Home to the world-famous Taj Mahal, India is not your ordinary holiday destination. A visit to this south Asian country means checking out its iconic places to visit, uncovering its ancient history, exploring its diverse cultures, and tasting an array of delicious cuisines. With its size and huge population, expect nothing short of adventure and jaw-dropping discoveries in each region. Explore the Indian art and culture in tourist sites such as Akshardham and Chowmahalla Palace and stop by the regional sandy beaches for water sport activities. In addition, houseboat tourism is on the rise in the country. Book a floating rental and enjoy a mix of comfortable stays away from home and scenic cruises in the country’s rivers and lakes. Continue reading to learn more about the best houseboat rentals in 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 12, 2024.
1. Boathouse of Umiam in Meghalaya (from USD 48)
A trip to the northeastern state of Meghalaya won’t be complete without exploring the ever-formidable Umiam Lake. And with this eye-catching houseboat, you’ll have instant access to all the thrilling activities that await. Book a stay in one of India’s most iconic floating houses and enjoy a great range of accommodating en-suite amenities, including a king-sized bed best suited for a small family.
It also features a full bathroom and enough closet space to store your clothes and souvenirs. Wind down after a long day of exploring fun things to do around Meghalaya at the neat deck overlooking the lake. Want to set up a bonfire? You can find relevant supplies in designated areas near the property.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there is no fan or ac but a constant breeze that keeps the room coolthe boathouse was quite simple with a king size bed and a beautiful deckHost:
arindam was simply a superb hostthe caretaker kongzan is an ever smiling ladyalso the host arindam is a wonderful manonce reaching the host welcomed usresponsive host cons: 1Read more reviewsLocation:
a very nice location and well maintained boat houseit's beautiful the location the interiors everythingamazing location and helpful hostthe best place really in terms of locationlocation is very nice checkin was smooth caretakers were good
2. Grand houseboat with premium features in Alappuzha (from USD 235)
The city of Alappuzha is a teeming hotspot of grand houseboat accommodations, and this premium floating home happens to be one of them. Having been built in the style of the Keralan ‘kettuvallam,’ the interiors and facade of this Indian houseboat for rent are elegant to the core.
Savor the luxury of being pampered as soon as you step foot onboard the traditional boat. Enjoy a delectable breakfast meal at the secluded dining area that overlooks the surrounding natural scenery. If you feel you’ve had your fill of the day, retreat yourself in the plush en-suite bedroom, complete with a full bath and air conditioning throughout.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we did really enjoyed the food and thought it is a lot: lunch coffee snack dinner and breakfastthe room was private and comfortableRead more reviewsHost:
great experience the staff was super kind and fulfilled every wish we hadpradeep was a super helpful and proactive hostwe had a great stay on houseboat the food was great and the crew were very friendly
Superhost
3. Traditional Keralan houseboat in Alappuzha (from USD 199)
Sit back, relax, and enjoy Kerala’s tranquility aboard this traditional houseboat. This private rental has two spacious bedrooms with air conditioning to keep you cool. Up to eight guests are welcome aboard. You can sample complimentary meals at this rental during your stay.
Not only that, the facility’s crew members are friendly and respect your privacy. Let the crew take you to the numerous and beautiful backwaters and villages in and around Vembanad Lake during the evening and morning cruises.
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
4. Quaint abode for six guests in Alappuzha (from USD 282)
Open your eyes to a whole new world aboard this two-bedroom houseboat. This vacation rental is in great condition, accommodating a maximum of six guests. It comes with a bamboo-thatched canopy that brings out an authentic and unique feeling. Its little sun deck is a nice spot to sunbathe and enjoy the cool breeze.
You can savor local delicacies tailored to your individual taste and preferences on the houseboat. In addition, there are friendly staff members on board to assist you if needed. This houseboat for rent in India is also ideal for monthly stays.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
the accommodation was high spec and the staff on-board were super friendly
5. Serene abode with a great host in Srinagar (from USD 53)
Wake up to the sight of ducks, geese, and other unique birds enjoying the morning sun from this two-bedroom houseboat. As it is set on a quiet side of Dal Lake, a popular houseboat destination in India, you’ll feel close to nature while staying here. This is a budget-friendly rental that offers a peaceful and stylish stay in Srinagar.
It comes with a spacious deck overlooking the lake and mountains. What’s more, its welcoming host is helpful throughout your stay, adding to the houseboat’s charm. The host is also kind enough to guide you about all the ins and outs of the locality.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
it was clean and well keptHost:
amazing host hospitality and foodshabir is an amazing hostshabit bhai is super helpful and one of the nicest hosts you'll ever meetduring our stay shabbir was just our host however had become our friend and guideshabir is an excellent hostRead more reviewsLocation:
this place is a perfect escape from the hustle-bustle of city life in the middle of dal lakei would definitely suggest this place to everyone
6. Lily of Nageen in Srinagar (from USD 60)
Experience floating luxury at Lily of Nageen. This family-run houseboat is stylish and clean, offering enough space for six people. It is also moored on a peaceful and beautiful spot at Nigeen Lake.
Its front deck overlooking the lake and the rooftop are two spots for taking in unobstructed views of the water and boats passing by. Inside is a spacious living room with comfortable sofas, a high-quality Persian carpet, and a functional ceiling fan for a pleasant indoor stay.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
owners family is soo nice they make you feel at homeawesome place awesome host family friendly great home cooked foodcharming host willing to accommodate small needs with smiling facethe rooms were clean very comfortable and the staff was amazing(ajaz brothers)
7. Large houseboat in Srinagar (from USD 14)
Hosting a maximum of 12 guests, this houseboat is perched on a quiet corner of Dal Lake. Guests staying can share six bedrooms and enjoy some me-time whenever they feel like it. That aside, the rental comes with thoughtful extras such as body soap, toilet rolls, and clean towels.
A tasty breakfast is available each morning to help you start the day with a full stomach. The home-cooked meal gives you an opportunity to sample local flavors.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
boat house is very beautiful and clean as the pictures posted on the websiteHost:
great courtesy from hostspoopa is a great host and will take care of your stayvery polite and supportive hosthosted poopa is very kind you can ask for help from him everythinghe was very responsive before our trip and also during our stay at his boat houseRead more reviewsLocation:
location too is very peaceful and pleasantthe location is nice on a quiet corner of the dal lakegreat place to stay if you are on a budgetgreat place to stay for a budget traveller
8. Houseboat Jewelbox in Srinagar (from USD 55)
Wake up to lovely views of the Himalayan Mountains while staying in this simple yet cozy houseboat that sleeps up to five people. Houseboat Jewelbox features well-appointed interiors and comes with three cozy beds and a modern bathroom with a bathtub. Sit on the deck during your free time and watch fishermen trying to catch fish in Dal Lake.
The breakfast served daily is lovingly prepared using organic vegetables and other ingredients. In addition, the host lives next to the rental, so you can ask for assistance whenever needed.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
houseboat was clean comfortable and very beautifully decoratedtheir houseboat is clean comfortable and the food fantasticthe plaxe is clean and tidybeautifully decorated and very clean house; it's exactly like in the picturesHost:
the host and his family were extremely helpfulthe host and his family took care of us and made our stay as comfortable as possiblehe and his family were very friendly and hospitable and gave us tips around srinagarmohd sultan and his family are excellent hosts and extremely helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
the area is very beautiful and yet convenient as it is close to dal gate
9. Lovely dwelling for five guests in Alappuzha
From the sumptuous food to breathtaking views, this traditional houseboat will make you fall in love with Kerala. It sleeps up to five people and takes pride in offering scenic cruises on the backwaters of Kerala that leave you refreshed and rejuvenated. While here, you can taste traditional Keralan dishes prepared by a skilled chef, including parippu curry and idli sambar.
Among the wide array of amenities at your disposal is a large deck with cozy bamboo chairs. This is the perfect place to enjoy meals while taking in the sights of the locality during the day.
Alappuzha, Kerala, India
17.21 km (10.7 mi) from Kumarakom Bird SanctuaryAccommodates: 5
Top guest reviews
Amenities & 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 paperHost:
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 accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
if you go around allepey you will find much nice better value for money places
10. Comfortable and clean dwelling in Alappuzha (from USD 185)
This clean and cozy houseboat is designed for restful stays and scenic cruises in Alappuzha. While staying here, three kind and attentive staff members are available to assist you. In addition, your stay comes with free full-board meals, including vegetarian options.
Switch on the flat-screen TV next to the dining area and watch movies and music at any time of the day. If you plan on making your favorite meals, you have a modern kitchen with a two-burner gas stove and basic utensils waiting for you. That aside, there’s air conditioning and ceiling fans to keep you cool throughout your stay.
11. Charming houseboat in Kumarakom (from USD 84)
There’s no better way to spend a tropical holiday than aboard a luxurious houseboat with an array of modern amenities. Book this well-maintained rental that’s spacious enough to accommodate two people. As it cruises slowly through the lake, you’ll be amazed by the sights of mesmerizing waterways in Kumarakom.
Spend quality time on the deck sipping your favorite drink and watching the world passing by. Breakfast is available, too.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviews
12. St. Crispin House Boat in Kumarakom (from USD 118)
Enjoy a combination of comfort, breathtaking views, and privacy aboard the St. Crispin House Boat. This two-bedroom rental is well maintained, crafted to meet the needs of a great boat ride. Food prepared by the houseboat’s chef lets you experience authentic, south Indian culinary delights.
This rental boasts a spacious rooftop deck that offers stunning views during the day. You’re free to use the music system and full kitchen whenever you feel like it. To top it all, you keep in touch with a generous and communicative host before and during your stay.
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
Enjoy unique experiences in India
India is a beautiful country full of charm and character. As there’s plenty to see and do in the country, why not book a houseboat and create unique, unforgettable experiences in the area without compromising on comfort? Choose from this list for a great stay.
Frequently asked questions about the best houseboat rentals in India
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to