Just imagine: endless green waters stretching up to the horizon, swaying coconut palms, and the sight of a boat with a rounded thatched roof passing in silence. These aren’t pictures; this is a typical scene on a Kerala Traditional Houseboat. In case you’re considering a vacation in Southern India and have been thinking about taking a backwater cruise, we can safely say that the answer to this question is “yes” and there is a lot more behind it than just pictures.
But a Traditional Kerala Houseboat is not just an accommodation floating on the water. This is a historical vessel from Kerala made according to century-old technologies, created thanks to local skills and giving the opportunity to explore the backwaters of the state in the same way as fishermen and merchants did. Here you will find everything you need to know about this experience.
What Is a Traditional Kerala Houseboat?
A Traditional Kerala Houseboat is a term that denotes a very large wooden barge that was traditionally used for the transportation of rice and spices along the rivers of Kerala. Kettuvallam means ‘boat with knots’ because the hull is made by tying pieces of wood (jackwood planks) using coir ropes without nails and covering them with black resin made from cashew kernels. Nothing metallic here except your presence!
Nowadays the vessels have become floating hotels and feature rooms, bathrooms, dining place and a sit-out area but the hull of the vessel is still traditional: arched roof made of bamboo, wooden interior and the rest of the boat looks just like it did one hundred years ago.
How Is It Different from a Regular Boat Cruise?
While regular boats give you a quick trip from one location to another, the Traditional Kerala Houseboat takes you somewhere else. You have plenty of time, there is no predetermined route except drifting through the backwaters of Kumarakom, and there is no noisy engine to spoil the peaceful atmosphere.
Why a Traditional Kerala Houseboat Cruise Is Worth Trying
1. It Connects You to Kerala’s Living Heritage
Each Houseboat in Kerala will remind you of its maritime history. It is not a commercial tourist attraction but a real possibility to move around Kerala’s 900 kilometres of canal network. You will cruise the way it used to be done in the old days.
2. The Backwaters Offer a Kind of Scenery You Won’t Find Elsewhere
Our hotel, Kumarakom, is situated at the edge of Vembanad Lake which is the largest one in Kerala. Surrounded by paddy fields, coconut groves and small villages, our hotel offers you the chance to explore the scenery via a boat because road transport cannot reach some areas which are accessible only via canals.
3. Onboard Meals Are Part of the Experience
The majority of the operators, including ours, serve meals onboard based on authentic Kerala cuisine – karimeen (pearl spot fish) pollichathu, appam with stew, coconut curries, vegetables which were bought from nearby markets. A thali of traditional Kerala is considered to be the highlight of the tour by many travelers.
4. It Suits Couples, Families, and Groups Alike
While many assume that a houseboat holiday in Kerala would suit only honeymooners, in actuality, there are several types of houseboats available. Ranging from the one-bedroom houseboats meant for honeymooners to multi-bedroom houseboats designed for a family or group of friends, there’s an option for everyone.
5. It’s a Genuinely Relaxing Break from a Packed Itinerary
Since your itinerary will involve visiting hill stations and temples and driving around a lot in Kerala, you can treat yourself to a night on a Traditional Kerala Houseboat to unwind and relax a bit. There is nothing left for you to do other than sit back and enjoy your holiday.
What to Expect During a Traditional Kerala Houseboat Cruise
A realistic description of an overnight journey from beginning to end is as follows:
- Check-in (approx. noon): Check into the houseboat at the jetty and get briefed about the schedule for the day.
- Cruise in the afternoon: The boat travels through the water at a relaxed pace, and lunch is served on the boat.
- Cruise to watch the sunset: Most boats will dock around dusk so that you can witness the sunset without vibrations from the boat’s motor.
- Dinner and overnight: Multi-course Kerala dinner followed by a serene overnight stay in the backwaters.
- Morning cruise and check-out: After breakfast, the boat takes a short cruise before checking out, around 9 in the morning.
How Long Should You Book a Houseboat For?
Overnight cruising (22 hours) is the most common choice and will enable you to enjoy both the beauty of daylight and peace of night-time. Daytime cruising (3-4 hours) will be good for those people who have little time but would like to see a brief view of the backwaters.
| Duration | Best For | What You’ll Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Day Cruise (3–4 hrs) | Quick sightseeing, short stopovers | Lake views, lunch on board, limited canal exploration |
| Overnight Cruise (22 hrs) | Most travelers, couples, families | Sunset, dinner, overnight anchoring, sunrise cruise |
| Multi-day Cruise | Special occasions, longer holidays | Deeper backwater routes, multiple villages, extended relaxation |
Best Time to Book a Traditional Kerala Houseboat
The perfect time would be from September to March when the weather conditions are good for boating in general. July and August post-monsoon provide a picturesque experience of greenery without too much crowd; hence, many people love traveling during that time. Summer can be hot in April-June, but you can always go in an air-conditioned cabin.
Tips for a Smooth Houseboat Experience
- Make your booking well in advance during peak season (December-January).
- Pack light cotton clothes, sunscreens, and mosquito repellent creams.
- Let the houseboat owners know in advance if there is any special need like food allergies or preferences.
- Maintain realistic expectations regarding connectivity. There are some patches in backwaters where network connectivity is low.
Is a Traditional Kerala Houseboat Cruise Safe?
Absolutely yes, but it is necessary to make sure that you are booking it with a reputable company. A well-kept Traditional Kerala Houseboat will have experienced staff, life jackets, appropriate fire safety tools, and boats which are regularly inspected. Here, at Rajadhani Holidays, our boats are made from high-quality materials and are regularly inspected and our staff are well-trained to navigate safely Kumarakom’s water in any season.
Choosing the Right Houseboat for Your Trip
All Traditional Kerala Houseboat are not equal. Things to compare before making a reservation may include the following:
- Number of bedrooms: It may range from single-bedroom boats designed for couples to boats for groups of up to ten people.
- Comfort: Air conditioning, attached bathrooms, open deck available or not depending on category.
- Meals: Check whether all meals are inclusive or paid additionally.
- Route: Inquire about whether the tour includes Vembanad Lake, narrow canals of the village, or both.
In case of uncertainty which category suits you and your companions best, it is always good to contact us in order to clarify this question.
Final Thoughts
Cruise on Traditional Kerala Houseboat is not something that can be marked off one’s travel list without understanding its true essence. From the traditional construction of the craft to the freshly cooked meals and life in nearby villages – this kind of travel experience is a reward for those who are able to disconnect from modern life for at least a couple of days.
If you’re going to visit Kumarakom and have the chance to enjoy the cruise yourself, we recommend Rajadhani Holidays which provides well-prepared traditional houseboats for individuals, couples, groups, and families. Don’t hesitate to check out our houseboat cruise offer or ask for a quote and consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Traditional Kerala Houseboat?
It refers to a modified form of kettuvallam that is traditionally constructed rice barge that was used to carry cargoes, which has been converted into a floating hotel with sleeping quarters, dining area, and viewing deck.
2. What is the capacity of a Traditional Kerala Houseboat?
Depending on the type of boat, the capacity varies. The single bedroom houseboats are fit for couples, while bigger three bedroom or more boats are suitable for accommodating a family of up to eight to ten people.
3. What are the meals served on board?
Mostly, all the boats have a chef who prepares the meals onboard with local materials bought daily from the local market. The meal mainly consists of rice, fish curry, appam, and seasonal vegetables.
4. Is a houseboat cruise trip recommended for children or elderly people?
Yes, houseboats are usually well-equipped and comfortable for all age categories of tourists, featuring stable decks, connected bathrooms, and relaxed schedule.
5. When is the best time for a trip to Kerala backwaters?
The most comfortable weather conditions are September-March, but you will find fewer crowds and green nature of Kerala in post-monsoon July-August period.
6. How can I make a booking of a Traditional Kerala Houseboat cruise?
You can book a trip using the official website or contacting the operator over the phone/WhatsApp. It is important to clarify your dates, number of people, and menu preferences in advance, especially if you want to travel in December-January period.
