What do you mean by Kerala houseboats?
Houseboats are a modified version of country boats that were used to carry goods from one place to another in the gone days. These houseboats are built by tying huge jack woods together and the interesting part is not even a single nail is used for the construction. Single bed room to ten bed room houseboats is currently available. Each of these has bed rooms with attached wash rooms, living room and dining room and a kitchen. Some even have separate dining room and balcony, upper deck, glass wall etc.
Different categories available in houseboats?
Generally, House boats comes under 4 categories namely Standard, Deluxe, Premium and luxury house boats. But MyHouseboats.com is not providing any standard category boats. We are providing deluxe boats and the higher grades only. In deluxe house boats, AC will be operated only from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am while for premium houseboats AC will be operated round the clock. Premium house boats providers also provides Luxury furnishing, Premium food menu, Candle light dinner, Jacuzzi, Shower panel etc. You can contact us for more details.
Different types of boat trips available?
Day trip & Overnight stay are the two major cruises available. Check-in time for day cruise is by 11.30 am while checkout time is 5:00 pm.For overnight trip check-in is usually around 11am to 11.30am while checkout is next day 9:00 am. All meals are served in houseboat.
Is travel in night is available?
No, Since the local fisherman put their fishing nets in the the backwater and lake, the Kerala Govt has banned moving all types of engine operated boats from 5.30pm in the evening to 7.30am till the next day.
Is the ac in houseboats works only in night?
Generally ac in the deluxe houseboat works from 8pm to next day 6am. But, there are expensive Premium and luxury boats which operates ac during day time.
Can you tell me the course of journey?(Itinerary)?
For both day and over night cruise, the cruise time is usually 5 to 6 hrs.Over night cruise house boats will be anchored at shore of a backwater village at 5:30 pm till 8:00 am next day. Cruise will come to an end by 9:00 am.
Can you tell me the Room facilities?
Deluxe attached bathroom (bath towel + Toilet SOAP),Premium attached bathroom (bath towel + Toilet SOAP),Luxury attached bathroom (bath towel + Toilet SOAP),Super Luxury attached bathroom (bath towel + Toilet Kit)
Is overnight sightseeing or ride allowed to any of the terminals?
NO. Sightseeing is NOT possible at any of the destinations after 5pm.
Is Houseboat available on multi sharing basis ?
Houseboat is reserved on EXCLUSIVE Basis only and NOT ON Shared basis.MyHouseboats.com strictly not providing any shared boats.
How can I select the right type of cruise from the categories available?
There will not be any problem in any season if opting for a luxury or premium house boat. However it’s better to avoid overnight stay in deluxe houseboats in monsoon season as there are chances of mosquitoes.
Why footwear not allowed inside the boat?
To keep our houseboat so clean that you are not allowed to board the boat with your shoes on. Shoes need to be removed and kept aside inside the boat.
What are the different backwater travel routes available?
Most popular back water routes for house boats cruise are Allapuzha and Kumarakom.There are house boats available in Kollam, Thrissur and Valiyaparambu in North Kerala.
Which is mostly preferred among houseboats-Alleppey or Kumarakom?
The best one to select will be Alleppey-Kumarakom cruise which allows travellers to check in Kumarakom and check out at Alleppey or vice versa at a nominal additional charge. By this cruise, visitors can enjoy beauty of both back waters. Most operators are providing this route. There is more number of houseboats options available in Alleppey and cruise are done in narrow channels. While in kumarakom, you may have a glimpse of all luxury resorts and the bird sanctuary while on cruise and can travel in less traffic. Heavy traffic is observed in Alleppey route. The longest house boat cruise in Kerala connecting Alleppey-Kollam may also be done. However the availability of houseboats in kumarakom is less than Alleppey.
Variety of dishes(Foods) available in a houseboat
Usually Kerala cuisine are provided. A slice of fried Pearl Spot, Kerala Chicken curry and vegetable dishes are normally served. The lunch is served buffet style(LIMITED) and consists only of authentic Kerala dishes. Tea and typical Kerala snacks like Banana roast will be provided in the evening. However you may request in advance for special menus like Vegetarian, Jain, Chinese, North Indian etc and most operators will provide it.Lunch, Evening snacks, Dinner and Breakfast are served for overnight cruise while Lunch and Evening snacks are also provided for day cruise. You may request for honey moon cake, candle light dinner etc. in advance. Visitors can buy fresh fishes like Jumbo prawns, Pearl spot (kareemeen), Crabs etc directly from the fishermen and the chef will prepare it in the houseboats itself.
Is it possible to cook our own food menu in the houseboat?
YES. You can choose from the list of Food Menu available in the Houseboat. Food menu can be viewed online.
Is Vegetarian food serviceable in a Houseboats?
Yes. Pure Vegetarian Food is available at all the houseboats featured in the Tour Packages.
How far can you make sure that travelling in Kerala is safe?
Kerala is comparatively a safe state to travel. Crime rate against foreigners remains low. However especially to our female guests, we recommend not to be alone on the road after late evening just to be in the safer side. In case you need any help you can call the police at 100 and Ambulance at 102.
Is Houseboat stay safe and comfortable?
The houseboat crew boat take special care to meet the needs of the tourists. They are also given special training in first aid and life saving techniques to meet if any emergency arises. Hence there is nothing to worry about safety.
Why the number of criticism against houseboats increase in number?
Most of the people complaint about houseboats .For a 22 hr overnight cruise, there is hardly 6 hours cruise. According to Govt regulations, Houseboats are not allowed to move from 5:30 pm to morning to allow fishermen to work. Also problems of mosquitoes arise only for deluxe boats while for premium boats chances of mosquitoes are very less. For deluxe houseboats ac will be operated only from 9 pm to 6 am .To sum up, if opting for premium houseboats of reputed providers, most of the problems are solved.
Is Houseboat cruise available in monsoon season?
Yes. The houseboats operates during Monsoon. But if it’s pouring heavily houseboat cruise will not be possible.
What are the other inexpensive and affordable alternatives to relish in the backwaters?
Shikkara boat and Motor boat rides are available for approx. Rs 500 - 1000/- Per hour not per head based and it’s an economical way to enjoy backwaters. Capacity of Shikkara is like 1 - 20 Adults and Motorboats is like 10 - 60 Adults .Canoe ride is also a cheaper option. If interested to travel with locals, there are ferry services between Kumarakom, Alleppey and Kollam and it cost just a couple of rupees for travelling. During off season, houseboats can be rented on hourly basis.
Who all will be there in the Houseboat other than the guest?
There would be 03 crew members in the houseboat. The Captain, Oarsmen, and a cook would accompany the guest.
Any other personalized special packages is available apart from those listed in the site based on our needs?
Yes. We can create tour packages according to your requirements but only with the houseboats featured in our list.
Is your company approved by KTDC?
Our company is the authorized of KTDC (Kerala Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.)
For foreign travelers, is visa an important factor?
Yes, a Visa is a must to enter India for Foreign nationals. You can contact the Indian Embassy / High Commission in your country for the same. It is best to carry your passport with you all the time. You may also carry travel insurance.
Does the package mentioned includes the flight/pick up and drop charges?
No. The packages mentioned in the site are not inclusive of air fare,Car or train ticket. But on request we can book these things for you.
Is there any service provided for us for booking our air/train tickets?
No, normally we are not providing, but we can help you to book your flight and air tickets.
Should we book our houseboats in prior?
It’s recommended to pre book houseboats in Season time. Even though houseboats are found for spot booking in off season, reputed houseboats providers usually get booked and it’s a good idea to book in advance.
Is there any advance payment required for the booking and how can I clear my payments later?
Yes, advance deposit required, it depends on houseboats, this is to be sure that your booking is genuine and we can go ahead with the reservations. The rest of the due amount can be paid before your arrival in Kerala. On special request you can also make the payment after your arrival. This can be agreed upon as per the type of tour and the amount we have to pay in advance to the hotels and our other associate offices for making the reservations.
Refund system provided by Myhouseboats.com.?
Cancellation has to be done at least 03 days before the check-in date..Please click here to see our Refund Policies
What are the different payable methods applicable?
Payment can be made by Cheque / Demand Draft / Credit/Cash on Travel or Debit Card online. Options are available for a list of credit / debit cards and net banking are also available.
Any further surcharges for making payments through debit/credit?
Yes, you will be charged 3% for credit card and 2% for debit as additional charges.