Essential Insights Before Reserving an Alleppey Houseboat: 10 Key Points to Consider

Alleppey, also known as the Venice of the East, is renowned for its picturesque beauty and serene natural surroundings. Each year, honeymooners, anniversary celebrants, photographers, adventure enthusiasts, and groups of friends flock to Alleppey to revel in the enchanting ambiance it offers. The peaceful beach life, stunning sunsets at Alappuzha beach, delectable cuisine, and fresh air all contribute to the irresistible charm of Alleppey.

The backwaters of Alleppey stand out as a serene haven that is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. Lush greenery, quaint villages, and a vibrant bird population make exploring these backwaters a truly rewarding experience. The joy of vacationing in the backwaters of Kerala is truly incomparable.

What truly sets these backwaters apart is the multitude of houseboats available for travelers to relax and unwind in. While there is no shortage of houseboats and booking is relatively easy, visitors should bear in mind certain considerations before making their final choice. 

1. Reservations must be made in advance for peak seasons.

 During the winter and early summer months, Alleppey is known for being the peak tourist season. Visitors flock here to enjoy the delightful weather and the picturesque turquoise backwaters teeming with local and migratory birds. The humidity rises with the onset of summer due to the presence of Alleppey Beach. Securing a booking for a houseboat during the peak season can be extremely challenging, as many operators tend to raise their prices during this time. To avoid any inconvenience, it is advisable to make advance reservations for an Alleppey houseboat or book through a reputable travel agency when visiting during this busy season.

2. Price Range of The Houseboat

 

Alleppey houseboat rates start from INR 5k and goes as high at INR 50k and even more. The Alleppey houseboat packages also include sightseeing trip of the city, visit to Kottayam and trip to Kumarakom backwaters.

It is not possible to book your personal room in a houseboat. In general, an entire boat is booked and they provide a number of facilities during your stay in Alleppey backwaters. Some of the amenities included with a houseboat stay are –

• Backwater tour (depends on the price, you can either enjoy the morning tour or an evening tour or both
• Birdwatching tour
• Island visit
• Village visit
• All meals
• Some houseboats also arrange for weddings
• Village walk
• Food walk

Also keep in mind that none of the houseboats (or hardly any) provides the facility of air conditioning during the afternoon. AC is operational during the night when the houseboat is stationed on the lake. Many travel websites provide the best Alappuzha houseboat rates with a clear detail of the facilities offered.

The best way to experience Alleppey is by booking a resort near Alappuzha beach for a day and then visiting the houseboat the next day.

3.Consider adding a visit to Patharimanal Island for birdwatching to enhance your itinerary while cruising on an Alleppey houseboat

During the winter season, Patharimanal Island becomes a temporary home for migrating birds. Situated at a distance from Alleppey backwaters, this island is a haven for over 90 species of avifauna, with 50 of them being local. It is undeniably one of the most enchanting and picturesque destinations in Alleppey.

To explore this island, you can opt for a guided tour on one of the houseboats. Alternatively, you can choose to stay in a resort or hotel in Alleppey and arrange a visit to Patharimanal Island. This peaceful settlement is surrounded by lush greenery and a soothing atmosphere.

A trip to this island is a delight for both birdwatchers and casual tourists alike. Here, you can witness the beauty of various bird species, including Pintail Ducks, Night Heron, Indian Shag, Cattle Egret, Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, Bronze-winged Jacanas, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Whistling Duck, and Cotton Pygmy-Goose.

4. Experience the flavors of the region by sampling the traditional cuisine

During your stay on an Alleppey houseboat, all meals are provided, giving you the opportunity to explore the local cuisine. You can even try your hand at cooking in the kitchen.

The meal timings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner are flexible to accommodate guests' schedules. Simply inform the staff an hour in advance of your preferred mealtime. Some of the must-try Kerala dishes during your houseboat stay include Rice Sambar, Banana Fritters, Fish fry, and more.

In addition to enjoying delicious meals, guests can also go fishing and have their catch prepared by the chef. Candlelight dinners can be arranged upon request.

Before booking, ensure that the meal plan suits your dietary preferences, whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian.

5. Houseboats are non-operational throughout the monsoon period

During the monsoon season in Kerala, many Alleppey houseboats cease operations due to the continuous rainfall and potential flooding in the backwaters. It is crucial to avoid booking any houseboat during this risky period to ensure safety. Instead, consider staying at one of the various operational village homes around Alleppey, where you can still enjoy the peaceful surroundings either in the courtyard or while watching the sunset at an Alleppey beach resort.

Here are some recommended stay homes in Alleppey:
- Nomads Hostel
- Ashtamudi
- Al Asr Heritage Home
- Orchid Homestay
- Kalappura Homestay
- Johnson’s homestay
- MarariPeterland
- Angeo beach home
- Bella Art and Meditation House

The rates for these homestays typically range from INR 800 to INR 5000 per night. Some higher-priced options may also include breakfast and dinner as part of the stay. For those seeking more luxurious amenities, hotels in Alleppey are also available, offering a comfortable stay either at the beach or in the backwaters village.

6. Reserve your spa appointment on the vessel

A majority of houseboats in Alleppey offer spa sessions during your stay or make a stop at various spa centers. These centers provide healing and therapy sessions using ancient Ayurveda and herbal techniques to alleviate pain.

After just one session, you will start feeling the results instantly and upon completion, you will feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

Here are some of the top spa clinics in Alleppey to consider:
- Keraleeyam
- Carnoustie
- Vibrance Spa
- Ayurbhadra
- Matt India
- Samanga Ayurveda
- SanthiSukham Ayurveda and Siddha Hospital

These centers offer different sessions and programs, ranging from one-hour sessions to multiple sessions for complete healing.

The cost of spa sessions varies depending on the package, starting from INR 1200 and going up to 50k+. Additionally, spa centers can be found at Alleppey beach, while many resorts in Alleppey also offer in-house spa facilities.

7. Additional locations in Kerala offering houseboat rentals.

In addition to the Alappuzha tourist places, there are several other stunning destinations in this beautiful state that provide houseboat facilities. One such destination is Kuttunad, which is located nearby and offers similar backwaters. It has been recognized as one of the most serene places to visit in Alleppey.

While Alleppey offers a diverse range of houseboat experiences, you can also hire a boat at the following locations:
1. Kumarakom
2. Kottayam
3. Alinkadavu
4. Cochin
5. Varkala
6. Kuttunad (mentioned earlier)

8. Houseboats offering round trips from Alleppey to Kumarakom through the backwaters.

 After exploring all the tourist spots in Alappuzha, visitors often find themselves equally enamored with the nearby Kumarakom. A delightful combination of houseboat cruises allows travelers to journey from Alleppey to Kumarakom, meandering through the well-crafted network of canals, natural lakes, and lagoons.

This picturesque voyage is tailored for those seeking a comprehensive Kerala travel experience. While the houseboat excursion does not offer overnight accommodations, it does include meals throughout the journey. Upon reaching Kumarakom, guests can spend the night aboard their host houseboat.

The cost of a one-way houseboat trip from Alleppey to Kumarakom is approximately INR 6000, excluding overnight stay on the host houseboat.

9. Policies for booking and cancellation.

Most houseboats offer flexible cancellation policies, ensuring a full refund unless the request is made just a day or two before the trip. In such cases, a bit of negotiation can still result in a refund. To avoid any losses, it is advisable to book through a reputable travel company and thoroughly understand the cancellation terms. Additionally, booking an Alleppey houseboat through trusted portals can provide clear information on cancellation policies.

10.The type of houseboat you intend to reserve.

You have the option to choose from three different categories of houseboats in Alleppey. The Kerala Government has provided official ratings for these houseboats, which include platinum, green, gold, and silver. However, many houseboats do not rely on this rating system and instead use their own branding methods.

To identify a houseboat and its facilities, the common way is to check if they belong to the Standard, Deluxe, Premium, or Luxury category. The Standard category represents the most basic houseboats, while Luxury represents the best houseboats in Alleppey. It is important to ensure the category of the houseboat before making a booking, as opting for a cheaper option may result in a regretful experience for everyone.

Standard Houseboats are basic and often old. They may not have a good online rating, and information about them may not be readily available on the internet. The food provided is basic, with a simple Kerala vegetarian meal for lunch and dinner, and idli or dosa with sambar for breakfast. These houseboats have the cheapest rates, but their facilities are also minimal.

Deluxe houseboats usually offer AC facilities for 10 hours during the night. Many travel companies include these houseboats in their budget category travel plans. The meals are usually vegetarian, but there are more options to choose from. Non-vegetarian meals are available upon request.

Luxury and Premium houseboats are considered the best in Alleppey. They are often preferred by large groups of travelers or high-end premium guests. In addition to more rooms and spacious areas, these houseboats offer various facilities such as guided village tours, birdwatching tours, and even parties with a DJ. The meals provided include at least one variety of non-vegetarian items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that your trip to Alleppey and your houseboat experience will be memorable. For a better and more luxurious experience, Thomas Cook has designed trip packages for Alleppey and Kerala.