Kerala Houseboats Tour Experience

Kerala’s most outstanding tourism product is the Kerala Houseboat are floating hotels on the Backwaters categorised based on the facilities. Each boat is different from the other one due to its size, design and facilities.

Arrival is grand as you are welcomed with aromatic Jasmine Garlands and tender coconut as a welcome drink after completing the necessary check-in formalities. Once you are seated the boat commences its journey through the picturesque Waterways of Vembanad lake. You have a dedicated crew of 3 people to serve you in each boat which consists of a captain, a shrank and a chef.

The Houseboat experience starts by 12 pm and gets over by 9 am the next day which is a span of 21 hours out of which the sailing time on the boat is 6 hours. Your package consists of accommodation with breakfast, lunch, evening tea with snacks and dinner. Pls, be advised that only the bedrooms are air-conditioned in deluxe Houseboats and the aircon is switched on from 9 pm to 6 am the next day.

Houseboats come in various capacities mainly in terms of bedrooms ranging from one to ten. Each Houseboats has a captain’s deck, a balcony space, a lounge Cum dining area, rooms, kitchen and generator Cum storage space. The bedroom size varies from 70 to 120 soft which includes the bathroom. So, it’s ideal only for two people and a small extra mattress can be placed if required which is fine for kids but not suitable for adults. An extra mattress can be placed only on the floor and doesn’t come with a bed. Imagine watching life pass by as you lay on your bed.

After an hour-long cruise post check in the boat is anchored and you are served lunch
Post lunch breaks the journey continues and you get to relax enjoying the breeze and sceneries. Life around the Backwaters is a world of its own with houses, religious places, shops, healthcare centres and much more. The commute on these waters happens through boats of various sizes, shapes and designs. There is a fantastic network of govt boats which is the mass public transportation available in these areas.

The boat gets anchored by 5-530 at its designated place which gives you the opportunity to explore. A word of caution as you are in a lake with placid waters it happens to be the favourite place for mosquitos too. Even though each and every boat is equipped with nets and lotions I suggest you carry your own.

In the morning you are served breakfast by 8 am followed by an hour-long cruise and then you are dropped off by 9 am.

Activities on backwaters
There are many activities that you can explore around the Backwaters which include fishing, cycling, kayaking, village walk, paddy field walk, toddy tapping, an auto tour of the beach, shikara ride, visit to boat building units, fish market, vegetable market. You can even try your hand at driving the boat. These activities and many optional services are available at an excel extra cost and against advance request.

Suggestion for houseboat stay
Travel light, get your books, keep your devices charged, keep your medicines, get your beverages, mosquito cream/lotion. Bathrooms are small, water pressure is low and hot water on these boats are on request; so, unless it’s a must, you may opt to take a bath at your next destination. Entertainment is limited to television so you may carry your own stuff or hit the bed early on a houseboat.

Disclaimer
Each houseboat company has its way of functioning and operational standards. To have a hassle-free experience do spend some time choosing your houseboat operator or come through an accredited tour operator.