A room on the water: 24 hours on a Kerala houseboat

When you think of luxury travel in India, palaces and heritage hotels might come to mind. But there’s another kind of indulgence waiting in the southern state of Kerala: one that floats.

Welcome to Alappuzha, often called the houseboat capital of Kerala. Here, in a landscape where land and water seem to hold hands, you can step onto a traditional kettuvallam (houseboat) and drift into a slower, richer way of life. Step aboard and you’ll find simple elegance: wooden decks, handwoven coir roofs, and spacious rooms that open out to water on every side. It’s a way of travelling that invites you to slow down, breathe deeper, and take in the quiet beauty around you.

What is a Kettuvallam?
A kettuvallam is not your average boat. These massive wooden vessels, originally used to carry rice and spices, are now converted into full-fledged floating homes, complete with bedrooms, bathrooms, living areas, a kitchen, and even a personal chef.

Built using traditional techniques, coir rope and wooden planks, these boats are a marvel of craftsmanship. Many modern versions even come with upper decks, and air conditioning, and even jacuzzis offering a boutique hotel experience on water.

Gourmet Kerala meals onboard
A highlight of the experience is the food. Meals are freshly prepared in the houseboat kitchen, usually by a local chef. Lunch is a traditional Kerala spread: rice, sambar, avial, thoran, and crunchy pappadam served on banana leaves. Dinner? Think giant lake prawns marinated in spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled to perfection. Freshly caught fish can be bought from shops on the route. And if you are keen on it, you can even catch fish from the desck using a rod.

Slow cruising through real life
As the boat glides through Vembanad Lake and narrow canals, you pass by slices of daily life—children walking to school, fishermen casting their nets, women washing clothes on stone steps. It’s unfiltered, intimate, and calming.

Don’t miss the chance to hop onto a country canoe, Kerala’s version of a convertible. These take you into even narrower water lanes—through villages where the pace of life is beautifully slow.

Sunsets on the backwaters are pure magic. There’s no nightlife in the usual sense—but here, a cup of tea and the sound of birds are all the entertainment you need.

Travel tips for first-timers

• Best time to go:
  October to March offers the best weather. Monsoon (June–September) has its own charm, but expect frequent rain.
• Duration:
  A 24-hour trip is ideal for a full experience—check in by noon, check out next day around 9–10 am.
• Budget:
  Luxury houseboats (with air-conditioned rooms and upper decks) can start from ₹30,000-₹40,000 ($340-$460) per night (450), including all meals.
  Most bookings include meals, a private room, and staff. Luxury options add jacuzzis, viewing decks, and upgraded menus.
• How to get there:
  The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK). Alappuzha is about 2 hours away by road. You can also board boats from Kumarakom near Kottayam.
• Group or solo?
  Great for couples, families, and small groups. Solo travellers will find it peaceful but may want to book a shared cruise or go with a group for company.
• Why it’s worth it
  Kerala’s houseboat experience is a perfect blend of comfort, culture, and calm. It’s not just about what you see, but how you feel—unplugged from schedules, surrounded by nature, and fed like royalty.

So, if you have just one day to spend in Kerala, make it on a houseboat. Nowhere else in India offers this blend of natural beauty, local life, and quiet comfort.