Houseboat
Spending a night on a private houseboat is a tranquil way to explore the magical backwaters of Kerala and is a must on any Keralan adventure with your very own crew to cook traditional Keralan meals and to ensure you have the most enjoyable stay on board.
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Drift through the tranquil backwaters and scenic canals, taking in lush landscapes, paddy fields, and traditional villages.
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Fully equipped houseboats with spacious cabins, ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, and elegant interiors blending comfort with local charm.
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Private crew including chef and guide, ensuring bespoke meals, local insights, and a seamless, intimate experience.
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Sunset cruises, birdwatching, village visits, and opportunities to witness traditional Kerala life up close from the water.
The backwaters of Kerala are a fascinating and integral part of this tropical state and the best way to discover this expansive area is on a converted rice barge. Life in the backwaters is very relaxed and slow paced, like a vast rural Venice. The boat is the main form of transport on the backwaters and they vary from beautiful old rice barges, slowly punted along the waterways to small one man canoes, that nip around the islands, like the scooters of Bombay. The backwaters are fantastically picturesque and enjoyable to visit.
Private houseboats accommodate two people plus a crew of three, including a captain and cook. The bedroom is private and the bathroom modern, with showers, flush toilets and hot water. You will spend the day gently exploring the backwaters and this is best seen from the deck of your houseboat as you watch the world go by. Children playing in the water, fishermen hard at work, women washing clothes by hand, traditional snakeboats floating by, local wildlife and scenery, there is plenty to captivate the senses.
In the evening, you will moor up and a traditional Keralan feast will be served on your deck. Two and three-bedroom houseboats are also available as are two-night cruises that allow you to venture even deeper into the intricate maze of canals and lagoons.
When to visit
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- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
Watch the local Keralan life go on as usual as you relax on the houseboat.
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