Kerala is definitely one of those few places which live up to their fame. The backwaters, the canals lined with coconuts, the early morning mist covering the backwaters – they are all real. And what better way to experience all of it than on a houseboat cruise? However, in today’s times when there are just too many choices around, choosing the right houseboat services in Kerala seems like an almost impossible task.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know — so your backwater experience becomes the highlight of your entire trip.
Why Houseboat Services in Kerala Are Unlike Anything Else
The backwaters of Kerala extend for almost 900 kilometres in total, comprising lakes, rivers, and lagoons linked to each other. Some of the best-known stretches are found in the regions of Alleppey (Alappuzha) and Kumarakom, which are popular houseboat destinations in India.
Traditionally, a Kerala houseboat, known as kettuvalam, was a rice boat that carried cargoes along the backwaters. However, nowadays, these boats have been beautifully turned into luxurious cruise ships with rooms and sitting platforms on deck, bathrooms and even kitchen aboard. The boat is made with a steel hull and eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, arecanut wood, coir, and bamboo mats.Selecting the right houseboat service is more than just picking up the ship itself.
1. Identify the Right Location: Alleppey or Kumarakom?
Firstly, one needs to decide what place to travel through the backwaters. Each of the Alleppey backwaters and Kumarakom backwaters is special, but there are some differences between them.Alleppey is a place that has an active backwater area – wide canals and boats as well as an atmosphere of houseboat touristic area. This place is best suited for tourists who would like to feel the entire social atmosphere of India’s Venice.
Kumarakom, which is situated on the eastern shores of Vembanad Lake, is more tranquil and cozy. The landscape is very green and slow – bird sanctuaries, rice paddies, village life, etc., so it is the best option for romantic people or families.When looking at houseboat services in Kerala, choose an operator who knows both locations well and can guide you based on the experience you are after.
2. Understand the Types of Houseboats Available
There are different types of houseboats available.A good Kerala backwater cruise operator will provide you with different options according to the number of people in your group and their budget requirements:
- Single Bedroom Houseboat — Best suited for a honeymooning couple or a small family. It usually consists of an attached bedroom, a sit-out area, a living room, and a private kitchen.
- Two Bedroom Houseboat — For a family of four people, having two attached bedrooms along with the living and dining areas.
- Three Bedroom Houseboat — Appropriate for a big family or group consisting of maximum six people.
- Four Bedroom Houseboat — Suitable for a bigger family or a large group which wants to have a joint floating luxury experience.
Do not forget to check if the company provides you with deluxe, premium, or luxury houseboats packages as the difference between the three would be based on furnishing, deck, entertainment facilities, and services on board.
3. Check What Is Included in the Package
Among the major sources of dissatisfaction in the package is the difference between the expectations and reality of the package’s contents. Before booking any houseboat services in Kerala, clarify the following:
- Meals: Meals are always included in such packages. A quality operator provides welcome drinks first, then lunch, evening tea with snacks, dinner, and breakfast. All food will be fresh in the houseboat itself.
- Crew: A reputable houseboat facility comes with a minimum of three crew members, including the driver, chef who knows how to cook Kerala-style dishes, and cabin assistant.
- Facilities: Check if air-conditioning is available in the bedroom, music system, sit-out, and well-equipped bathrooms.
- Duration: The package can include either a day tour, an overnight tour, or a multi-day tour. One needs to check the exact number of hours of sailing in the boat.
4. Prioritise Authentic Kerala Cuisine on Board
Food forms an essential aspect of the house boat ride – and this is when a good operator makes their mark. Search for houseboat services in Kerala which focus on providing genuine Kerala cuisine, cooked onboard.
Good menu items include locally produced vegetables, fish from the region, and regional delicacies such as Karimeen (Pearl Spot) Fry, Prawn Curry, Rice, Tapioca and Fish Curry using raw coconut. It’s important to remember that this is the actual cuisine of Kerala, not some imitation of it served in hotels.Check whether the local ingredients used by the chef and whether they will take into account any dietary preferences/restrictions.
5. Look for Experience and Reputation
In the case of backwater tourism in Kerala, experience is the key. A tour company that has been plying these waters for several years knows all about the quiet corners of the path and even the best places to watch a beautiful sunset.
Look out for operators who have been working for five to ten years in this business. Check their reputation through Google, TripAdvisor, and various travel forums. Even testimonials from previous tourists can speak much louder than brochures.
6. Evaluate Safety Standards
Water safety cannot be compromised in any way. Here are some things to consider before booking Kerala houseboat services:
- Is the boat equipped with safety gear, including life jackets for all passengers?
- Is the hull of the boat strong and well-maintained? The traditional style of kettuvalam boats, with the steel hull and partitions, is very safe structurally.
- Are the crew members professional and licensed?
- Is the company adhering to Kerala Tourism and state authorities standards?
Don’t cut corners when it comes to safety.
7. Assess the Eco-Friendliness of the Operator
Backwaters of Kerala form an ecologically fragile area. Responsible houseboat services in Kerala have a very good track record in following eco-friendly policies, using only natural materials such as bamboo and coir, not using diesel engines in delicate areas, and disposing of waste properly.
Always go for those operators who have awareness about ecological footprint. Beauty of backwaters cannot be replaced through responsible tourism.
8. Compare Pricing — But Do Not Make It the Only Factor
Price comparison is a perfectly natural thing. Houseboat packages in Kerala may vary greatly in price according to the type of boat used, the length of stay, the season, and included services. The high season (from October to March) is usually more expensive than the low season.
But the cheapest variant will never be the best choice. The really low price means that somewhere they are cutting the budget, most likely when it comes to food quality, condition of the boat, crew training, or the presence of appropriate safety equipment. The emphasis should be made on the value of the service rather than its price.
9. Look for Personalisation and Flexibility
All travelers are unique in their demands. Couples who have come for the anniversary vacation are certainly not going to have the same expectations as families with kids or friends. The best houseboat services in Kerala will definitely personalize the itinerary, meal options, and pace of the journey based on your specific needs.
This means that whether you would like to drop anchor near some village and just observe the passing time, or visit more areas of the Vembanad Lake, you can do it all!
Why Rajadhani Holidays Is a Trusted Choice for Houseboat Services in Kerala
For well over a decade now, Rajadhani Holidays has been in operation in both Alleppey and Kumarakom providing clients with authentic backwaters cruise. With their fleet of five houseboats in deluxe, premium and luxury models that consist of single and four bedrooms, they provide an excellent experience to all clients regardless of whether they are traveling in couples, families, and larger groups
Rajadhani houseboats are crafted in the old style known as kettuvalam made from eco-friendly raw materials such as bamboo, areca nut wood, coir and bamboo mats. In addition, each boat has a steel-made hull divided into five interior parts.
In-house, passengers enjoy the entire package of day cruise services, comprising welcome beverages, fresh meals from Kerala, evening snacks, dinner, and breakfast using all locally available organic ingredients. The highlights in their cuisine are Karimeen fry, prawn curry, rice, and fish curry which are truly authentic.
They have a special team of three persons for each boat: a seasoned captain, an excellent onboard chef, and a cabin attendant for providing personalized service to the visitors.For all those who are planning to enjoy their honeymoon houseboat cruise, or want to make it a fun-filled family vacation or even a peaceful retreat to nature, Rajadhani Holidays is indeed the right choice.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to selecting suitable houseboat services in Kerala, it’s about making sure that six critical aspects of the whole process are taken care of: location, the boat itself, authentic meals, professional staff, safety and the experience of the service provider. Once all those factors come together, backwater cruising moves from being yet another tourist attraction into a memorable experience which will last beyond your actual voyage.
Backwaters of Kerala await you. Make your choice carefully, and you won’t be disappointed.
Ready to book your backwater cruise? Visit Rajadhani Holidays to explore houseboat packages for Alleppey and Kumarakom, and find the perfect boat for your journey.
