Kerala houseboat package
Here are the details for Kerala houseboat packages along with answers to the most frequently asked questions.
1. Popular Kerala Houseboat Packages
A. Overnight Stay Package (Most Popular)
- Timings: Check-in at 12:00 PM | Check-out at 9:00 AM (Next day)
Cruise Hours: Approx. 5–6 hours of active cruising
- Inclusions:
- Welcome drink upon arrival
Traditional Kerala Lunch (Veg/Non-Veg featuring Karimeen fish fry)
Evening Tea/Coffee with hot snacks (Banana fritters/ Pakoda )
Candlelight or regular Dinner
Breakfast before check-out
- Best For: Couples, families, and travelers looking for a quintessential, relaxed backwater experience.
B. Day Cruise Package
- Timings: Check-in at 11:00 AM | Check-out at 5:00 PM
Cruise Hours: Approx. 5–6 hours
- Inclusions:
- Welcome drink
Kerala-style Lunch
Evening Tea/Coffee with snacks
- Best For: Travelers with tight schedules, transit travelers, or large groups who prefer not to stay overnight.
2. Houseboat Categories & Air Conditioning Rules
| Category | Air Conditioning (AC) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Deluxe | 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM (Night only) | Standard furnished bedrooms, attached modern bath, deck, and traditional meal menu. |
| Premium | 24 Hours (Full-day AC) | Upgraded interiors, glass-walled living area option, extended food menu. |
| Luxury | 24 Hours (Full-day AC) | Premium furnishings, upper deck balconies, jacuzzis (select boats), butler-style service. |
3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do houseboats cruise during the night?
No. As per Kerala Government maritime regulations, all engine-operated boats must anchor by 5:30 PM until 7:30 AM/8:00 AM the next day. This rule protects local fishermen’s night fishing nets in the lakes and backwaters. The boat will anchor at a quiet backwater riverbank or shore for the night.
Q2: Are houseboats private or shared with other tourists?
All bookings are 100% private and exclusive to your group. You do not share the houseboat with other tourists — only your group and the dedicated 3-member crew (Captain, Oarsman/Guide, and Chef) are onboard.
Q3: What backwater routes are available?
The most popular routes operate in:
- Alleppey (Alappuzha) Round Cruise: Covers Punnamada Lake, Kuttanad paddy fields, and narrow village canals.
- Alleppey to Kumarakom: Crosses open expanses of Vembanad Lake.
Kollam & Nileshwaram (North Kerala): Ideal for quiet, off-beat backwater cruising.
Q4: Can vegetarian or customized food preferences be accommodated?
Yes. Onboard chefs prepare fresh meals in the boat’s kitchen. You can request pure vegetarian, Jain, halal, or non-spicy meals at the time of booking.
Q5: Are footwear allowed inside the houseboat?
To maintain hygiene and protect the polished wooden floors, shoes and outdoor footwear are typically requested to be removed before entering the carpeted or wooden inner living spaces.
Q6: Are houseboats safe for children and elderly individuals?
Yes. All registered houseboats carry mandatory safety equipment, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, and first-aid kits, with staff trained in safety protocols. High railings are fitted along side decks.
What are the average price ranges and seasonal discount periods for Kerala houseboat packages?
Here are the standard price ranges for Kerala houseboats (based on Alleppey and Kumarakom tariffs) and the seasonal discount cycles throughout the year.
1. Average Price Ranges for Overnight Packages (1 Night / 2 Persons)
Prices include private boat hire, driver/chef crew, welcome drinks, lunch, dinner, evening snacks, and breakfast.
| Category | Standard Base Rate (Normal Season) | Peak Season Rate (Oct–Feb) | Monsoon / Off-Season Rate (June–Sept) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe (Night AC) | ₹6,500 – ₹10,000 | ₹12,000 – ₹14,000 | ₹4,500 – ₹8,000 |
| Premium (Full-Day AC) | ₹10,500 – ₹18,000 | ₹12,000 – ₹18,000 | ₹8,500 – ₹12,000 |
| Luxury (Top Interiors/Balcony) | ₹16,000 – ₹28,000 | ₹22,000 – ₹35,000+ | ₹14,000 – ₹18,000 |
Additional Bedrooms: Adding extra bedrooms for larger groups typically increases the rate by ₹2,800 – ₹6,500 per bedroom across categories.
Extra Adult / Child: ₹750 to ₹1,500 per additional person (with extra bed and meals).
Day Cruise (5 Hours, No Overnight Stay): Starts from ₹2,500 – ₹8,000 for a Deluxe boat up to 2–4 people.