Kerala Houseboat Experience in Alappuzha (Alleppey) & Kumarakom   

Kerala Houseboats (locally known as Kettuvallams) offer a unique and enchanting experience as they sail through the serene backwaters of Alappuzha (Alleppey) and Kumarakom. These houseboats are traditionally crafted vessels that once carried rice and spices but are now transformed into floating hotels, providing travelers with a peaceful retreat amidst nature.

 Houseboat at Alappuzha (Alleppey)

Alappuzha, also known as the "Venice of the East," is famous for its extensive network of backwaters, making it one of the top destinations for houseboat cruises.

 Key Features of Alappuzha Houseboats:

• Traditional Design: Built using eco-friendly materials like bamboo, wood, and coir, giving it a rustic and authentic feel.

• Luxurious Interiors: Despite their traditional exteriors, these houseboats come with modern amenities such as air-conditioned rooms, attached bathrooms, comfortable lounges, and dining areas.

• Backwater Cruises: The houseboats glide through tranquil canals, lagoons, and lakes, offering stunning views of paddy fields, coconut groves, village life, and local wildlife.

• Onboard Meals: Freshly prepared Kerala-style meals, typically featuring seafood like Karimeen (Pearl Spot Fish), prawns, and a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies.

• Popular Routes: The Alleppey backwater route is known for its lush green surroundings and picturesque views, especially the route from Alleppey to Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala.

• Activities: The cruise offers plenty of opportunities to stop and explore local villages, visit coir-making units, and temples, or engage in fishing.

Highlights of Alappuzha Houseboat Experience:

• A full-day or overnight stay on the houseboat where travelers can relax and enjoy a peaceful backwater experience.

• The boat anchors in a calm, serene location for the night, providing a starry sky and the soothing sounds of nature.

• The renowned Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held annually in Alleppey, and witnessing this event from a houseboat is an unforgettable experience.

Houseboat at Kumarakom   

Kumarakom, located near the famous Vembanad Lake, offers a slightly different experience from Alappuzha. Known for its bird sanctuary and more tranquil surroundings, Kumarakom’s backwaters provide a quieter, more relaxed environment for a houseboat cruise. 

Key Features of Kumarakom Houseboats:

•  Secluded and Scenic: Kumarakom backwaters are quieter compared to Alleppey, ideal for those looking for a more private and serene experience.

•  Luxury Houseboats: Many houseboats in Kumarakom offer premium and luxury services, with features like jacuzzis, private decks, and personalized services for a more indulgent experience.

• Birdwatching: Kumarakom is home to a vast bird sanctuary where migratory birds, including herons, egrets, and Siberian cranes, can be spotted. Houseboat guests can enjoy birdwatching while cruising the peaceful backwaters.

• Vembanad Lake: The houseboat cruises across the largest freshwater lake in Kerala, offering spectacular views of the lake’s expanse and its surrounding lush greenery.

• Onboard Dining: The houseboat chefs prepare a variety of fresh, locally sourced Kerala dishes, including seafood specialties and traditional coconut-based curries.

• Customizable Experiences: Houseboat tours in Kumarakom are customizable, allowing for longer routes, stops at villages, fishing excursions, or a visit to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

Highlights of Kumarakom Houseboat Experience:

• Romantic Getaways: Kumarakom houseboats are popular for honeymooners due to the peaceful and scenic environment.

• The Vembanad Lake is known for its sunsets, which guests can enjoy from the deck of their houseboat, creating a magical experience.

• Visitors can dock at Pathiramanal Island, a small, picturesque island in Vembanad Lake, known for its rich biodiversity.

Houseboat Packages

• Duration: Houseboat tours can range from half-day cruises to full-day, overnight stays, or even multi-day itineraries.

• Customizations: Houseboat packages are customizable based on the traveler’s preferences, including meal plans, sightseeing stops, and special requests like fishing or romantic setups.

• Accommodation Types: Packages are available in Budget, Deluxe, Premium, and Luxury categories, offering single bedrooms for couples or multiple bedrooms for families and groups.

The houseboat experience in Alappuzha and Kumarakom is a quintessential Kerala offering, providing travelers with a blend of luxury, nature, and traditional culture while cruising the enchanting backwaters.