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The backwaters of Kerala have a reputation all over the world – but locating the perfect houseboat for Kerala requires insider information. This guide discusses all that you need to know about choosing a best houseboat in Kerala, along with reasons why Exotica Houseboat Cruises remains the preferred option for tourists everywhere.
Best Houseboat in Kerala — What to Look For and Where to Find It
Having done a search for the best houseboat in Kerala at any point, you must be aware that there are plenty of choices available to you. Hundreds of houseboats ply through the backwaters of Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Kollam; however, the differences among them are immense.
So how do you cut through the noise and find the one that is genuinely right for you?
It begins with understanding what truly matters – quality of the boat, freshness of the food, warmth of the staff and the honesty of the operator. In all aspects mentioned above, Exotica Houseboat Cruises have been gaining the trust of tourists for many years. Located in Alleppey, the center of Kerala's backwaters, Exotica provides a variety of well-maintained houseboats of four types of comfort levels – everything to make your trip memorable and unforgettable.
Why Kerala's Backwaters Are Unlike Anywhere Else in the World
Before going on to explore the reasons behind which houseboat would be considered the best in Kerala, one must have a look at what makes the backwaters of Kerala such an attractive place.
This vast network of waterways covers the south-western coastline of India. The best-known route starts from Alleppey, an area popular among visitors, authors, and filmmakers for many years now. This is due to its incredible landscape, where palm trees bend over the water, fisher settlements dot the shorelines, and ancient temples emerge among lush greenery.
The Kerala houseboat offers the closest contact with all of this. You are not viewing this from the bank of a river but rather sailing amidst this, awakening in it, and having your food within it.
What Separates the Best Houseboat in Kerala from the Rest?
Not every houseboat delivers on its promise.
Here is what genuinely separates a great experience from a disappointing one:
Quality of the vessel — Is the boat well-maintained, clean, and structurally sound? Does it feel cared for?
Crew and hospitality — A warm, attentive crew makes an enormous difference to how the whole experience feels
Food quality — Fresh, well-cooked Kerala meals on board are a highlight that great operators take seriously
Comfort level — Air conditioning, clean linen, functioning bathrooms, and private sundecks matter more than people expect
Transparency — The best operators are upfront about what is included, what is not, and what the pricing actually covers
Range of options — Good operators offer multiple categories so you can choose what suits your budget and travel style
Each and every point is addressed by Exotica Houseboat Cruises — and this is precisely why they continue to get rave reviews from visitors who know what to expect in terms of their houseboat experience.
Houseboat Categories at Exotica Houseboat Cruises
Finding the best houseboat in Kerala for your trip means matching the right category to your needs.
Exotica offers four tiers:
1. Deluxe Houseboats
Comfortable, clean, and well-run. The Deluxe category is an excellent entry point — great for first-time visitors or budget-conscious travellers who still want a genuine quality experience.
2. Premium Houseboats
Upgraded interiors, better furnishings, and a noticeably more polished feel. The Premium category is popular with couples, honeymooners on a mid-range budget, and small families.
3. Luxury Houseboats
This is where things get genuinely impressive. Elegant décor, attentive service, and a curated experience that makes the journey feel as special as the destination. Perfect for anniversaries and milestone occasions.
4. Super Luxury Houseboats
The pinnacle of the Kerala boat house experience. Private sundecks, premium furnishings, top-tier hospitality, and a level of comfort that rivals boutique hotels. Available from 1 to 6 bedrooms, making it ideal for large families or group bookings.
Packages Offered — More Than Just an Overnight Stay
One of the reasons Exotica Houseboat Cruises stands out among Kerala boat house operators is the variety of experiences on offer:
Overnight Cruise — The classic, full backwater experience from afternoon through to the next morning; the most popular choice for a reason
Day Cruise — A condensed version for those with limited time; still deeply worthwhile
Honeymoon Cruise — Specially designed for couples, with romantic touches and personalised service throughout
Shikara Ride — A smaller, open wooden boat for gliding through the narrower canals where larger houseboats cannot go; intimate and magical
A Typical Overnight Experience — Step by Step
Here is what a standard overnight stay on the best houseboat in Kerala looks like when you book with Exotica:
12:00 PM — Arrive at the boarding point and check in; greeted with a welcome drink
1:30–2:30 PM — Lunch served on board (veg and non-veg options available)
4:00 PM — Evening tea, coffee, and fresh snacks on the deck
5:30 PM — Houseboat anchors by the riverside for the evening
5:30–7:30 PM — Optional village walk, paddy field visit, or riverside fishing
8:00–9:00 PM — Dinner served under open skies
10:30 PM — Retire for the night; sleep to the sound of the backwaters
7:30 AM — Breakfast served as the morning cruise begins
8:00 AM — One-hour morning cruise through calm backwaters
9:00 AM — Check-out and return to the boarding point
Unhurried, nourishing, and quietly extraordinary.
Tips for Choosing the Best Houseboat in Kerala
Read reviews carefully — Look for consistency in comments about food, cleanliness, and crew behaviour
Ask about the exact vessel — Some operators show photos of premium boats but send you on a lower-grade one; always confirm
Book direct when possible — Booking directly with operators like Exotica often gets you better rates and more flexibility
Ask what is included — Meals, transfers, fishing gear, Shikara rides — confirm everything upfront
Book early in peak season — October to March is busy; the best houseboats fill up weeks in advance
Consider bedroom count carefully — A 2-bedroom boat for two people gives you more space and privacy; worth the modest price difference
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best location for a Kerala boat house experience?
Alleppey (Alappuzha) is the most popular and well-connected location, offering the widest variety of houseboats and routes. Kumarakom is another beautiful option, though generally quieter. For most first-time visitors, Alleppey is the natural starting point.
Is the best houseboat in Kerala expensive?
Not necessarily. The range of categories means there is a genuinely good Kerala boat house option at multiple price points. Deluxe options are accessible for most travellers, while Super Luxury boats cater to premium budgets. Exotica Houseboat Cruises offers transparent pricing across all tiers.
Are the meals on board included?
Yes. At Exotica, most packages include a welcome drink, lunch, evening tea and snacks, dinner, and breakfast — all prepared fresh on board by an experienced cook.
Can I celebrate a special occasion on a houseboat?
Absolutely. Exotica regularly hosts anniversary celebrations, honeymoons, birthdays, and even small corporate retreats. Speak to their team in advance and they will make the appropriate arrangements.
Is it safe to travel on a Kerala boat house with elderly guests or young children?
Yes. Houseboats are stable, spacious vessels. Exotica's crew is experienced and attentive, making the experience comfortable and safe for guests of all ages.
Final Word — Find Your Best Houseboat in Kerala with Exotica
Your quest for a perfect houseboat experience in Kerala comes to an end when you reach the right destination which offers care in addition to booking facilities.
Exotica Houseboat Cruises is a perfect place where you find a good fleet of houseboats, fair pricing, hospitality, and an expert knowledge of the backwaters. No matter what type of trip you wish to have in Kerala: romantic getaway in a boat house in Kerala, family vacation or peaceful holiday – Exotica will take care of all your needs.