A Kerala houseboat holiday is one of the most unforgettable travel experiences in India. Glide slowly through palm-fringed canals, peaceful villages, endless paddy fields and beautiful lagoons while enjoying authentic Kerala cuisine and the comfort of your own floating stay. Known traditionally as Kettuvallam, Kerala houseboats were once used to transport rice and goods - today they have transformed into floating hotels ranging from comfortable AC houseboats to ultra-luxury private floating villas.
Alleppey’s backwater is renowned all over the country and even globally as the most beautiful water body with eye-pleasing lush greenery all around. With the holiday tours to honeymoon and family trips to the temples, tourists make sure to experience the boat ride on the backwater once in a lifetime. After the monsoon season ends, massive tourist count is witnessed in Kerala in every popular destination.
On the other hand, travel to Kerala is considered incomplete without giving a try to the cruising experience on backwaters and tasting the extreme seafood delicacy in the houseboats. If you are planning for a vacation or a honeymoon trip to Kerala, then an overnight stay in the houseboat of the traditional Allappuzha can surely enhance your experience to a great extent. However, if you want to have the best boat rides in Alleppey then you should surely prefer a professional assistance to help you cover all the popular cruising spots.
We, Kerala Travel exotica can be the best choice for all travelers to southern India with the best houseboat packages that suit all kinds of preferences and lifestyles. Starting from the budget kind to the deluxe and luxurious one, we offer all kinds of packages for cruising in houseboats.
What can be expected from our services?
About the Kerala house boating experience
One can choose from a wide range of houseboats varying in its prices before booking. We also recommend going through the people reviews so that you can trust on our services for Kerala Houseboat booking. You can also choose from private houseboats, shared one and large ones that can provide accommodations for larger families as well. Different houseboat packages are provided in this scenario that helps you to choose from these options before you make a booking. Besides, there are few things that can complement your ride to Kerala for house boating experience, of which some are
Kerala travel exotica is aimed at providing the best house boating experience to every traveler that maybe for holiday, honeymoon or else family tours which can favor your preferences and also surpass your expectations for the holiday spent in Kerala on houseboats.
Alleppey is the most famous houseboat destination in Kerala and the first choice for most travellers. With hundreds of traditional and modern houseboats, Alleppey offers the widest range of options from shared deluxe boats to luxury private cruises.
Best for: first-time Kerala visitors, honeymoon couples, families, international travellers, classic backwater experience
Highlights: Vembanad Lake, Kuttanad paddy fields, narrow village canals, coconut plantations, traditional fishing villages.
Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom offers a peaceful and premium backwater experience surrounded by nature and luxury resorts.
Best for: luxury travellers, couples seeking privacy, nature lovers, bird watchers
Highlights: large lake cruising, calm surroundings, bird sanctuary region, premium resort atmosphere.
For travellers looking beyond crowded tourist routes, Nileshwaram offers an authentic and peaceful North Kerala backwater experience. Located near Bekal, this region combines beautifully with beaches, Theyyam, Ayurveda and village experiences.
Best for: offbeat travellers, luxury travellers seeking exclusivity, international visitors, North Kerala exploration
Highlights: Thejaswini River cruising, coconut-lined waterways, traditional fishing communities, estuary landscapes, village life experiences, peaceful sunrise and sunset views. Perfect combination: Bekal + Nileshwaram Houseboat + Theyyam + North Kerala Beaches.
Kochi offers unique backwater experiences for travellers who want to combine heritage, culture and waterways. While Alleppey is famous for overnight houseboats, Kochi is ideal for short cruises, private experiences and island exploration - best for travellers with limited time, cruise passengers, airport arrival/departure day experiences, families and short Kerala holidays.
Popular Kochi backwater areas: Kadamakkudy Islands (mangrove waterways, fishing villages, bird watching, island landscapes, sunset views), Kumbalangi Village (traditional fishing culture, Chinese fishing nets, mangrove ecosystem, local village experiences), and Vypin & Coastal Backwaters (island life, fishing harbours, Arabian Sea and backwater landscapes).
Kerala houseboats are available in different comfort levels and booking styles. Most overnight travellers prefer AC categories for a comfortable experience throughout the year.
Affordable Kerala backwater experience: shared houseboats allow travellers to book individual rooms while sharing common areas with other guests. Best for solo travellers, budget-conscious couples, small families and value travellers. Facilities: air-conditioned bedroom, attached bathroom, shared dining area, upper deck seating, Kerala meals, sunset cruise – a complete overnight houseboat experience at an affordable price.
The most popular choice in Kerala – deluxe AC houseboats provide the ideal balance between comfort, experience and value. Best for couples, families, first-time visitors and international tourists. Facilities: AC bedrooms, attached bathrooms, comfortable interiors, dining area, upper deck, traditional Kerala cuisine, professional crew.
Premium comfort at a better value – a great option for travellers who want upgraded facilities without booking a full private boat. Features: better interiors, more spacious rooms, improved comfort, premium dining, better service standards. Best for couples, small families and premium budget travellers.
Enhanced comfort & privacy – premium and semi-luxury boats provide a more refined experience. Features: spacious bedrooms, stylish interiors, better bathrooms, larger deck area, improved dining experience, more personalised service. Best for honeymoon couples, premium travellers, international guests and special celebrations.
A boutique hotel floating on water – luxury houseboats offer a premium hospitality experience on Kerala's waterways. Features: luxury interiors, spacious cabins, full-time AC, premium furnishings, private deck, personalised service, high-quality dining. Best for luxury honeymoon, premium family holidays and luxury international travellers.
The ultimate floating villa experience – the highest category of Kerala houseboat travel. Exclusive features: designer interiors, luxury suites, private lounge areas, premium bathrooms, dedicated service team, customised dining, exclusive cruising experience. Best for luxury travellers, private celebrations and premium family holidays.
Day Cruise – duration 4–6 hours. Best for short visits, Kochi travellers and cruise-only experiences.
Overnight Houseboat Stay – the most recommended Kerala houseboat experience. Typical schedule – Day 1: check-in around noon, welcome and lunch, afternoon cruise, sunset views, dinner and overnight stay. Day 2: morning cruise, breakfast, check-out.
Two Night Houseboat Experience – ideal for slow travellers. Benefits: more relaxed cruising, more village canals, better photography opportunities, less rushed journey.
Prices depend on boat category, season, number of bedrooms, facilities, route, and private or shared booking. Approximate price range (peak season rates may vary):
October to March – the most popular season: pleasant weather, comfortable cruising, best for honeymoon and family holidays. Book early for Christmas, New Year and long weekends.
April to May – better availability, competitive pricing, peaceful waterways.
June to September (Monsoon Experience) – perfect for nature lovers, photographers and slow travellers. Expect fresh greenery, rain-washed landscapes and a romantic atmosphere.
Before booking, check boat quality (recent photographs, genuine reviews, clean interiors, safety standards), route quality (a beautiful route with village canals is often more important than selecting only a bigger boat), food experience (authentic Kerala meals, fresh seafood options, vegetarian choices), and safety (life jackets, experienced crew, proper maintenance, safety equipment).
Book early during peak season, select category based on comfort expectations, confirm boarding location, check AC timings, read recent reviews, avoid unrealistic low-price offers
Alleppey is the most popular destination due to its large selection of boats and classic backwater routes.
Yes. One night gives the complete experience with cruising, meals, sunset and overnight stay.
Private Deluxe AC and Premium houseboats offer the best comfort and value.
Premium, Luxury and Ultra Luxury private houseboats provide the best privacy and experience.
Yes. Shared Deluxe AC and Premium options are available for travellers looking for affordable experiences.
Experience Kerala beyond a traditional houseboat ride. These specially designed backwater packages combine overnight houseboat cruises with village life, kayaking, Ayurveda, luxury resorts and hidden destinations to create memorable Kerala holidays. Tap any package below for the full itinerary, inclusions and to enquire.
2 Days 1 Nights
Kerala Backwater Escape
price On Request
3 Days 2 Nights
Kerala Backwater Adventure Experience
price On Request
2 Days 1 Nights
Kerala Budget Backwater Culture Package
price On Request
2 Days 1 Nights
Kerala Luxury Floating Villa Experience
price On Request
2 Days 1 Nights
North Kerala Hidden Backwater & Beach Escape
price On Request