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Kerala Backwaters: Your Complete Houseboat Guide

Alleppey or Kumarakom? Day cruise or overnight? Everything you need to know before booking a Kerala houseboat.

Sneha IyerSneha IyerExperience Designer7 min read
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Houseboat on the backwaters

Key takeaways

  • Overnight stays are far more relaxing than day cruises.
  • Choose AC houseboats — nights can be humid.
  • October to March has the best weather.

A night on a kettuvallam is Kerala’s signature experience. Here’s how to choose the right one.

Alleppey vs Kumarakom

Alleppey has the widest choice of houseboats and village canals. Kumarakom is quieter, with luxury lake resorts on Vembanad.

Canoe on a Kerala canal

What’s included

  • Private bedrooms with attached bath
  • Lunch, evening snacks, dinner and breakfast
  • Crew of captain, cook and helper
  • Cruising until 5:30 PM, then anchored overnight

Frequently asked questions

How many bedrooms do houseboats have?

From one-bedroom honeymoon boats to ten-bedroom boats for large groups.

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Sneha Iyer

Written by

Sneha Iyer · Experience Designer

Sneha crafts honeymoon and wellness itineraries, with a soft spot for Kerala’s backwaters and Kashmir’s gardens.

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