Kerala is renowned for its scenic backwaters, verdant landscapes, coconut groves, picturesque villages, and laid-back lifestyle. Among the many experiences of this South Indian state, spending a night or two in a houseboat while savoring local cuisine, village views, and the scenic beauty of Kerala is something that no tourist must miss.

A Houseboat stay is an incredible way to explore the Kerala backwaters. The modern boats are inspired by the traditional kettuvallams (used to carry rice and spices) and are modified to provide comfortable bedrooms, bathrooms, dining, kitchens, and viewing decks.

Here are the best places to try a houseboat stay in Kerala:

1. Alappuzha (Alleppey)

Alappuzha is said to be the most preferred houseboat base in Kerala. Surrounded by canals, lagoons, lakes, and a labyrinth of waterways perfect for houseboat cruises, Alappuzha offers overnight cruises and is ideal for first-time tourists.

The boat ride through Alappuzha showcases the picturesque region around Kuttanad, known for its paddy fields. While on a slow cruise, one can admire the farmers working in the fields, fishermen, children, and farmers going about their daily chores.The region is also a hotbed for houseboat tourism, with Kerala Tourism reporting hundreds of houseboats plying the waters.

Best for: First-time visitors, families, couples, photographers, and those seeking the traditional Kerala backwater experience.

2. Kumarakom

Nestled on the banks of the Vembanad Lake in Kottayam district lies Kumarakom. Kumarakom is the ideal place for leisurely and unhurried travelers who desire an upscale and complete resort experience amidst pristine bird sanctuary, dense forests, and vast lagoons.A houseboat cruise in Kumarakom can also take one through the Vembanad Lake as well as the smaller waterways surrounding the region. The expansive lake provides spectacular views, especially at sunrise and sunset.

A houseboat stay with an excursion to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an option for travelers desiring a bit of nature amidst the lake waters. Here, both simple and luxurious houseboats are available.Kumarakom’s houseboats are inspired by the traditional kettuvallams that once used to carry cargo from one part of Kerala to another.

Best for: Couples, honeymooners, luxury seekers, birdwatchers, and those desiring a peaceful atmosphere.

3. Kollam and Ashtamudi Lake

Kollam is a great base for a houseboat stay as the boat ride can take one through the pretty Ashtamudi Lake, dotted with coconut trees, islets, villages, and farms. The region offers a more tranquil experience as compared to the Alappuzha region.

The Ashtamudi Lake is a lovely waterway dotted with coconut trees, islets, farms, and villages. A cruise on the lake is more about taking in the views, including the traditional fishing activities in the backdrop of narrow canals, villages, and coconut groves.Alumkadavu, in Kollam district, is also known as the “birthplace” of Kerala’s famed kettuvallam (traditional boat).

Best for: Nature lovers, culture seekers, photographers, and those seeking a more tranquil backwater experience.

4. Kuttanad

Kuttanad is a unique region best explored on a houseboat as the boat ride takes one by paddy fields through a network of waterways, passing through villages.

A cruise through Kuttanad is more about the landscape and the changing sights, from narrow canals, to paddy fields, to villages, and farms. It is a great place for photographers, especially during the early mornings and evenings when the golden hour captures the most beautiful pictures.Those desiring a more authentic and traditional rural Kerala village life experience should consider this region.

Best for: Photographers, nature lovers, families, and local Kerala village experience seekers.

5. Vembanad Lake

The Vembanad Lake is a crucial part of Kerala’s famed backwaters. Connecting popular houseboat bases of Alappuzha and Kumarakom, a cruise on the vast water body offers a fantastic change of scenery from narrow and constricted canals.

While the constricted canals offer beautiful views and an insight into the local villages, the Vembanad Lake offers open waters where one can enjoy the vast landscape with a spectacular view of sunset and sunrise.A sunset cruise on the Vembanad Lake is an incredible experience with the colorful skies mirrored in the still waters.

Those desiring a mix of open waters and paddy fields and narrow canals with village views should consider their itinerary around the Vembanad Lake.

Best for: Couples, photographers, families, and open water lovers.

6. Valiyaparamba Backwaters

For those desiring to explore more of the northern Kerala backwaters, Valiyaparamba in Kasaragod is a hidden gem.Unlike the more popular and crowded Alappuzha region, the northern backwaters of Kerala offer a more unspoiled and natural landscape of coconut groves, islets, and narrow canals. The region is not as developed as the popular Alappuzha region, and hence not as crowded with tourists.

Valiyaparamba is also one of the many backwater gems in northern Kerala that is less known but a great choice for tourists desiring unexploited natural beauty.

Best for: Nature lovers, repeat visitors, photographers, and open water lovers.

7. Kochi and Its Surounding Backwaters

While Kochi is popular for its rich history, markets, churches, and natural beauty, many travelers who visit the region opt for a houseboat cruise on the waterways surrounding Ernakulam.For limited-time visitors to Kerala, a cruise in the backwaters around Ernakulam is a great option as compared to committing to a full overnight houseboat stay in Alappuzha.

While houseboat stays in Alappuzha or Kumarakom are popular with international visitors, the backwaters around Kochi are also an excellent option for those desiring a day cruise or a night cruise. Kerala Tourism has also identified Kochi and Ernakulam as two of the prime regions offering the best backwater experiences.

Best for: Short-stay visitors, international visitors, and those desiring a houseboat cruise alongside a Kochi tour.

What to Expect During a Kerala Houseboat Stay

A houseboat stay in Kerala usually provides the following:

Accommodation: Most houseboat stays offer a stay in the boat. Some boats offer private accommodations, while others have shared rooms. Air-conditioned hours vary from boat to boat.

Meals: Most houseboats provide meals as part of the accommodation plan. However, it is important to note what is included and what is not.

Cruise: The cruise itself is usually provided as an add-on to the accommodation plan, with options varying from day cruises to overnight and week-long cruises.

Staff: Most boats provide a crew that takes care of the running of the boat as well as preparing and serving meals. Some boats offer a more personalized and private experience and may have specialized crews.

Facilities: Houseboat facilities vary greatly from boat to boat. Some modern boats offer hotel-like comfort with furnished bedrooms, bathrooms, and dining.

It is important to go through all the offered plans and choose the one that best fits your needs and travel style. A few important things to double-check before booking are the boat category (private or shared), number of bedrooms, air-conditioned hours, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), cruise (day, night), check-in and check-out times, itinerary, and whether the boat is private or shared.

It is also important to book a houseboat with an approved or classified operator. Kerala Tourism has a system of classifying houseboats based on the services and facilities they offer: Silver, Gold, and Diamond classifications.

When is the Best Time to Visit Kerala?

Kerala is a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit Kerala is between October to February. December and January are the peak season, and hence houseboat bookings should be done well in advance if one desires to visit during this time.

June to September is the monsoon season, which brings spectacular views as the landscape transforms into a riot of emerald greenery.

If planning a trip during the busy season, it is a good idea to book the houseboat in advance, especially if one desires a private boat or an upper-category boat.

How to Choose the Best Houseboat

Depending on the travel style and budget, one can choose from a variety of houseboats in Kerala.

Couples may prefer a private one-bedroom boat with a deck, while larger families and groups of friends may prefer a bigger boat with multiple bedrooms.

Before finalizing a boat, the following factors should be taken into consideration:

Boat category: Private or shared

Number of bedrooms: Choose a boat that suits your group size

Facilities: What is offered? Bathrooms, air conditioning, dining, etc.

Itinerary: What lakes, canals, and villages does the itinerary cover?

Meals: Does the price include breakfast, lunch, dinner?

Route: How long is the cruise? Is it a day or an overnight cruise?

Safety: Choose a reliable and classified operator

Final Thoughts

The backwaters of Kerala offer much more than just a scenic view. They offer a chance to experience a part of local culture, lifestyles, countryside, local dishes, and an insight into the village life of Kerala. From the popular canals of Alappuzha, the tranquil surroundings of Kumarakom, the scenic Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam, and the quiet Valiyaparamba backwaters, there is a wide variety of houseboat stays to choose from.

Choosing the right back water holiday is key to enjoying a memorable and fulfilling Kerala experience. One should consider comparing routes, facilities, boat category, and destinations and choose the one that best fits their preferences.