A day on an Alleppey houseboat is not just a cruise — it’s a journey into Kerala’s quietest, greenest, and most peaceful world. The slow movement of water, the gentle breeze, the endless coconut palms, and the simple village life together create an experience that feels healing and unforgettable.
Whether you’re planning a short day cruise or a beautiful overnight stay, the Alleppey backwaters are a place where time slows down and every moment feels like a postcard.
This detailed guide explains what your full journey will look like, while also giving extra insights, food details, route highlights, and the complete itinerary — written in an elegant, traveller-friendly style.
Welcome Aboard: The Backwaters Begin to Work Their Magic
As soon as you step onto the houseboat, something changes.
The air feels cooler. The surroundings feel calm. The water reflects the sky like a giant mirror.
Guests are welcomed with a refreshing tender coconut or fresh fruit juice, and the staff gives a quick introduction to the boat, the route, and the backwater lifestyle.
Within minutes, the engine hums softly and the boat begins to glide — slowly, gracefully, and peacefully.
Cruising Through Nature: What You’ll See All Day Long
A houseboat cruise through Alleppey Is like watching the world through a moving window.
You’ll pass:
✔ Narrow canals lined with coconut trees
✔ Villagers paddling tiny canoes
✔ Paddy fields 10–13 feet below sea level
✔ Traditional houses built on the water’s edge
✔ Floating water lilies and lotus patches
✔ Local fishermen with their nets
✔ Ancient churches and small temples
✔ The serene stretches of Vembanad Lake
Every turn reveals a new scene — fresh, green, and unbelievably peaceful.
Kerala Food: A Delicious Part of the Experience
Food on the houseboat is one of the biggest highlights. Cooked fresh onboard, Kerala cuisine feels simple, homely, and filled with local flavours.
Vegetarian Lunch Includes:
- Rice
- Sambar
- Mixed vegetables
- Thoran
- Mezhukupurathy
- Green salad
- Curd
- Pickle
- Papad
- Potato–Cauliflower curry
Non-Vegetarian Includes:
- Rice
- Sambar
- Veg dishes
- Thoran
- Fish Fry (Pearl Spot / Seer Fish)
- Chicken Curry
- Banana
- Kalan
- Salad
Every dish is served hot, just the way Kerala tastes in its villages.
The Day Cruise Experience: A Beautiful 5-Hour Journey
The Alleppey Houseboats Day Cruise is perfect for guests who want a short yet stunning experience on the backwaters. It’s ideal for families, couples, corporates, and travellers who don’t have time for an overnight stay.
Here’s how your Day Cruise unfolds:
11:00 AM – Check-In
- Welcome drink served
- Cruise begins through village areas
- Enjoy narrow canals, paddy fields, and coconut lagoons
Cruise Route Includes:
Pallathuruthy → Punchiri Jetty → R Block → C Block → Vembanad Lake → Marthandom Kayal
1:00 PM – Lunch Break
A stop near Marthandom Kayal where a traditional Kerala meal is served.
4:00 PM – Tea & Snacks
Tea/coffee + banana fritters or onion pakoda.
5:00 PM – Check-Out
A perfect half-day escape into nature.
Perfect For:
Birthdays, anniversaries, get-togethers, corporate outings, or travellers who want a short and refreshing backwater experience.
The Overnight Kerala Houseboat Experience: The Classic Backwater Stay
The overnight journey is the most iconic Alleppey experience — a full 21 hours of slow travel, sunset views, night anchoring, sunrise, and peaceful cruising.
12:00 PM – Check-In
Welcome drink + introduction to the cruise route.
1:00 PM – Lunch
Fresh Kerala meals served while cruising.
2:00 PM – Afternoon Cruise
Relax on the deck, enjoy wide canals, green paddy fields, local life, and scenic waterways.
Optional stop for Kerala toddy.
4:00 PM – Evening Tea
Tea or coffee + local snacks.
5:00 PM – Anchoring
The houseboat stops at a private anchorage point.
Guests may walk along the riverside or take pictures.
8:30 PM – Dinner
A soft, warm dinner served onboard.
10:30 PM – Night Rest
Calm, quiet, peaceful.
7:00 AM – Sunrise
Wake up to misty waters and a golden sky. Bed coffee served.
8:30 AM – Breakfast
9:00 AM – Check-Out
Places Covered During the Journey
Depending on route & water levels, guests may experience:
- Sai Water Sports Centre
- Seaplane Airport
- Rani Lake
- Chithira Lake
- Marthanda Lake
- Madi Lake
- Kuttithod
- Chavara Centre
- Kainakary (Kuttanad’s rice bowl)
- Paddy fields below sea level
- Narrow canals
- Parts of Kumarakom
These locations highlight the true soul of Kerala’s backwaters.
Why Travellers Love This Experience
Whether it’s a short day cruise or an overnight stay, the Alleppey houseboat experience is loved for:
✔ Total relaxation
✔ Nature & greenery
✔ Authentic Kerala food
✔ Friendly hospitality
✔ Stunning sunset & sunrise
✔ Calm water & fresh air
✔ Unique cruising routes
✔ Perfect for families, couples & international guests
It’s peaceful, memorable, and different from any regular trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the houseboat private or shared?
Most houseboats in Alleppey are entirely private, meaning the whole boat is exclusively for your group.
You will have your own bedroom(s), dining space, sundeck and dedicated staff.
Shared houseboats exist, but they are less common and usually suitable for budget travellers or solo tourists. If you prefer privacy, comfort, and better service, choose a private houseboat.
Do houseboats have AC? When does it work?
Yes.
Premium & Luxury overnight houseboats have full-time AC (usually from evening till early morning when the boat is anchored, as per Kerala Tourism rules).
Deluxe overnight boats offer AC only at night (9 PM–6 AM).
Day cruises generally come as non-AC, because the open-air deck offers natural ventilation and beautiful views.
You can request 24-hour AC on premium/luxury boats (extra charges may apply).
How long does the cruise last?
Day Cruise: Around 5 hours (11 AM to 5 PM)
Overnight Cruise: Approximately 21 hours (12 PM to 9 AM next day)
Some operators also offer:
Extended Day Cruise (7 hours)
Two-Night Packages for travellers who want to explore deeper into the backwaters.
Is the food unlimited? What if I want special dishes?
Houseboats serve a fixed Kerala menu, but the portions are generous and can be refilled.
Special requests like:
seafood (tiger prawns, crab, karimeen),
vegetarian variations,
Jain meals,
continental/simple meals
…can be arranged with prior notice.
Premium and luxury boats also offer custom menus depending on the guests’ preferences.
How early should I book my Alleppey houseboat?
Peak season (Oct–Feb): Book at least 2–4 weeks in advance
Off-season (Mar–Sept): 3–7 days is enough
Luxury houseboats sell out earlier than others.
