Introduction to Kerala Houseboat Tours
Kerala houseboat tours offer a peaceful way to experience the tranquil backwaters of South India. These traditional boats, locally known as kettuvallams, float through a maze of canals, rivers, and lakes lined with palm trees and quiet villages. Unlike crowded tourist spots, this journey slows down time. Guests stay on board, enjoy freshly cooked local food, and watch daily life pass by on the water. Kerala houseboat tours are not just about travel—they are about living close to nature.
Origins of Houseboats in Kerala
The idea of houseboats in Kerala started from old cargo boats used centuries ago to move goods like rice and spices. These boats were built using natural materials—bamboo, coir ropes, and wooden planks—with no nails. As modern roads and trucks replaced these boats, they were redesigned into floating homes for tourists. Today, these boats are powered and fitted with modern comforts while still keeping their traditional appearance.
Popular Routes for Kerala Houseboat Tours
Each route offers a different view of Kerala’s backwater life. Some of the most popular ones include:
Alleppey to Kumarakom
This is the most booked route. The boat passes paddy fields, coconut groves, and tiny villages. You can also spot many birds along the way. Kumarakom is also famous for its bird sanctuary.
Alleppey Round Trip
A short journey that starts and ends in Alleppey. Ideal for travelers with limited time. Even in a few hours, you see floating markets, fish farms, and churches near the shore.
Kumarakom to Kollam
This is a longer route, sometimes done over two or more days. It covers Vembanad Lake and the wide Ashtamudi Lake, giving a full view of central Kerala’s water life.
Nileshwar to Valiyaparamba
A lesser-known but quiet route in North Kerala, far from crowds. This area is perfect for those seeking a peaceful ride through untouched backwaters.
Types of Houseboats in Kerala
Kerala houseboat tours come in many types depending on budget, size, and facilities. Here are the common ones:
Standard Houseboats
These have basic furniture, a bedroom, bathroom, and small dining space. They use fans and have simple interiors. Perfect for those who want to keep things minimal.
Deluxe Houseboats
These offer air conditioning (at night), neat bedrooms, tiled bathrooms, and better food options. Most tourists choose this category for balance and comfort.
Luxury Houseboats
These come with full-time air conditioning, larger rooms, TVs, hot water, a professional kitchen crew, and sometimes even jacuzzis. Great for couples or families celebrating special occasions.
Multi-bedroom Houseboats
Ideal for groups or big families. These boats may have 2 to 5 bedrooms and are like floating hotels, complete with staff and entertainment systems.
Day Cruise vs. Overnight Stay
Tourists often choose between two main types of Kerala houseboat tours: day cruises and overnight stays.
Day Cruise
This lasts around 5 to 6 hours. It starts late morning and ends by evening. Food and tea are served on board. It’s perfect for short visits or travelers staying in nearby hotels.
Overnight Stay
This option includes lunch, evening tea, dinner, and breakfast the next morning. The boat anchors in a quiet spot at night. It’s peaceful, slow-paced, and allows deeper connection with the surroundings.
Meals on Kerala Houseboat Tours
Food is one of the biggest highlights of Kerala houseboat tours. Most boats serve local Kerala-style meals, freshly prepared in the onboard kitchen.
Typical Menu Includes:
- Steamed rice or Kerala red rice
- Vegetable curries
- Fish fry (especially pearl spot, known locally as karimeen)
- Coconut chutneys and pickles
- Banana chips and local sweet dishes
Vegetarian and Jain meals are also available on request. The food is served hot, and guests can often watch it being prepared.
Wildlife and Nature During the Ride
Kerala houseboat tours are ideal for spotting birds and learning about wetland ecosystems.
Commonly Seen Birds:
- Kingfishers
- Egrets
- Cormorants
- Darters
- Brahminy kites
You may also see water snakes, frogs, and even otters in quieter regions. The banks are lined with coconut palms, paddy fields, and mangrove patches. Monsoon months add more greenery and birdlife.
Best Time to Book Kerala Houseboat Tours
While Kerala’s backwaters are accessible all year round, certain months offer better weather and visibility.
Ideal Months:
- October to March – Pleasant weather, clear skies, and good views.
- April to May – Hotter but fewer crowds. Boats may offer better prices.
- June to September – Monsoon season. Good for greenery but less ideal for long stays on water.
If you love rain and quiet settings, monsoon Kerala houseboat tours are worth trying. But carry mosquito repellent and raincoats.
Booking Tips and What to Look For
Things to Check Before Booking:
- Registered boat operators with proper safety measures
- Clear mention of inclusions (meals, AC timing, check-in/out)
- Whether the route includes canals or only lake cruising
- Reviews and ratings from previous guests
- If staff speak your preferred language
Booking Platforms:
- Kerala Tourism-approved websites
- Local tour agencies
- Reputed online travel aggregators
Always compare pictures, reviews, and inclusions before finalizing. Some operators also offer personalized itineraries.
Local Life Seen from Kerala Houseboat Tours
A large part of the charm is watching daily life unfold beside the water. Fishermen casting nets, women washing clothes, children paddling to school—these moments make Kerala houseboat tours memorable. Many locals use small wooden boats as taxis. You’ll also see toddy shops, temples, and paddy farmers working knee-deep in water.
The soundscape includes birds, temple bells, and soft splashes. There’s no rush here. Everything moves slowly and calmly.
Sustainability and Eco Practices
With the rise in Kerala houseboat tours, environmental concerns have also grown. Responsible operators are now using solar panels, reducing plastic, and treating wastewater before disposal.
Travelers can also contribute by:
- Avoiding single-use plastics
- Not throwing waste into the backwaters
- Choosing operators who follow eco-guidelines
- Using bio-toilets where available
Tourism should support the local economy and protect the environment. Responsible choices help preserve this delicate region.
Why Kerala Houseboat Tours Are Unique
Unlike fast-paced trips, Kerala houseboat tours invite you to relax. The boats don’t rush. Meals are slow and filling. The water reflects coconut trees. It’s a perfect way to pause and think.
This is not a trip about attractions but about calm movement. You remember how it feels, not just what you saw. Every person who takes the journey comes back a bit slower, more rested, and more thoughtful.
Final Thoughts
Kerala houseboat tours are a chance to live differently for a day or two. They are not just rides—they’re floating windows into a region where water is a way of life. From food to birds, from canals to fields, from silence to local songs—everything feels close and real.
Whether you pick a short day cruise or spend a night under the stars, the quiet waters of Kerala will stay with you. For travelers who wish to pause, breathe, and see life flow by, Kerala houseboat tours offer just the right rhythm.