Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Everything from houseboat categories and meals to cruise routes and booking policies.
What do you mean by Alleppey Houseboats? +
Houseboats are a modified version of country boats that were used to carry goods from one place to another in the gone days. These houseboats are built by tying huge jack woods together and the interesting part is not even a single nail is used for the construction. Single bedroom to ten bedroom houseboats are currently available. Each has bedrooms with attached washrooms, living room, dining room and a kitchen. Some even have a separate dining room, balcony, upper deck, glass wall etc.
What are the different categories of houseboats? +
Generally, houseboats come under 3 categories namely Standard Class, Deluxe Class, and First Class (Luxury Class) houseboats. In deluxe houseboats, AC will operate only from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am, while for First Class houseboats AC operates round the clock. You can contact us for more details.
What is the minimum stay in the houseboat? +
Day trip & Overnight stay are the two major cruises available. For Overnight Stay, check-in is around 12.00 noon and checkout is next day 9:00 am (including lunch, evening tea & snacks, dinner and next-day breakfast). For Day Cruise, check-in is by 11.00 am and checkout is 5:00 pm (includes Lunch Veg/Non-Veg and Evening Tea & Snacks). For Night Stay, check-in is 5.30 pm and checkout is next day 9:00 am (including dinner and next-day breakfast).
Is travel at night available? +
No. Since the local fishermen put their fishing nets in the backwater and lake, the Kerala Govt has banned moving all types of engine-operated boats from 5.30 pm in the evening to 7.30 am the next day.
Are the check-in and checkout times fixed? +
Normal check-in time is 12.00 noon and check-out time is 9.00 am. Late check-in and early check-out is possible as per your travel plans.
Is vegetarian food served on the houseboats? +
Yes. Pure vegetarian food is available at all the houseboats.
Is the food unlimited? +
Food is prepared based on the number of adults and children in your group.
How many staff are there on the houseboat? +
There are 3 members of crew including the chef (typically the Captain, Oarsmen and a cook).
Is the houseboat stay safe and comfortable? +
In all houseboats there are 3 crew members (the Captain, Oarsmen and a cook). The crew take special care to meet the needs of the tourists and are given special training in first aid and life-saving techniques to meet any emergency. Hence there is nothing to worry about regarding safety.
Are there any activities I can look forward to? +
Some houseboats give guests the option to enjoy indoor games, fishing, etc. For overnight stays, after the houseboats are anchored in the evening, guests can also visit the village, church, temple, and other local attractions.
Does the A/C in houseboats work only at night? +
Generally A/C in the Standard and Deluxe houseboats works from 9 pm to next day 6 am. However, there are First Class boats which operate A/C during the day time.
If we book the houseboat, are there any other guests sharing with us? +
No. If you book the houseboat with us, you can enjoy it privately. There will not be anyone else sharing the houseboat other than the boat staff for your service.
Is the houseboat available on a multi-sharing basis? +
Houseboats are reserved on an EXCLUSIVE basis only and NOT on a shared basis. Alleppey Houseboats strictly does not provide any shared boats.
What are the different backwater travel routes available? +
The most popular backwater routes for houseboat cruises are the Alleppey Circle Trip, Alleppey Kumarakom Trip and Special Trip.
Is a houseboat cruise available in monsoon season? +
Yes. The houseboats operate during the monsoon. But if it is pouring heavily, the houseboat cruise will not be possible.
Are personalized special packages available apart from those listed? +
Yes. We can create tour packages according to your requirements, but only with the houseboats featured in our list.
Do you arrange airport transfers? +
We will arrange airport transfers and also pickup and drop-off to any destination within Kerala for an extra cost.
Does the package include flights / pick-up and drop charges? +
No. The packages mentioned on the site are not inclusive of airfare, car or train tickets. But on request we can book these things for you.
For foreign travellers, is a visa an important factor? +
Yes, a visa is a must to enter India for foreign nationals. You can contact the Indian Embassy / High Commission in your country. It is best to carry your passport with you all the time, and you may also carry travel insurance.
Should we book our houseboats in advance? +
It is recommended to pre-book houseboats in season time. Even though houseboats are found for spot booking in the off season, reputed houseboat providers usually get booked, so it is a good idea to book in advance.
Is any advance payment required for booking? +
Yes, an advance deposit is required — it depends on the houseboat. This is to be sure your booking is genuine so we can go ahead with the reservation. The rest of the due amount can be paid at check-in time.
What is the refund / cancellation system? +
Cancellation has to be done at least 3 days before the check-in date. Please see our Refund / Cancellation Policy for details.
What payment methods are accepted? +
Payment can be made by Cheque / Credit / Cash on travel or Debit Card online, PayPal, Google Pay, PhonePe, BHIM, etc.
Is it safe to swim in the lake? +
Swimming in the lakes is strictly prohibited.
Ready to drift into Kerala’s backwaters?
Speak with our team to plan your Alleppey houseboat cruise — dates, boat class and route, tailored to you.