Last Updated on October 8, 2024 by Leslie Stroud <!– %AUTHOR_NAME% –>

I never thought I would be able to claim that I have slept on a houseboat in India.  Does India have houseboats?  On our recent trip to India, I quickly found that India has a lot more to offer visitors than I ever dreamed of.  From its rich history, incredible eats, and sweeping, lush views, India is so much more than what we see in the media.

Thankfully, we have two amazing staff members who live in Kochi, India, and they introduced us to the fantastic backwaters of Kochi.  Taking a houseboat tour, even for a few hours, is a top visitor experience for this area.  When we visited India this year, our tour company scheduled an overnight stay on a houseboat.  It was one of the most enjoyable parts of our trip!

We went as a couple, but I would love to return to experience it with our kids.  My only hesitation with bringing kids is that mine would want to jump in the water immediately, and I’m not sure if it is sanitary enough, to be honest.  However, delighting in the lush landscapes, seeing a new way of life on the river, and enjoying some real peace and quiet after bustling chaos in many of the big cities we visited was very welcome.

Why Take a Houseboat Tour in the Alleppey Backwaters

The thriving houseboat business in India offers various tours for the eager visitor.  From day boats to houseboats with multiple bedrooms and multi-night options, you are the driver of your own experience here.  In fact, India is famous for saying, “The Guest is God.”  Customer service is incredibly important in India, and the hospitality is some of the best we’ve ever seen.

Taking in this different side of India brought a new perspective we could not have anticipated.  We also enjoyed visiting Kochi, which is the city with the highest education per capita and feels much more “Western” than some of the famous cities of the Golden Triangle.

Alleppey is often described as the “Venice of India.”  While a bit of a stretch compared to actual Venice, the vast canals offer some fun exploring in the comfort of your houseboat.

How Long Should You Plan for a Houseboat in Kochi?

The Alleppey backwaters are not in Kochi proper, but an hour (or so) drive from the city.  During our visit (and probably for a while longer), the highway was being built, which slowed the travel time.  When this freeway is completed, travel times will be greatly reduced.  

How much time you have during your vacation will determine how much time you can spend in the backwaters, but I’d recommend the overnight option.  I’d love to do two nights in the future to have an entire day to relax on the boat and enjoy the top-notch service.

You can choose from just a few hours to several days, although I’d not recommend more than three days as India has too much to offer!

What Are the Backwater Houseboats Like in Kerala?

We were lucky enough to get a luxury boat complete with beautiful wooden furniture, a private en-suite cabin, and a desk for relaxing.  There was A/C (though it needs to be plugged into a power source or have the generator running to work) and hot water for a shower.  While there wasn’t any Wi-Fi, we were happy to unplug and enjoy it!

Our houseboat had seating for 8-10 people in the front deck area.  It also had a full dining table where we ate our delicious home cooked meals.  

There was a kitchen in the back of the boat, and the crew slept in the main room after we retired to bed.  I like that they slept on the boat with us rather than getting off.

What Is the Best Time of Year To Enjoy a Houseboat in Kerala?

We visited in June, which is one of the worst times to go to India.  It was blazing hot!  However, we still loved it!  We arrived just before the monsoons, typically from June to September.

The best time to visit and enjoy a houseboat in Kerala is winter, from October/November to February.

What Should You Expect on Your Houseboat Ride?

Once you arrive at the marina/boat station, you’ll be asked to show your passports for legal registration.  There is a small area to buy snacks, drinks, or alcohol that you want to consume on the boat.  You can also use the bathroom.

You’ll then be loaded with your luggage into a tender boat to be taken to your houseboat.  Once you get on the houseboat, you’ll be welcomed with a drink and allowed some time to relax.  You’ll likely be served snacks like fried bananas and fresh juice.

At this point, we were taken to a village to explore some local shops and see the beautiful local church.  You might also be taken on a fishing lesson or another excursion.

Later, you’ll be served a gourmet dinner with fresh, local ingredients.  You’ll likely enjoy fish curry or the local specialty, Meen Pollichathu, blackened fish in a banana leaf.  In fact, your fish might have been caught that very day!

If you are spending the night, retiring to your room after dinner might be good.  Mosquitos can be a concern.  We decided to read in our room as the crew secured the boat to shore and connected it to electricity.  This allowed us access to A/C throughout the night so we could keep the windows closed.

We were woken up fairly early and enjoyed breakfast around 8 am.  The crew unloads the boats by 10 am, so sleeping in isn’t an option unless you stay more than one night.  Overall, your tour will be from noon on the first day to 9-10 am the next morning for an overnight stay.

Tips are expected as you disembark the boat, so have that ready as you leave.  You’ll take the tender back to the shore and be off on your way!

What Should You Pack for a Houseboat in Kerala?

• Overnight outfit if staying overnight
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Jacket when it gets dark
• Mosquito repellent
• Power adapter (UK 3 pin adapter or our favorite global adapter)
• Cash for tipping
• Book for reading during downtime
• Camera for capturing the gorgeous scenery and sunset

What Does a Ride on a Houseboat Typically Cost?

How to Book Your Kerala Houseboat Tour

If you use a tour company in India, like we did, your tour company will arrange this for you.  If you want to book on your own, here are some highly-rated tour companies.  We used Distinct Destinations. 

Some Tour Companies Options

• Kerala Backwater 
• Authentic India Tours

Top Tours 

Day Trip: Backwater Houseboat and Fort Kochi Tour from Cochin Port

Overnight – 1 Night Stay: At Alappuzha Backwaters – Houseboat Cruise from Kochi

Alternatively, you can book your houseboat for less at the government office.

Where To Stay At Kochi

1. Brunton Boatyard – CGH Earth: With stunning views of the harbor, this hotel has a colonial charm with modern amenities. Luxury/Family-friendly

2. Forte Kochi: Located in the heart of Fort Kochi, this boutique hotel combines old-world charm with contemporary comfort. Luxury/Family-friendly

3. The Old Courtyard Hotel: A charming hotel with Portuguese architecture and a peaceful garden. Perfect for a more intimate stay. Budget-friendly

4. Tissa’s Inn: A cozy and quiet boutique hotel in Fort Kochi, ideal for travelers looking for an authentic local experience. Budget-friendly

All of these options are well-located for exploring Kochi’s historical sites, vibrant culture, and beautiful backwaters.

Other Tips for Your Houseboat Experience in Kerala, India

• A houseboat stay in Kerala is about slowing down and matching the languid way of life in this area.  Enjoy this.  Come ready to relax.
• There are nearly 900 miles of backwaters, so you can do a houseboat several times or for several days and see new things!  You’ll see lots of wildlife and wave to the locals, and you see their daily life on these waters.
• If traveling in a group, you can string several houseboats together for a group experience. 
• Beware of houseboats with super low prices as they may not be properly licensed.  
• There is zero evidence of crocodiles in the backwaters of Kerala.
• Of the 1,200 plus houseboats in Kerala, about 700 operate in the core waterways of Alleppey and Kumarakom.  This makes the area busy during peak season, and you might want consider finding a less busy area.
• Smaller boats are able to explore more canals.  Keep this in mind when booking.  A day trip on a smaller boat will provide you with a different experience.

Fun Facts About Kerala Houseboats

• Houseboats, known as “kettuvallams,” were originally used to transport goods, especially rice and spices, across the backwaters. Known as Kettuvallams in Malayalam, this word originated from 2 separate words; Kettu meaning tying and Vallam meaning country boats.
• These houseboats are made from hundreds of jack wooden planks.  Rather than using nails, the planks are held together with coconut fiber.  They are then coated in a blackish resin from boiled cashew nut kernels.
• These boats were passed down for generations and have been used to transport people and goods for hundreds of years.
• The most famous areas for houseboat rides are Alleppey, Kumarakom, and the Vembanad Lake, each offering distinct views and experiences.

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