Houseboat Experience Guide

Kerala houseboats (Kettuvallams) are traditional vessels that glide through serene backwater canals — a completely different experience from ocean cruises. You're exploring inland waterways surrounded by coconut palms, paddy fields, and village life. It's intimate, peaceful, and culturally immersive. Think floating through a living postcard rather than a luxury yacht experience.

12:00 PM Board and start cruising while lunch is served 12:00 - 5:30 PM Active cruising through backwaters 5:00-5:30 PM Boat anchors at a peaceful spot for the night Evening Time for relaxation, activities, dinner onboard Night Sleep on calm waters under stars 7:00-8:00 AM Sunrise cruise begins with breakfast 9:00 AM Return to starting point This schedule is government-regulated for safety and environmental protection. All operators follow these timings.

Meals are served family-style with sufficient portions per guest — similar to home dining, not buffet service. You'll receive a preset Kerala menu freshly prepared onboard. This approach ensures quality, reduces waste, and lets our chefs focus on authentic preparation rather than quantity production. Each package tier offers different variety levels (5 dishes in Deluxe, up to 10+ in Luxury).

Houseboat bedrooms are more compact than standard hotel rooms — this is due to the vessel's floating structure. Expect cozy, well-designed spaces rather than expansive suites. All bedrooms include: • Comfortable beds with quality linens • Air conditioning (timing varies by package) • Attached bathroom with water heater (Premium & Luxury) • Windows with backwater views • Basic storage space The compact size is intentional — you're here for the backwater experience, not to spend time indoors.

Popular add-ons include: Celebrations: Flower bed decorations, candle light dinner setups, cakes, special desserts Wellness: Spa treatments, ayurvedic massages, yoga sessions (select boats) Activities: Village tours, kayaking, speed boats, fishing, cooking classes Cultural: Toddy tapping demonstrations, coir-making workshops, temple visits Important: These must be requested at booking time or 24-48 hours in advance. Once you're cruising, we can't arrange additional services due to logistics and resource planning.

Peak season (October-March): Book 3-4 weeks ahead, especially for weekends and holidays. Best boats fill quickly. Off-season (April-September): 1-2 weeks advance booking usually works, though earlier is always better for specific boat preferences. Last-minute: Possible but limits your choices on boat type, package tier, and dates.