Kottayam is located in the southwest region of Kerala. As its stunning lakes and dramatic rolling hills grow more well known, tourism is also growing. Visitors are commending the city’s Airbnb vacation rentals that offer a pleasant stay, alongside some of its best homestays that are great for those who want a cozy experience. Tourists and locals alike also cherish the traditional Kettuvallam, a houseboat with thatched roofs over a primarily wooden body. In the olden days, these houseboats transported crops, spices, and other commodities through Kerala’s backwaters. Members of royalty used these to travel in style and comfort too. Nowadays, locals offer cruises down these picturesque waterways to tourists, to allow them to experience a truly unique way of life. If there’s room on your itinerary for unique stays, do check out these amazing houseboats in Kottayam City, 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 December 26, 2024.
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1. Charming houseboat with an upper deck (from USD 235)
If you’re looking for a boutique accommodation option, this two-story houseboat is perfect for you. This conventional houseboat offers a free breakfast for its guests. During the nighttime, the boat is anchored in the lake. For a cozy stay, it also features an air-conditioning unit and a flat-screen TV. And if you’re bringing a car, you can use the free parking space on site.
Drop by the upper deck if you want to take a breather. You can also try to catch some fish during the day. If you’re fond of visiting sacred spots in every destination, this houseboat is close to Mullakkal Rajeshwari Temple, a place of worship by the locals.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsAmenities & Room:
you get to watch a wonderful view as you are having your breakfast
2. Cozy houseboat with an adequately equipped kitchen (from USD 353)
If you’re staying in Kottayam, this houseboat has a package that includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian breakfast meals for its guests. If you’re fond of preparing your own meals, you can also do it conveniently in the full kitchen. For safety, window guards are installed around the houseboat. This unique accommodation option also has an airy living room where you can relax. At an additional charge, you can request two additional mattresses if necessary.
This houseboat is also close to some notable points of interest. If you have a love for the arts, you can check out the Revi Karunakaran Museum. If you’re craving authentic Indian cuisine, make sure to try the dishes served by Halais Restaurant, a nearby dining option.
3. Angel Sail Over Backwaters (from USD 253)
This is a quaint and charming boathouse, carefully handcrafted by the locals in traditional Kettuvalam style. With its steel hull, the boathouse is both durable and stable, ensuring that you will have a safe and peaceful experience residing there. The environmental conservationist in you will also be pleased to know that eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, areca nut tree, bamboo mats and coir are used in the construction of the roof of this delightful boat house which also adds to its old world charm. Guests will have individual bedrooms, which offers a great view of the backwaters. There is also a common hall and kitchen, which is well equipped and clean. The facilities on board are surprisingly modern despite the rustic outward appearance of the boathouse. There is also air conditioning provided for those afraid of the heat and humidity.
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
Superhost
4. Aqua Jumbo Houseboat (from USD 196)
The Aqua Jumbo Houseboat is wholly constructed using natural materials sourced from the region. Within the houseboat, you will find two bedrooms housing a total of four beds. The space expands out to a lounge, dining room, kitchen and modern bathroom. The outdoor deck is just perfect for sunbathing and taking in the incredible sights and sounds, from the chirping of birds to the bustle of the villagers on shore. Guests can also expect to be treated to a delicious, freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks featuring authentic Kerala cuisine.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
the staffs were very friendly and knowledgeablestaff was very friendly and provided amazing hospitalitythe hosts laiju and rajesh were extremely hospitable and very helpful
5. Aqua Castle Houseboat (from USD 310)
If you’re looking for a charming place to stay in Kottayam for couples, The Aqua Castle Houseboat is perfect for the more adventurous couples wishing to explore Alappuzha in good hands. Inside, there is a spacious open-air living and dining area and even a small television. This leads to a charming bedroom with old-fashioned windows providing views of the water.
The bathroom is also modern with a flush toilet and shower. All meals and even snacks are provided so you won’t have to worry about going hungry.
6. Stay on a lake (from USD 341)
If you’re visiting Kottayam, this vacation rental can stay a total of eight persons, making it ideal for the whole family or big groups of friends. The two bathrooms are clean and modern, with a fancy rain shower. Wildlife lovers will be especially excited to spot marsh birds and river fish as you sail past.
The houseboat will also be docked after 5:30 pm to minimize movement of the boat as you rest through the night. Air-conditioning is also available at night to keep you cool and comfortable.
Top guest reviews
Host:
the staff are lovely and looked after us really wellfood was amazing and crew were very friendly and helpfulall staff on the boat were so welcoming and had the perfect amount of interaction and distanceraiyaan was also very helpful in organizing a ride for us from kochi and then onwards to varkalaCleanliness:
rooms were surprisingly cleanthe houseboat was very clean and tidy and much better than expectedthe boat house was very clean and modern and our stay was comfortablea lovely modern clean boat the crew were very nice food excellentRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
tastefully decorated with nice bathroom and hot water shower
7. Genesis Houseboat (from USD 176)
Genesis Houseboat is a spacious rental for three. The living area is lavishly decorated, with rich textiles and intricate wood carvings. Further inside, the bedroom contains one king bed that promises a great night’s sleep and a view of the river. Air conditioning is also available to keep you cool and comfortable during balmy days. The nearest railway station is Alleppey Railway Station, with Changanacherry Railway Station coming in a close second.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
kevin was a kind host who was always available on phonestaff was very helpful caring even they extended their attention for serving vegetarian foodthe host was very kind i had asked for some special arrangements which they did
8. Double Bedroom House Boat
This houseboat takes you through the backwaters of Kerala at a slow, leisurely pace. During your journey, you’ll get up close with rustic villages, coconut trees, and beautiful paddy fields. Additionally, you’ll be traveling in comfort as the houseboat comes with clean, modern bedrooms and a bathroom. With two large double beds, the houseboat easily accommodates up to five persons, and it is just right for families and groups of friends. While on board, you’ll also be treated to an extensive menu of traditional local dishes and drinks. You can even buy fresh prawns and crabs from local fishermen as you pass by, and your chef will turn these into a sumptuous meal.
Alappuzha, Kerala, India
815 meters (0.6 ft) from Mullakkal Rajarajeswari TempleAccommodates: 5
Top guest reviews
Host:
amazing seacruise on the backwaters with two nice hostsowner stays in cochin and his presence would have been much appreciatedvargese chettai was really great and accommodatingLocation:
if you go around allepey you will find much nice better value for money placesRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the deck seating is comfortable for 2 maybe 3the bed linen have definitely seen better daysoverall not bad lots of mosquitoes take bug spray and toilet paper
9. Spice Route House Boat (from USD 740)
The Spice Route House Boat is well proportioned and fits up to six persons with no trouble. Inside, there are three bedrooms, each featuring a poster bed with ornate linen embellishments. The bathrooms are stylish and modern, and as there are three separate bathrooms, this also means you and your traveling companions can avoid waiting for each other. The living and dining area is tastefully decorated, with wide windows to let in the breeze and sunshine. During your stay, you’ll also get to savor mouthwatering local cuisine, including fresh seafood from the waters around you.
10. Floating Cottage on the Shores of Vambanad Lake
The Floating Cottage is a rustic accommodation located right in the heart of nature. It is a unique sight, with the cottage floating on two canoes in a private canal facing Vambanad Lake. Surrounded by coconut trees and wild birds, guests can expect to take in the sights and sounds of nature whilst relaxing in their hammocks which are located between the cottage and the lake. Alternatively, guests can also lounge on the veranda of the cottage while enjoying the peaceful tranquility of nature. Despite its simple and rustic architecture, the floating cottage is clean and well furnished with a simple yet modern toilet. Staying at the floating cottage also gives you a great view of the sunrise over Vambanad Lake. Conveniently located near the woods of South Kerala and tropical gardens, guests can also immerse themselves deeper into nature by taking a stroll or hike. Guests can also sign up for a canoe ride through the Alleppey backwaters and its various island villages.
Alappuzha, Kerala, India
3.74 km (2.4 mi) from Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple
11. St. Crispin Houseboat (from USD 188)
Combining privacy, comfort, and warmth, this two-bedroom houseboat sleeps up to six guests and guarantees great hospitality to complement the amenities it provides. Perfect for hosting parties, the houseboat comes with a sun deck, living area, and music system, as well as a conference facility in the upper deck that can support up to 50 people.
Nestled on the banks of Vembanad Lake, St. Crispin Houseboat is close to a number of shops, spas, restaurants, and attractions in Kumarakom, including Kodianthara Heritage Home.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
very warm and sweet hostcrispin is a very good hostthe rooms are very clean and support staff are at the best when it comes to hospitality
Kerala's backwaters
Kerala’s backwaters comprise an incredible system of lakes, canals, rivers and inlets. It’s impossible to fully experience this network except with the insights of a local. One of the best ways is to travel through the backwaters on a safe, comfortable houseboat like these. We hope you find this list helpful for planning your trip!
Frequently asked questions about houseboats in Kottayam City, India
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