas before ending or turning around near Kumarakom.