Sitting on the shores of Vembanad Lake is the village of Kumarakom, India. This area is known for its emerald water canals that traverse the region. One of the primary industries here is houseboat rentals. During the peak tourist season, you will find up to 2,000 houseboats gliding across the lake and through the canals. Renting one of these floating homes allows you to totally relax as the onboard staff takes care of everything, including cooking for you and your family. While touring Vembanad Lakes, be sure to make a stop at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary where you will see a variety of bird species like cuckoos and storks. Another attraction worth a visit is the Bay Island Driftwood Museum where you’ll enjoy art created from local wood and other interesting things to do. Planning a trip soon? Continue reading to find out about the best houseboats in Kumarakom, 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. Aqua Jumbo Houseboat (from USD 229)
Book this houseboat in Kumarakom, which is a modified design of Kerala’s traditional boat, the “kettuvallam.” It is constructed of all-natural materials and features two bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a lounge/dining area, a kitchen, and a sun deck. During your journey through the canals, two boatmen and a chef will travel with you, so all you have to do is sit back and relax. You will be welcomed with a cocktail when you board, and all meals, including snacks, will be provided for you.
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
2. Shivaganga houseboat (from 180 USD)
This air-conditioned houseboat has two bedrooms available. Each room has a large bed, a fridge, and a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries provided for you. Enjoy relaxing on the sun deck or in the lounge/dining room. Get in some fishing during the day or just kick back and watch the beautiful scenery pass by.
Shivaganga houseboat
Price: from 180 USD
Number of Guests: 4
3. Meenakshi sail over backwaters (from 234 USD)
The Meenakshi is a two-bedroom houseboat that can accommodate up to six guests comfortably. You get a private bedroom with large bed and attached bathroom. You have access to the communal areas of the boat including the lounge/dining area, kitchen, and rooftop deck. During your stay on the Meenakshi, there will be three crew members traveling with you, the captain, cook, and housekeeper, so your vacation experience is the ultimate in relaxation.
Meenakshi Sail Over Backwaters
Price: from 234 USD
Number of Guests: 6
4. Amrutham houseboats (from USD 289)
One of the best luxury houseboats in Kumarakom, this exclusive, one-bedroom boat accommodation is ideal for couples looking for some alone time. Your journey starts with a welcome drink and lunch as you glide through the backwaters. You will be treated to afternoon snacks and dinner, then some village sightseeing in the evening when you dock for the night. In the morning, enjoy a traditional breakfast as you set off again. The houseboat has one bedroom with an attached bathroom, a lounge/dining area, a kitchen, and a crew of three will travel with you to take care of all your needs.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
host was very good with great comms & so responsive & easy to arrange the trip
5. Backwater routes houseboats (from USD 84)
Enjoy a holiday on a houseboat in Kumarakom by booking these one-bedroom houseboats that are ideal rentals for couples, whether married or not. You have the bedroom with an attached bathroom, access to the sun deck, lounge/dining area, and if you are feeling adventurous, the kitchen. Traveling with you is a crew of two to three folks, the navigator, chef, and housekeeper, all of whom are there to make your trip as relaxing as possible. If you would like to go out on your own, a canoe is available for your use. And due to its affordable pricing, it is an economical Kumarakom houseboat to rent.
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Nearby houseboat rentals
6. Traditional kettuvallam on the backwaters of Alappuzha (from USD 282)
Enjoy the best vacation ever in Kerala by booking this traditional kettuvallam that floats on the backwaters of Alappuzha. A bamboo-thatched roof adds to the ambiance and makes you look forward to your houseboat holiday. The two-bedroom accommodation is a great choice for a family of six and comes equipped with double beds that ensure a good night’s rest. Solar-powered fans and lights are furnished for added comfort and convenience.
When it comes to food, you can relish local delicacies every day of your stay in the houseboat while soaking up the surreal sights of the waterscape that surrounds you.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
the accommodation was high spec and the staff on-board were super friendly
7. Cozy houseboat in Kuttanad (from USD 193)
Moored in the scenic region of Kuttanad in Kerala, this boutique houseboat is a cozy accommodation for three guests. Float on the serene waters of the gorgeous Vembanad Lake and pass through several canals and lagoons by staying in this houseboat, which is a perfect blend of traditional and modern. The interiors are suffused with the quintessential flavors of God’s own country. Solid hardwood floors and wooden furnishings along with a day bed add to the rustic charm. Air conditioning is provided from 9pm to 6am.
Out on the upper deck, you can soak up the sun and take in the outside air while sighting birds swooping down to catch fish and a view of lush paddy fields.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsAmenities & Room:
you get to watch a wonderful view as you are having your breakfast
8. Relaxed vacation on a family-run houseboat (from USD 39)
Tethered along the shores of Vembanad Lake is this amazing family-run houseboat that is ideal for two guests. Built on two wooden canoes, this cottage-style houseboat is spacious and styled in a traditional manner. Enjoy mesmerizing water views from the large windows of the spacious bedroom, and a separate, full bathroom is available too. Spend your day relaxing on the covered deck and enjoy a delicious breakfast that is included in the rental price of the houseboat. The nearest town is just 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) away.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
must visit if you want a beautiful view from your roomwifi wasn’t running very well but the host solved it quicklyCleanliness:
a clean and cosy place and amazing foodthe houseboat is rustic but we were provided with clean sheets and clean towelsthe bathroom was clean and so were most of the other areasthe room is clean and very well locatedroom was clean with all amenitiesHost:
jijo and his staff are always present for help questions or to call a tuk tukjijo and his staff were co operative and helpfuljijo is one of the warmest hosts everjijo was so helpful he provided everything we requiredhe is a wonderful host and the homemade food is very yummyRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is amazing the floating room is just beside back watersit’s a very relaxing placeloved the stay at jijo's place
9. One-bedroom houseboats in Alleppey (from 150 USD)
This elegant houseboat is ideal for honeymoon cruises or just a romantic getaway. Your exclusive houseboat includes a bedroom with a private bathroom, a lounge with a TV, a dining area, kitchen access if you want to try cooking some of the local dishes, and a deck for relaxing or fishing. You will have a small crew that travels with you to see to your needs. You are free to request stops at the bird sanctuary or any of the villages you pass along the way.
1 Bed Room Houseboats in Alleppey
Price: from 150 USD
Number of Guests: 3
10. Stay on a lake (from USD 199)
This two-bedroom houseboat sits on Vembanad Lake and your journey will take you around the shores. You can rent one or both of the bedrooms with their own bathrooms. You have access to the deck where you can watch the birds swoop in to catch fish and enjoy the cool breeze off the water. You will also have access to the entire boat including the kitchen if you feel like cooking. The staff, including a chef, will travel with you to see to all of your needs. You will see the bird sanctuary and some charming fishing and farming villages during your cruise, which are some of the best things to do in Kumarakom, India.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
tastefully decorated with nice bathroom and hot water showerCleanliness:
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 reviewsHost:
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 varkala
11. Ostrich dream cruise
This large house boat has three bedrooms available so would be ideal for large groups or family vacations. You have the option to rent all three rooms, or just one and meet some new travelers on your trip. You will have a private bedroom, each of which has its own attached bathroom, access to the living/lounge area, dining area, and deck. There will be staff present, including a chef, that travel with you. You will be cruising the lake and backwaters during the day and docking in local villages in the evenings. You could also take a trip to nearby areas, including a trip to explore the best things to do in Kottayam, a lovely city in Kerala.
940 meters (0.6 ft) from Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple
12. A floating home on the backwaters of Kerala
Embark on a relaxing cruise on the serene backwaters of Kerala by renting this beautiful houseboat. Offering privacy and homey convenience, this houseboat is perfect for a small group or family vacation. Comprising a well-furnished living area, dining area, two spacious bedrooms with comfortable beds and two full bathrooms, this houseboat will feel like a home on the water. You will also get an opportunity to enjoy freshly prepared meals and see the beauty of nearby villages and towns.
Alappuzha, Kerala, India
6.32 km (4.0 mi) from Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple
13. Deluxe two-bedroom houseboat
Your journey begins with a cool drink and meeting your captain. He will explain your itinerary and tell you everything you need to know about the houseboat. The boat features two bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a lounge/dining area, and a kitchen. Sit back and relax and let the crew take care of you. All meals are prepared and provided for you during your journey. You will spend the days gliding through the emerald waters of the canals and the nights docked at one of the locations around the lake.
17.36 km (10.8 mi) from Mullakkal Rajarajeswari TempleAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
perfect communication helpful and very responsive host (anoop) plus nice staff on the boat
14. Unforgettable experience in a heritage houseboat (from USD 118)
Offering one of the best Kumarakom houseboat packages, this double-decker is ideal for a boat party experience. The upper deck can accommodate up to 50 people and can be used for conferences, reunions, or other family affairs. The lower deck has two bedrooms each with a private bathroom, a living room, kitchen, and deck. Each bedroom can sleep up to two adults and two children comfortably. During your stay, you will have a well-trained staff traveling with you to make your vacation as stress-free as possible.
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
15. Well-appointed houseboat suited for hosting events (from USD 118)
Rent this magnificent and large houseboat for an amazing experience in Kumarakom, Kerala. If you’re looking for a place to host an event, then this houseboat is perfectly suited for that purpose. Its massive upper deck can accommodate up to 50 guests. The houseboat has two air-conditioned bedrooms and three well-appointed bathrooms along with a sun deck and a living area. Kodianthara Heritage Home is at a short walking distance from the houseboat.
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
Stress-free vacation
Gliding around Vembanad Lake and through the backwaters of Kumarakom is the ultimate stress-free vacation. All of these houseboats, Airbnb vacation rentals, and boat jetties in Kumarakom allow you to sit back and relax while the onboard staff takes care of everything. All you need to do is kick back and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings while unplugging from the frenzy of the modern world.
Frequently asked questions about houseboats in Kumarakom, Kerala, India
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