The Vembanad Lake lies at sea level, and covers an area of 200 square kilometers. It is designated a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The lake is bordered by Alapuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts and is separated from the Arabian Sea by a narrow barrier island. Canals link the lake to coastal lakes to the north and south.

Since time immemorial Kerala has used its lake and canals as a water network for transportation of men and material. The traditional houseboats of Kerala is one of the most enduring images of the backwaters

These houseboats are converted version of the "Kuttanadan Kettuvallams". A distinctive feature of the Kettuvallam (Houseboats) is the design suggesting the possible Chinese influence. Kettuvallams equipped with all modern facilities and requirements are called Houseboats. The houseboats have all the creature comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling

The houseboats have accommodation options in terms of the number of rooms. Each bedroom has an attached bathroom. A living room cum dining hall, sun deck, and a private balcony are the other additional features of the house boat. The rooms are equipped with clean and good quality linen, blankets, towels. The boats have valid licenses and the log books as well as the tourist records are kept up to date.

The crew has separate quarters and a separate rest room. The kitchen is clean with a strong focus on hygiene, and is well protected from any hazards by the fireproofing and fire extinguishers.

One can cruise in the Vembanad Lake, through the palm-fringed backwaters, throughout the day and anchor at night in shining moonlight. The lullaby of the waves and the dazzling delights of the moonlit night can be experienced by spending a couple of nights on board the Kerala Houseboats. The cruise down the magical and mystical backwaters of Kerala is indeed a captivating experience.

Being on board a houseboat is a tranquil, stress free adventure where you see the beautiful Kerala keep passing by. A sojourn in Kettuvallams, the House boats of Kerala, offers a panoramic view of one of the most picturesque aspects of the God's Own Country.

Talking of a Kerala Houseboat cruise, The National Geographic Traveler says, "It is astonishingly romantic to watch the sunset from one kettuvallam among several, while the three boatmen hang lanterns and a pearly glow fades behind the scrim of palms... Waking at dawn, we find ourselves surrounded by hundreds of fishermen's skiffs on immense Vembanad Lake. It’s like time travel into a quiet morning of another century."

The boat moves by an outboard engine of 25 HP (which does not make much noise), enroute visiting villages to see coir making, local tea shops, paddy fields, temples, beaches etc. till sunset. At night the boat is anchored at a beautiful and quiet part of the lake.

The cusine

The cuisine is of traditional Kerala flavour. Sumptuous and lip smacking Vegetarian as well as Non Vegetarian Kerala dishes are prepared and served onboard.

Routes

Alleppey - Alleppey

Check in Alleppey - cruise through Punnamada Lake - visit the Chavara Bhavan, old wooden house - enjoy the panoramic views of paddy fields, narrow canals and coconut lagoons - visit 400 year old Champakulam church - view the 110 feet long snake boat. Night, anchor in the middle of the Lake.

Alleppey - Kumarakom

Check in Alleppey- cruise through Punnamada Lake - visit the Chavara Bhavan, old wooden house - enjoy the panoramic views of paddy fields, narrow canals and coconut lagoons - visit the R'Block, C'Block - visit Pathiramanal island - night anchor at Kumarakom Lake.

Alleppey - Thottappally

Check in Alleppey - cruise through Punnamada Lake - visit the Chavara Bhavan, olden wooden house - enjoy the panoramic views of paddy fields, narrow canals and coconut lagoons - visit the ancient Buddhist image of Karumadikuttan, only Buddhist temple in Kerala.

Alleppey - Alumkadavu

Check in Alleppey - cruise through Punnamada Lake - visit R'Block, C' Block - visit the Chavara Bhavan , olden wooden house - enjoy the panoramic view of paddy fields, narrow canals and coconut lagoons -Night halt at Vattakayal - visit the 400 year old ancient church - view the 110 feet long snake boat - visit the ancient Buddhist image of Karrumadikuttan, only Buddhist temple in Kerala - night halt at Kayyamkulam Pozhy, you can see the sun set and sun rise, Chinese fishing net in operation. Cruise through Kayyamkulam Lake - visit Vallicavu Amrithanadhamayi Ashram,Amrithannadamayi, most famous sanyasini .Visit the coir village. Check out at Alumkadavu.

Kumarakkom - Alumkadavu

Check in Kumarkkom - visit bird sanctuary - visit R'Block, C' Block - visit the Chavara Bhavan , olden wooden house - enjoy the panoramic view of paddy fields, narrow canals and coconut lagoons -Night halt at Vattakayal - visit the 400 year old ancient church - view the 110 feet long snake boat - visit the ancient Buddhist image of Karrumadikuttan, only one Buddhist temple in Kerala - night halt at Kayyamkulam Pozhy, you can see the sun set and sun rise, Chinese fishing net in operation. Cruise through Kayyamkulam Lake - visit Vallicavu Amrithanadhamayi Ashram, most famous sanyasini - visit the coir village. Check out at Alumkadavu.

HOUSE BOAT CATEGORY
Luxury Houseboats:

Pamper yourself to the core!! These exclusive, ultra modern and well-furnished houseboats are truly castles in the water. These pricey palaces fit for the kings and queens are self sufficient with all the latest facilities- Internet, computer, air-conditioned, spacious rooms, and television.

Delux Houseboats:

Affordable than the super luxury houseboats, these exquisite boats do not compromise on quality. With well-decorated rooms and furniture, they are the epitome of rustic Kerala beauty. All the rooms are air conditioned too, to supplement your cool holidays.

Economy Houseboats:

Truly traditional and marked by its beauty in simplicity, you can enjoy a typical Kerala lifestyle in this boat, untouched by the roots of the digital world.