One of the main activities to enjoy in Kerala is a houseboat ride on the backwaters of the land. Are you planning to enjoy a houseboat ride in Kerala?
Here is everything you need to know about how to hire a houseboat in Kerala and enjoy a backwater vacation.
Which Is The Best Route To Enjoy In A Houseboat?
The best route of all in the state to enjoy a houseboat cruise is the Kumarakom. It gives a wide area to explore and much wider canals filled with coconut groves, paddy fields, and much more. When it comes to the Alleppey cruise, you get to enjoy the culture of the land, in addition to the cruise. Alleppey is used as the local transportation route, and Kumarakom is a secluded one. These two routes are the best routes to cover in houseboat.
Read On: Top 5 Backwaters of Kerala
What Are All The Available Routes For Houseboat Cruise?
- Alleppey to Kuttanad – Famous for narrow backwaters covered by paddy fields and rich with village life.
- Alleppey to Kumarakom – Famous luxurious route, covering birdwatching spots, wider canals and large areas to explore.
- Alleppey to Alumkadavu – Famous for overnight cruises and long trips covering exotic natural beauties.
Kerala Travel Information:
- History of Kerala
- Kerala Fast Facts
- Culture of Kerala
- Restaurants in Kerala
- Nightlife in Kerala
- How to Reach Kerala
- Best Time to Visit Kerala
- Top Reasons to Visit Kerala
- Things to Do in Kerala
Are you looking forward for a houseboat vacation in Kerala? Here are the top suggested houseboat packages of Kerala
- 5 Days – Kerala Backwater Tour Package
- 7 Days – Kerala Houseboat Tour
- 9 Days - Kerala Backwaters First Time Tour
How Much Does It Cost To Hire The Houseboat?
The cost of the houseboat varies with the size of the houseboat and with the season. During the winter season (October to March), the prices will be sky-high. In general, the charge for a houseboat varies from 5,500 INR to 18,000 INR for a day trip. For an overnight cruise, the cost starts from 20,000 INR. If you were choosing houseboat cruises with additional activities like fishing, romantic dinner, and others, additional charges would be imposed. The cost of the houseboat also changes with the luxury element. Houseboats with romantic dining area, AC bedrooms and others will cost very high than normal houseboats.
Read on: Top 11 Luxury Things to do in India
Suggested Tour :
- 8 Days - Kerala Backwater Tour
- 10 Days - Hills and Backwaters of Kerala Tour
- 12 Days - Golden Triangle with Kerala Backwater Tour
Which Is The Most Beautiful Time To Hire Houseboats?
In terms of season, it is best to hire houseboats during winter, which starts in October and ends in March. When it comes to choosing between a day cruise and an overnight cruise, it depends entirely on your budget and the style of vacation you are planning. Overnight cruises are quite romantic and you can be alone in paradise. Day cruises will be very happening, as you get to watch many activities. There are numerous houseboats, which allow overnight stay along with a day cruise. Such boats include meals, a bedroom, and other amenities. However, the 5:30 rule applies to the boats, and thus, you would be anchored near the backwaters for the night.
Are you looking for a romantic vacation in Kerala with houseboats? The top suggested tour packages are
How Safe Is A Houseboat?
Houseboats are just crafted wooden boats made with planks from the Anjili tree, a local tree. The government of Kerala has taken many measures to increase the quality of the houseboats. Periodic audits and on-board inspections are conducted, and only skilled boatmen are allowed to maneuver houseboats. The houseboats have an emergency alarm button for cases of emergency. The height of railings is recommended to be increased from the regular height. (Source)
What Kind Of Activities Are Included Along with a Houseboat Cruise?
Along with a houseboat cruise, you get to enjoy a series of activities based on the type of package and the style of houseboat you are choosing. Top activities to enjoy are fishing, swimming, tasting traditional Kerala cuisine, trying the toddy drink, and so on.
Read on: Exploring Backwaters On A Kerala Houseboats
Get the Best of Kerala Tour Packages:
What Is The Difference Between Water Taxi And Houseboat?
Water taxi runs between Alleppey and Kollam, which would cost just 300 INR to cover the same route as most of the houseboats. However, the experience is different. The ferries pack up with tourists and go on a noisy ride. There is no romance or passion in those rides. You are stuck up in the budget; you could choose a water taxi over houseboats. However, if you are looking for a relaxed vacation, it is best to stick with houseboats.
Also Read: Are you Planning to Take Your Baby to Kerala?
If you are on a budget vacation, here are the top small trips to enjoy in Kerala
How To Hire A Houseboat?
Always book in advance via websites or through tour operators providing houseboat services. You can also do spot booking, but you might end up with a low-quality boat or pay a higher price due to an increase in demand. With tour operators, you can choose houseboats based on your budget and learn about all the amenities inside the boat, itinerary of the boat ride, and others, before payment.
Also Read : Right Accommodations for Luxury Vacation in India
How Long Can I Rent A Houseboat?
The usual check-in and check-out timing of most of the houseboats is 12 noon. As per the government rules, the houseboats should be anchored by 5:30 pm. In case of choosing day cruise with houseboats, you can rent them from 10:30 am to 5 pm. If you are looking to spend the entire vacation inside a houseboat, it is all about the type of package you are choosing.
Overnight cruises can be rented for 22 hours per day. Day cruises can be rented for 7.5 hours from 11 am to 5:30 pm.
What are the facilities inside the houseboat?
Does it look more beautiful to read? It would be even more enthralling to experience the houseboat. What are you waiting for? Buy your tickets to Kerala and enjoy an Ayurveda vacation in the God’s Own Country.
