5 Luxurious Houseboats in Kerala, India

Travelers who do not settle for anything short of sheer luxury, would certainly book luxury houseboats when they plan a trip to Kerala, the most beautiful state in India’s west coast.

Kerala’s location is strategically important for its tourism. On the west of Kerala lies the great Arabian Sea. And On its north, it is sharing borders with Karnataka state. On it east, the mighty Western Ghats runs; the state of Tamilnadu lies on the other side of the Western Ghats.

Holiday seekers to India would invariably choose to visit Kerala first, attracted by its evergreen coconut groves, paddy fields and the backwaters of extreme beauty.

If you ever want to go on a tour of Kerala’s backwaters, your first choice of staying should be in a houseboat. Staying in a houseboat and cruising on the backwaters of Kerala is a lifetime experience. You can enjoy 5-star luxuries, great attention from the hosts, and the most undisturbed holiday you will ever experience.

Here is a list of the most luxurious houseboats to stay in Kerala.

1. 1. Pickadly Houseboats, Alleppey

Alleppey is the Anglicized name of Alappuzha, the original name in the Malayalam language. Alleppey is considered as the Venice of the East and rightly so. However, I would personally rate Kerala higher than Venice that has started emanating bad smell in the recent years.

Did you like that houseboat? Do you want to know how to contact Pickadly Houseboats? Here is their address, telephone number, and their website URL.

Address: Valamparambil, Avalokkunnu P.O., Alappuzha, Kerala 688006

Phone: 094461 71094

The houseboat you saw and their (Pickadly) fleet are built by themselves! Pretty impressive-eh? Since they are natives of Kerala and should know what exactly a houseboat should contain to meet the comforts of their guests, they can build ideal houseboats than procuring from other sources. Over the years, Pickadly Houseboats have earned a big name in the Kerala Houseboat industry.

One of their houseboats comes with all the modern luxuries and amenities that include:

• Jacuzzi
• Bedrooms on an upper deck
• Fully air-conditioned
• Most luxurious bed of Kingsize

The Pickadly houseboat cruise takes you past great scenic waterways lined with rows and rows of coconut trees, lush paddy fields, and old rustic villages where the life of villagers seem to linger around typical Keralite temples, making coir-based products and of course fishing on the backwaters.

1. 2. Shared Houseboats: Oberoi Vrinda Motor Vessel

It looks like more of a yacht to me than a personal houseboat that you keep it all for yourself during your stay. Well, the Oberoi Vrinda is like a shared houseboat in which you can book a cabin or two (out of 8 cabins in the yacht) for your family and friends. Guests won’t find anything that is missing in the shared houseboat. Whatever you need as an amenity is provided for such as comfortable beds with a view of the backwaters and beyond, bathrooms, air-conditioning and the works. Oh yes, you are provided a personal butler too. His services are available 24 hours! Simply amazing! Free Internet is provided on board.

Oberoi is a prestigious and well-known name in the Indian hospitality industry.

To book your stay in the Oberoi Vrinda Houseboat, contact them at C – 46 / 452 (II, Bristow Rd, Willingdon Island, Kochi, Kerala 682003

Phone: 0484 308 1000

The Oberoi Vrinda yacht goes on a sail for two or three nights  duration, cruising on the Alleppey backwaters and the Vembanad Lake.

A houseboat is seen cruising on the Vembanad Lake leisurely.

The Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda guarantees the guests an unforgettable holiday in their yacht.

1. 3. Spice Coast Cruises, Luxurious Houseboats

Beautiful compact houseboat built in typical Malabar style. Its native name is ‘Kettuvallam’.

Contact details to book your own houseboat:

Poojaveli Temple Road, Near Shanthitheeram Lakeside Resort, Puthenangady, Muhamma, Kerala 688525

Phone: 0478 258 2615

Location map:

The houseboats operated by the Spice Coast Cruises are said to provide the best food served with utmost passion. Did you notice the small deck on the houseboat? It is where you should spend most of your evening time with a cool drink on your hands. Yeah, your houseboat is fitted with a bar too, buddy!

The houseboats of Spice Coast Cruises are unique as they are powered by solar energy. Alternatively, the motor’s fuel is vegetable oil. Both these energies are eco-friendly.

You will be absolutely delighted when the houseboat takes you on the sprawling Vembanad Lake whose length is 90 km.

1. 4. Blue Lotus House boats

Address: Blue Lotus Houseboats Near Hotel Ramada Finishing point, Alleppey, Alappuzha, Kerala 688013

Phone: 093491 09034

In one of the reviews by actual users, I read that the Blue Lotus Houseboat in Kerala is the cheapest of all the houseboat services in Alleppy area.

You have a wide of choice of houseboats ranging from 1 to 3 bedroom vessels. There is a yacht that is big and comes with 7 bedrooms. Such big vessels are ideal shared houseboats.

1. 5. Luxurious House boats By Rainbow Cruises, Alleppey, Kerala

What a houseboat! Imagine yourself relaxing on the chaise with your spouse and cruising on the backwaters of Alleppy on one fine morning!

The deck appears spacious and I think it is a good concept, giving more space on the deck as you will certainly be spending more time in an open space while cruising. After all, cruising on Kerala backwaters is a scenic holiday and you don’t want to lock yourself in the bedroom-right?

Rainbow Cruises operate a fleet of houseboats that come with one to 4 air-conditioned bedrooms.