Houseboats
Kerala's backwater houseboats — traditionally called kettuvallam, originally rice barges — are converted to comfortable overnight stays that cruise the canals and lagoons around Alleppey and Kumarakom, with meals cooked on board and the boat itself, rather than a fixed hotel, as the accommodation.
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Frequently asked questions
Is one night on a houseboat enough?
For most travellers, yes — it gives a full afternoon and morning on the water. A second night suits those who want a quieter, more remote stretch of backwater.
Are all houseboats air-conditioned?
Not all — confirm this specifically if travelling in the hotter months, since some boats offer only fans.
Is the food included?
Yes, standard practice is that all meals for your stay are cooked on board and included.
About Houseboats
Kerala's backwater houseboats — traditionally called kettuvallam, originally rice barges — are converted to comfortable overnight stays that cruise the canals and lagoons around Alleppey and Kumarakom, with meals cooked on board and the boat itself, rather than a fixed hotel, as the accommodation.
What a Kerala houseboat actually is
Traditionally called a kettuvallam, originally used to transport rice and other goods along the backwaters, the design has been adapted into a slow-moving overnight stay: bedrooms, a sitting area, and a kitchen crew who cook meals on board as the boat cruises the canals and open lagoons around Alleppey and Kumarakom.
What to expect
- A slow, engine-powered cruise through canals lined with coconut palms and paddy fields
- Meals cooked on board and served fresh, usually Kerala home-style food
- Air-conditioning on many, but not all, boatsworth confirming for a hot-season trip
- A single overnight is standard; some travellers add a second night for a more remote route
Best time to go
November to February is driest and most comfortable. The monsoon (roughly June to September) turns the backwaters a deeper green and some travellers specifically prefer it, though high water can affect which routes are running.
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