House Boat in Kerala
Exploring the Magic of a Houseboat in Kerala
Kerala, often called “God’s Own Country,” is a paradise for nature lovers. One of the best ways to experience its beauty is by staying on a houseboat in the backwaters. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide to planning an unforgettable houseboat adventure in Kerala.
Why Choose a Houseboat Experience?
Unique Way to Explore: A houseboat lets you sail through Kerala’s serene backwaters, surrounded by coconut trees, small villages, and lush green landscapes.
Perfect for Relaxation: Drifting along calm waters is incredibly relaxing. You can leave all worries behind and enjoy the tranquility.
Romantic Setting: Houseboats offer a private, cozy atmosphere, making them ideal for honeymooners or couples seeking quality time.
Great for Families: It’s also an amazing experience for families who want to spend time together and enjoy nature.
Top Destinations for Houseboats in Kerala
Alleppey (Alappuzha):
Known as the “Venice of the East,” Alleppey is the most popular destination for houseboat cruises. It has beautiful lagoons, lakes, and rivers.
Kumarakom:
Located near Vembanad Lake, this is a peaceful spot with rich birdlife and lovely landscapes.
Kollam:
Known for its long backwater cruises, Kollam offers a more quiet and traditional experience.
Kochi:
Though not as famous for houseboats, Kochi has some options if you want a mix of backwaters and city life.
Choosing the Right Houseboat
Types of Houseboats:
Standard: Basic amenities like a bedroom, bathroom, and dining area. Affordable, but might not have air conditioning.
Deluxe: Mid-range with air conditioning and better amenities. Ideal for most travelers.
Luxury/Premium: Offers top-notch facilities like private bedrooms with AC, fine dining, and even a Jacuzzi.
Size of Houseboat:
- One-Bedroom: Perfect for couples.
- Two-Bedroom: Good for small families.
- Multi-Bedroom: Ideal for large families or groups.
Duration of the Trip: You can book houseboats for a few hours, a full day, or even overnight. Overnight cruises are popular, as they let you experience the sunset and sunrise on the water.
Planning Your Houseboat Trip
Best Time to Visit: October to March is ideal, as the weather is cooler and pleasant. Monsoon season (June to September) has its charm but can be rainy and humid.
Booking Tips:
- Book in advance, especially during peak season (December-January).
- Check for inclusions (like meals) to avoid hidden charges.
- Read reviews online to ensure a quality experience.
What to Expect on a Houseboat?
Onboard Facilities: Most houseboats have bedrooms, a bathroom, a small dining area, and a deck for sightseeing. Deluxe and luxury boats offer additional comforts.
Scenic Views: As you cruise, you’ll see palm trees, paddy fields, local villages, fishermen, and migratory birds.
Local Cuisine: Enjoy authentic Kerala meals on board, usually cooked by an onboard chef. Dishes often include fresh fish, coconut-flavored curries, and local vegetables.
Daily Schedule:
- Check-In: Around 12 PM.
- Cruise: Spend the afternoon cruising, with occasional stops at interesting spots.
- Evening Docking: Houseboats often dock in the evening for a peaceful night.
- Check-Out: Around 9 AM the next day after breakfast.
What to Pack before on Houseboat Stay?
- Comfortable clothing (light cotton clothes work best)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Insect repellent (for the evenings)
- MCamera or smartphone for photos
- Books or music for relaxation
- Binoculars for birdwatching
- Personal snacks, if needed
Safety and Tips
- Listen to Safety Instructions: Houseboat staff will provide safety instructions. Follow them closely.
- Be Mindful of Water: Avoid leaning over the boat railing, especially with children around.
- Respect Local Culture: Dress modestly when stepping off the houseboat into villages.
- Environmental Responsibility: Avoid littering. Kerala’s backwaters are a fragile ecosystem.
Activities to Enjoy on a Houseboat
- Sightseeing: Simply relax and admire the passing scenery.
- Photography: Capture the picturesque landscapes and moments of rural life.
- Village Visits: Some cruises offer stops in local villages where you can see traditional Kerala life.
- Birdwatching: Spot unique birds, especially if you’re around Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
- Fishing: Some houseboats provide fishing rods so you can try catching your own fish!
Cost of a Houseboat Experience
Standard: Starting from INR 5,000 per day for a basic experience.
Deluxe: Ranges from INR 7,000-10,000 per day for a comfortable trip.
Luxury/Premium: INR 15,000-25,000 for a luxurious experience.
Prices may vary depending on the season and amenities.
Conclusion
A houseboat in Kerala offers a unique and memorable travel experience. It’s perfect for anyone looking to unwind, explore nature, and witness Kerala’s culture up close. Follow this guide, pack your essentials, and prepare for a magical journey through Kerala’s beautiful backwaters.
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Explore More About Kerala
To reach Kerala, you have several options depending on where you’re starting from. Here’s an overview:
1. By Air
- Kerala has four main international airports: Cochin International Airport (COK) in Kochi, Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) in Thiruvananthapuram, Calicut International Airport (CCJ) in Kozhikode, and Kannur International Airport (CNN).
- Direct flights are available from major cities in India and international destinations like the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe.
- From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to your final destination within Kerala.
2. By Train
- Kerala has a well-connected railway network with major train stations in Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), Ernakulam (Kochi), Kozhikode (Calicut), and Kannur.
- Book tickets through IRCTC or at local railway stations. Major trains from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad connect to Kerala.
3. By Road
- Kerala is well connected by road with neighboring states: Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
- You can take a long-distance bus run by KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) or private operators, which are frequent from Bangalore, Chennai, and other South Indian cities.
- Alternatively, you can self-drive or hire a cab for a road trip into Kerala.
4. By Sea
- Kochi has a major port, and some luxury cruises and boats stop here on certain international and domestic routes.
- You can explore options for cruises from destinations like Mumbai.
5. Local Transport within Kerala
- Once in Kerala, travel between cities is convenient via trains, state-run buses, and private taxis.
- For shorter distances, you can also consider auto-rickshaws and ride-hailing services.
If you need specific guidance based on your starting location, let me know!
The best time to visit Kerala largely depends on what you want to experience, but generally, the ideal time is from October to March. Here’s a breakdown:
October to March: This is the peak tourist season. The weather is pleasant, with cooler temperatures and low humidity, making it perfect for sightseeing, backwater tours, and beach activities.
April to June: These months are hotter and more humid, which can make outdoor activities less enjoyable. However, this is a good time to find deals on accommodations and visit less crowded places.
July to September: This is the monsoon season, with heavy rainfall. While it’s not the most popular time to visit, the lush greenery and fewer tourists can be appealing. It’s also a great time for Ayurvedic treatments, as the weather is believed to enhance the effectiveness of these therapies.
If you’re interested in specific activities like wildlife watching, festivals, or cultural experiences, those can also influence the best time for your visit.
If you are coming through Train or Flight then you need to reach By reaching Ernakulam Railway station or Cochi airport.
You want to visit then July to Junauary will be the proper time to visit Kerala. If you want to avoid high cost then don’t come in holiday dates.
You can explore Munnar Thekkady Alleppey Vagamon Varkala Kovalam Trivandrums.
To visit 5 days 4 nights is the best plan in which you can explore Alleppey Vagamon Varkala Kovalam Trivandrum.
Houseboat Experiences by Carnival Tours, Alleppey.
In companies account on the 1st day only
Depends upon the Package you have taken.
Depends upon the Package you have taken.
Yes, Kerala is generally safe at night, especially in tourist areas, but remain cautious and avoid isolated places.
God’s Own Country: Kerala is often referred to as “God’s Own Country” due to its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and natural beauty, including backwaters, hills, and beaches.
High Literacy Rate: Kerala boasts one of the highest literacy rates in India, at over 96%. This is attributed to the state’s strong focus on education and social welfare.
Unique Festivals: The state is famous for its vibrant festivals, such as Onam and Vishu, which showcase traditional music, dance, and feasting. The snake boat races during Onam are particularly popular.
Ayurveda Hub: Kerala is renowned for its Ayurvedic treatments and wellness tourism. The state has numerous Ayurveda resorts and practitioners, making it a leading destination for holistic healing.
Backwaters: The backwaters of Kerala, particularly in places like Alleppey and Kumarakom, are a network of lagoons, lakes, and canals that offer houseboat experiences and are a major tourist attraction.
Diverse Wildlife: Kerala is home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, including Periyar National Park and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, where visitors can see elephants, tigers, and various bird species.
Cultural Melting Pot: The state has a rich cultural heritage influenced by various religions, including Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and art forms.
Spice Capital: Historically, Kerala was a major spice trading center, earning the nickname “Spice Garden of India.” It produces a variety of spices, including black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Hill Stations of Kerala, including the Western Ghats, have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their biodiversity and unique ecosystems.
Women Empowerment: Kerala is known for its progressive gender equality and women’s empowerment initiatives, which are reflected in higher participation of women in education and the workforce compared to many other Indian states.