Alleppey · The backwaters
Curated
Houseboat
Experiences
Discover handpicked luxury and traditional houseboats from trusted local operators across Kerala’s serene backwaters.
The kettuvallam
A boat tied together without a single nail.
A kettuvallam is a rice barge — jackwood planks stitched with coir rope, thatched over with bamboo and palm, built to carry grain down the backwaters when the roads were water. In the nineteen-nineties Mr Babu Varghese of Tourindia put a bed in one, and the whole industry followed. That happened in Alumkadavu, where our founder lives and where he began his career alongside Mr Varghese. The boats on this page belong to families in those same villages, which is why, when you ask who is cooking and where you will be moored for the night, there is somebody here who knows.
The boats
6 boats, one bedroom to six.
Prices are for the whole boat for one night, all meals included. Deluxe, Premium and Luxury are the same hull and a different standard of fit-out.
A night on board
Noon to nine the next morning.
The same shape on every boat. What changes is the size of the boat, the size of the crew, and how far you go before the light does.
Day one
- 12:00 PM
Check-in & Welcome
Board the houseboat, complete check-in, receive a welcome drink, and settle into your private cabin.
- 12:30 PM
Backwater Cruise Begins
Cruise through the scenic Alleppey backwaters while enjoying views of villages, canals, and paddy fields.
- 1:30 PM
Lunch
Freshly prepared traditional Kerala lunch served onboard.
- 5:30 PM
Evening Tea & Snacks
Enjoy tea and local snacks while watching the sunset over the backwaters.
- 6:00 PM
Anchorage
The houseboat anchors for the night in accordance with local navigation regulations.
- 8:00 PM
Dinner
Traditional Kerala dinner served onboard.
Day two
- 8:00 AM
Breakfast
Fresh breakfast served before the final morning cruise.
- 9:00 AM
Check-out
Complete check-out after a short morning cruise through the backwaters.
Curated Experiences
Curated For Every Journey
Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, travelling with family, or planning a getaway with friends, discover houseboats carefully selected to match every occasion.
The price
One figure, for the whole boat, for the night.
Included
- Welcome drink on arrival
- Accommodation in a private air-conditioned bedroom
- Traditional Kerala lunch
- Evening tea & snacks
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Backwater cruise as per itinerary
- Services of experienced crew
- Private attached bathroom
- Parking for the houseboat
Not included
- Transportation to and from the boarding point
- Personal expenses
- Additional beverages
- Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Anything not specifically listed under inclusions
Why HORIZONS
Curated with care,
designed for
unforgettable journeys.
Every houseboat featured on HORIZONS is personally selected for its hospitality, comfort and authenticity, ensuring every journey across Kerala's backwaters feels effortless from beginning to end.
01
Boats We Know
Every houseboat here is one we have been aboard, chosen for its comfort, its authenticity and the family who run it.
02
Local Expertise
Crafted by a Kerala-based team with deep knowledge of Kerala's backwaters and local experiences.
03
Transparent Pricing
Clear pricing with no hidden charges, giving you complete confidence before you book.
04
Dedicated Concierge
From your first enquiry to the end of your stay, our team is here whenever you need us.
In their own words
There are places you visit, and there are places that become a part of you.
Kerala's backwaters became one of ours.
Sarah & Daniel — London
Tell us your dates
Ask us what is free.
Send the dates and the number of people and we will come back with what is free, what it costs and which boat we would put you on. Usually within the day, and it is Surjith who reads it.