Dance

Sailing on a houseboat in Alleppey can make you soul happy. Nestled in the heart of Kerala’s backwaters, Alleppey (Alappuzha) is often called the “Venice of the East.” With a labyrinth of serene canals, lush green paddy fields, and quaint village life, it’s best explored from the deck of a traditional Kettuvallam—a houseboat that floats you right into the soul of Kerala leaving your heart happy and carefree.

Here’s a guide on houseboats in Alleppey:

Types of Houseboats in Alleppey

Deluxe Houseboats:

Deluxe category houseboats come with basic amenities and modest interiors. The AC is only switched on during the night and is not accessible during the day. These boats are budget-friendly and ideal for short trips.

Premium Houseboats:

Premium houseboats are a level above the deluxe category. They have the AC running full-time, come with better furnishings and cuisine, and are perfect for couples or families seeking comfort.

Luxury Houseboats

With their plush interiors, fine dining, Jacuzzi, and sun decks, luxury houseboats provide visitors with a hotel-like experience on water. They are great for honeymooners or special occasions. If you don’t mind the splurge, a luxury houseboat can make your stay on the water really worthwhile.

How to Book a Houseboat

1. Choose the Right Season

Best time: Winter and Spring are the months to go for since the weather during this time remains cool and dry.
Avoid: The monsoon season that spans June through September is best avoided unless you love the rain and don’t mind less movement on the water, and in general. The currents are also stronger during this time.

2. Pick a Trusted Booking Platform

Online portals: Booking.com, MakeMyTrip, HouseboatAlleppey.org, or Kerala Houseboat operators’ are official sites that give a lot of information and show you comparative rates.
Offline: Local tour operators in Kochi or Alleppey town are also approachable, but you need to negotiate prices.

3. Decide on Your Cruise Type

Day Cruise (11 AM – 5 PM): Great for those short on time.
Overnight Cruise: Most popular; includes meals and a stay.
Multiple Day Cruises: For leisure travelers and honeymooners.

4. Ask These Key Questions Before Booking

Is the boat licensed and safe?
What meals are included?
Is air-conditioning available 24/7?
What’s the exact route, and what will I see?
Are staff fluent in English or Hindi?

5. What to Pack

Light, breathable clothing
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent
Power banks or battery backups
A good book and a camera
Your favorite snacks or drinks (though meals are included)

What to Expect Onboard

Accommodation
Houseboats come equipped with spacious bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a dining area, and a deck for viewing. Rooms are typically decorated in traditional Kerala style. The level of luxury depends on the price you pay.

Cuisine
You can expect delicious Kerala-style meals—usually rice, vegetable dishes, fish curry, and fried fish. Vegan or vegetarian options are easily available. Some houseboats allow you to pick your choice of fish or prawns from local markets before the cruise starts.

The Cruise Experience

Embark on an unhurried and pleasant journey through Vembanad Lake, small canals, and backwater villages.
Spot locals fishing, bathing, and washing clothes by the banks.
Soak up the mellow rays of a gorgeous sunset as you relax and laze on the deck.
Houseboats dock around 5:30 PM near a village or lake shore for the night as per government regulation. Night sailings are not allowed for safety reasons.

Tips for the Best Experience

Book in advance, especially during the peak season, which lasts from December to January end.
Choose smaller canals and waterways for more scenic, serene, intimate, and less touristy experiences.
Disconnect: Most houseboats have poor network coverage, which may be good for you. Embrace the digital detox.
Be polite to staff: The staff come from nearby villages and are excellent hosts and cooks. But you need to respect the local culture and traditions.

Be a friend of the Earth

Avoid throwing plastic into the water. Say no to littering in any form, whatsoever.
Opt for eco-friendly houseboats if available.
Support local artisans and buy handmade crafts during village stops to do your bit for sustainable tourism.

Don’t forget your bonuses: Unique Add-Ons you should check for

Candlelight dinner on the deck
Kayaking through narrow canals – you need to check availability
Live cooking demos by the chef
Ayurvedic massages onboard or at nearby resorts.

Alleppey’s houseboats are a unique experience: from watching a kingfisher glide over the water, to having a full-course dinner with the sparkling stars keeping you company. As you float past rice paddies, every ripple on the water rejuvenates your soul and makes you crave more.