Our overnight Kerala houseboat stay · Full film (50 sec)
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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.
This short film follows our overnight stay as a couple. The boat, meals and A/C shown are from our own trip, not a promise about every houseboat package. We have not taken our children on this stay.
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. One hesitation with bringing our kids is that mine would want to jump in the water immediately. That is not permission to swim: discuss supervision, safe boarding, and correctly fitting lifejackets with the operator before booking a family trip. 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.
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 felt different to us from 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.
The Alleppey backwaters are outside Kochi proper. Road construction slowed our transfer during the visit we describe. Check the current route and allow a realistic transfer window rather than planning around an old one-hour estimate or assuming a completed highway guarantees a faster trip.
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!
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.
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.
Confirm the boarding location, required identification, transfer arrangements, and what you may bring before arrival. Our account below describes our boat’s welcome and itinerary; it is not a promise that every departure point has shops, bathrooms, or the same tender transfer.
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 fairly early and enjoyed breakfast around 8 am. Confirm check-in, cruising, overnight mooring, and checkout times with your operator; the noon-to-9-or-10-am schedule described in our older guide is not universal.
Ask whether gratuities are included or discretionary, and confirm how you will return to shore. Carry suitable payment if you choose to tip rather than assuming every booking has the same tipping or tender arrangements.
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 operators to research; check their current service, booking terms, and the exact boat offered. We used Distinct Destinations.
Some Tour Companies Options
Top Tours
Day Trip: Backwater Houseboat and Fort Kochi Tour from Cochin Port
Overnight – 1 Night Stay: At Alappuzha Backwaters – Houseboat Cruise from Kochi
Compare the exact boat, inclusions, cancellation terms, and total price before booking. If using a government tourism provider, use its verified official channel; a “government office” is not a guarantee of a lower price.
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.
Watch our original related film on Vimeo
Kerala Houseboats in India.
Get insured while traveling with SafetyWing.
Our travel cameras: Insta360, Go Pro Mini, and Sony A7iii.
Find our travel necessities in the 7Wayfinders Travel Must-Haves list.
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