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Discover Alleppey's Backwaters with a Houseboat Cruise

Experience the serene beauty of Alleppey’s backwaters on a traditional houseboat. Our cruises offer a unique perspective of Kerala’s landscapes, culture, and daily life. Book your unforgettable journey today and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the backwaters.

Alleppey, often called the “Venice of the East,” is a picturesque town in Kerala much loved by travelers for its tranquil backwaters, lush paddy fields, and interconnected canals. The best way to experience Alleppey’s breathtaking beauty is by a houseboat, which glides through its serene waterways, offering panoramic views of coconut groves, traditional villages, and vibrant birdlife. Unlike road travel, a houseboat cruise allows visitors to immerse themselves in the region’s slow-paced charm, witness local life up close, and enjoy authentic Kerala cuisine onboard, providing an unforgettable and intimate connection with Alleppey’s natural and cultural splendor.

Kerala’s houseboats, locally known as “Kettuvallams,” have a rich history dating back centuries when they were traditionally used for transporting rice, spices, and other goods across the backwaters. These boats used coir ropes to tie wooden planks together without nails, showcasing the state’s ancient boat-building craftsmanship.

A houseboat cruising through Alleppey's narrow canals, surrounded by lush greenery.

With the advent of modern transportation, Kettuvallams were no longer used for trade but were revived in the late 20th century as one of the many tourism promotion initiatives of the Kerala Tourism Board. Transformed into luxurious floating homes with bedrooms, kitchens, and lounges, houseboats now offer travelers a serene way to explore the scenic backwaters, blending their historical charm with modern facilities to make the trip worthwhile for every traveler.

A close-up of the wooden craftsmanship of a houseboat, showing how coir ropes hold it together.

A houseboat ride in Alleppey (Alappuzha) takes you through the breathtaking backwaters of Kerala, covering serene canals, lakes, rivers, and charming villages. The places covered depend on the duration and route of your houseboat package. Here are some key destinations we recommend:

A simple map of Alleppey’s backwaters highlighting major stops like Punnamada Lake, Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom, etc.

Punnamada Lake (Starting Point)

  • Most houseboats start from Punnamada Lake, famous for hosting the Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
  • The lake offers stunning views of vast stretches of water with coconut palms and houseboats floating by.

Vembanad Lake

  • The largest lake in the state of Kerala and one of the longest lakes in India.
  • Ideal for sunset views and spotting migratory birds.
  • Luxury houseboats often include an extended ride through this lake.
A serene image of a houseboat deck with a view of the sunset or sunrise over Vembanad Lake.

Kumarakom

  • Located on the eastern shore of Vembanad Lake, this area is known for its bird sanctuary.
  • A great spot for birdwatching, especially kingfishers, egrets, herons, and darters.
  • Some premium and long-duration houseboat packages cover Kumarakom.

Kuttanad (“The Rice Bowl of Kerala”)

  • Known for its paddy fields below sea level, it is one of the unique agricultural landscapes in the world.
  • Features narrow canals, coconut groves, and rustic village life.
  • Offers glimpses of toddy tapping, duck farming, and fishing.

Champakulam

  • A culturally rich village known for its Champakulam Church (built in 427 AD), one of the oldest in India.
  • Famous for the Champakulam Snake Boat Race and local handicrafts.

Nedumudy

  • A small, picturesque village with narrow waterways.
  • Houseboats passing through Nedumudy offer stunning views of Chinese fishing nets, village homes, and local markets.

Karumadi

  • Known for the Karumadikuttan Buddha Statue, a historic 11th-century black granite sculpture.
  • A short stop for history and culture lovers.

Pathiramanal Island

  • A small, uninhabited island in Vembanad Lake, accessible by boat.
  • A birdwatcher’s paradise, home to rare migratory birds.

Thottappally

  • Where the backwaters meet the Arabian Sea.
  • If you opt for an extended cruise, you can witness the coastal beauty of Kerala.

Marari Beach (Optional)

  • Some houseboats offer a stopover at Mararikulam Beach, a peaceful and less crowded alternative to Kovalam.

Many houseboat operators allow customization, so you can choose a route that best fits your interest, whether birdwatching, village life, cultural sites, or simply enjoying the tranquil backwaters.

Types of houseboats: 

A collage of three images, each showcasing the interiors of Deluxe, Premium, and Luxury houseboats.

Deluxe Houseboat: A Deluxe Houseboat is a budget-friendly option. It features AC bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a cozy living area, a well-equipped kitchen, and viewing decks to soak in the scenic water views. Prices may vary between INR 10,000 to INR 60,000 depending on the number of rooms passengers choose.

Premium Houseboat: A level above the Deluxe Houseboat, a Premium Houseboat comes with elegant wooden ceilings, handcrafted décor, full-time air conditioning in the bedrooms, and spacious living areas, providing the perfect mix of comfort and authenticity. Prices start from INR 15,000 and can go up to INR 75,000 depending on the type and number of rooms chosen.

Luxury Houseboat: The ultimate in exclusivity and sophistication, a Luxury Houseboat offers the ultimate backwater experience with five-star interiors, glass-walled AC cabins, elegant dining spaces, and top-notch service that leaves little for complaint. The price may go up to INR 1,20,000 per night depending on the amenities chosen. A Luxury Houseboat is perfect for those seeking a lavish and memorable getaway.

Houseboat Travel Cost

Travel operators in Alleppey offer a variety of houseboat packages tailored to different preferences and budgets. The cost of a backwater cruise in Alleppey varies based on factors like the type of boat, amenities, houseboat route, duration, and season.

Below is an updated Alleppey houseboat rates list for 2025 to help you compare options.

Deluxe Houseboat Alleppey Rates

Deluxe Houseboat Alleppey Rates

Premium Alleppey Houseboat Rates

Premium Alleppey Houseboat Rates

Luxury Houseboat Alleppey Rates

Luxury Houseboat Alleppey Rates

Alleppey Houseboat Rates Chart for One Day Cruise 2025 ( 11 AM to 5 PM )

Alleppey Houseboat Rates Chart for One Day Cruise 2025 ( 11 AM to 5 PM )

Source: Riverwoodz: Luxury houseboats in Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kerala

Inclusions: 

  • Accommodation (private or shared houseboat)
  • All meals (vegetarian & non-vegetarian options, with flexible meal plans)
  • AC or non-AC facilities (depending on the package)
  • Backwater sightseeing cruise (sightseeing costs may vary)

Additional Information:

Air Conditioning:

  • Deluxe Houseboats: AC operational from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM in bedrooms.
  • Premium and Luxury Houseboats: Full-time AC in bedrooms; in Luxury, AC is also available in the living area.

Children: Children below 5 years of age stay complimentary.

Check-in/Check-out: Check-in at 12:00 PM and check-out at 9:00 AM.

Pick & Drop: Pick & Drop facilities are available at an additional cost.

Cruising Time: Houseboats anchor from 5: 30 PM to 7:00 AM and are parked by the lake shore for the night, keeping in mind local regulations, safety concerns, environmental protection, and respect for local communities.

Extra Person Charges:

  • Deluxe Non AC: INR 750 – INR 1,000 per person.
  • Premium: ₹1,500 per person.
  • Luxury: ₹2,000 per person.
  • Inclusions: Welcome drink, lunch, evening tea/coffee with snacks.
  • Air Conditioning: Available at an additional charge for Deluxe Non AC packages.

Food Options

Standard Food Menu

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, expect to enjoy delicacies like appam, rice, sambar, fish curry, vegetable thoran, and local desserts.

A top-down shot of an authentic Kerala meal (appam, fish curry, rice, and coconut-based dishes) served on a banana leaf on the houseboat.

Dietary Options

For guests with specific dietary requirements, available options include:

  • Pure Vegetarian Food
  • Jain Food
  • Halal Food

Fresh Seafood Experience

One of the delights of a Kerala houseboat cruise is the opportunity to sample fresh seafood. Guests can buy prawns, crabs, or other fresh fish directly from local fishermen or lakeside shops, and they will be cooked by the chef on the boat in any style that the guest wants.

On-Request

For an extra payment, the houseboat staff will arrange extras such as a cake for a birthday party, or make arrangements for a candlelight dinner. These customizations can be arranged with advance notice to make your houseboat sailing experience more memorable.

Menu choices per category

The food menu may slightly vary depending on the houseboat category you choose—Deluxe, Premium, or Luxury. While the core menu remains similar, luxury houseboats often offer more elaborate dishes and additional course options to enhance the culinary experience.

Types of packages: 

  • Overnight Houseboat Packages (21-hour stay: 12:00 PM to 9:00 AM)
  • Day Cruise Packages (6-hour cruise: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
A well-lit luxury houseboat at night, anchored by the lakeside with soft lighting reflecting on the water.

Additional Information:

Please note that the above rates are subject to change based on government taxes, seasonal demand, and availability. It is advisable to contact houseboat operators directly for the most current pricing and to inquire about any ongoing promotions or discounts. 

A houseboat in Alleppey awaits the graciousness of your presence. Book one to have an experience that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

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