Lying on India’s tropical Malabar Coast is the state of Kerala. Known for sandy beaches that are lined with palm trees and backwater canals, Kerala thrives on its popular means of transportation, which are the canoes and kayaks that glide through the emerald waters. Along the banks of the canals are modern resorts and casinos, quaint villages, a bird sanctuary, and rice paddies. To get the most out of your Kerala vacation, you should rent a houseboat to explore the area. Many of the floating homes include an onboard chef and planned excursions. You can find boats that accommodate large groups or are ideal for romantic getaways. During the day, you’ll see thousands of boats on the waterways, while at night, you’ll be docked near a village or a resort with its restaurants and entertainment venues. Continue reading to find out more about the top houseboat rentals in Kerala, India.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 07, 2024.
1. Beautiful houseboat with a chef onboard (from USD 108)
This Airbnb on the backwaters of Kerala can accommodate as many as 10 people and is a perfect choice for big families touring the scenic state of India. The two-bedroom kettuvallam lets you experience the authentic flavors of Kerala while floating on the pristine waterscape. Air-conditioned spaces ensure a comfy stay all year round. Guests vouch for its cleanliness and friendly staff onboard.
Fancy savoring a delicious meal of tangy curry and roast meat? The chef is a great addition to the package and you can relish local delicacies to your heart’s content during your stay here.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
the staff made our stay so lovely and the chef was fantastic and so friendly
Superhost
2. Unique houseboat for families (from USD 185)
Rent this houseboat in Kerala and have an unforgettable vacation in one of the state’s most unique and iconic accommodations.
The spacious houseboat has enough space for four people. If there are two more guests, you can get extra mattresses for an additional cost. Air conditioning is available from 9pm to 6am for a good night’s rest. Guests can enjoy savory meals from a menu that is specially curated to satisfy both vegetarian and non-vegetarian eaters. Smoking is also permitted in the houseboat.
3. Aqua Castle houseboat (from USD 241)
You will feel as if you are living in a resort when you book a cruise on this luxury houseboat in Kerala. You get an air-conditioned bedroom with a TV, a work desk, Wi-Fi access, and a private bathroom. A chef is on board to provide breakfast, afternoon snacks, and dinner. A complimentary cocktail will be served when you board the houseboat to get your journey started on a high note. Relax in the communal lounge and enjoy the passing scenery around you.
4. Dona houseboat (from USD 223)
This luxurious houseboat has eight bedrooms so it can accommodate large groups or families, but it is also ideal for a couple looking for a romantic getaway. Your bedroom will include a large bed, a private bathroom, and windows for you to enjoy the view of the river and its banks. Breakfast is provided in the communal dining room and you will have access to the kitchen if you wish to cook your own meals. If you’d rather try some of the top-notch local delicacies, the restaurants in the resorts along the banks of the river are within easy reach.
5. Two-bedroom houseboat (from USD 258)
This two-bedroom houseboat in the backwaters of Alleppey, one of the most beautiful places in Kerala, will provide you with a unique vacation experience. Your air-conditioned bedroom comes with a TV and a private bathroom. Feel free to relax in the lounge on the top deck or get in a bit of fishing. All of your meals are provided by the onboard chef, or you can use the kitchen to cook your own meals if you want to. You will be greeted with a basket of fruits and a cocktail, and you can arrange for a candlelight dinner during your stay if you wish to.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
the staff were attentive but kept out of site for us out really enjoy the privacy of the boatvery good and responsive host
6. Five-bedroom houseboat in the backwaters of Kerala (from USD 840)
If you’re looking forward to houseboating in Kerala, then it doesn’t get better than this large houseboat that is ideal for large groups and families. It features five large bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. There is also a living room with a TV, a dining room, a party area, and a sun deck. A chef will travel on board with you and cook up some tasty local dishes. The kitchen is available for guests to use if you wish to cook for yourselves.
7. JCT houseboat
This six-bedroom houseboat has all the amenities you need for a great vacation. Your bedroom will be fitted with a large, comfortable bed and a private bathroom. Relax and mingle with other travelers in the communal living area, dining room or on the sundeck. There will be a welcome cocktail, and afternoon tea and snacks will be provided. The captain will arrange a number of activities for passengers on board, including evening shows, a stop in a rice paddy, and a walk in the local village.
8. Floating boathouse
Alapuzha is one of the most popular Kerala boathouse places in India. Enjoy touring the canals and backwaters of this coastal city in a beautiful two-bedroom boathouse. The boathouse features two bathrooms, a small living/dining area, and a well-appointed kitchen. Guests are welcome to cook their own meals but breakfast will be provided. Accommodating up to four guests comfortably, the air-conditioned boathouse is available for day or overnight cruises.
9. Tharangini houseboat
This floating home has six private rooms with bathrooms, making it one of the biggest boat houses in Kerala. All the rooms have a double bed, a TV, air conditioning, and a private dining area. During your cruise, you will have access to the sun deck, and your meals will be prepared by the chef on board. There will also be opportunities for fishing off the boat and sightseeing when the houseboat is passing by local villages and resorts.
Aryad South, Kerala, India
4.67 km (2.9 mi) from Alappuzha Light House
10. Kerala houseboat
Enjoy cruising the canals and backwater of Kerala in this air-conditioned houseboat. You will get a private bedroom with two beds and a bathroom. Relax and mingle with other travelers in the communal lounge or on the sun deck. Breakfast is provided for you, although you will have full access to the kitchen to cook your meals. Enjoy fishing from the deck or visiting local villages and modern resorts located along the banks of the river.
Alappuzha, Kerala, India
5.24 km (3.3 mi) from Alappuzha Light House
11. Antony's eco houseboat
Enjoy a beautiful vacation on one of the most eco-friendly houseboats of Kerala. Similar to the eco hotels in Kerala, this boat is designed to run on solar energy. It remains docked in a lovely village with lake views. You will be picked up by a canoe and transported to the main houseboat, where you will enjoy complimentary cocktails. During your stay, you will appreciate the free kayak rides, fishing, swimming, and stopovers in the village. Or you can simply relax and fall asleep to the gentle rocking of the houseboat. The rates are inclusive of all the meals you’ll be having on the boat.
Alappuzha, Kerala, India
4.79 km (3.0 mi) from Alappuzha Light HouseAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Host:
the host is niceRead more reviewsLocation:
location is decent if you are looking for a secluded area i wouldn’t recommend this stay
12. GOC deluxe boathouse
This houseboat is ideal for a romantic cruise down the river. It features a bedroom with an attached bathroom, a large living and dining area with a deck, and a private in-house chef who will be traveling with you. As if those weren’t enough to entice guests, this deluxe houseboat also includes ayurvedic massages, fishing, and evening activities. Enjoy visiting the bird sanctuary or strolling through the fishing village, and feel free to ask the captain for recommendations, he’ll be more than happy to answer you.
Alappuzha, Kerala, India
4.97 km (3.1 mi) from Alappuzha Light HouseAccommodates: 2
A unique vacation experience
You should strive to try something new every time you go on a vacation. Consider ditching the best hotels to stay just this one time and enjoy the unique experience of boating on the backwaters in Kerala in a houseboat while fishing from the decks, exploring local villages, or an exciting night out at one of the many resorts located along the banks. Whatever activity and things to do you choose, you will be sure to go home with many exhilarating memories to share with your friends and family.
Frequently asked questions about houseboat rentals in Kerala, India
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