Houseboats in Alleppey: Everything to Know About Day Cruises and Overnight Stays

If there’s one experience that defines the beauty of Kerala, it is cruising through the beautiful backwaters on an Alleppey houseboat. Known as the “Venice of the East,” Alleppey (Alappuzha) is home to a vast network of lakes, canals, and lagoons where traditional Kettuvallams have been transformed into floating boat houses. Today, these houseboats in Alleppey are among the most popular travel experiences in Kerala, offering everything from budget-friendly stays to extravagant luxury houseboats in Alleppey, complete with day cruises and overnight stays at attractive prices.

Whether you are planning a quick day cruise on a houseboat in Alleppey or an overnight stay, there are packages and prices to suit every traveler. Here’s a detailed blog about houseboats in Alleppey to know more about day cruises, overnight stays, and Alappuzha houseboat prices.

Why Choose a Houseboat in Alleppey?

A stay on an Alleppey houseboat is unlike any other travel experience. It brings together the serenity of nature, the charm of Kerala’s backwaters, and the comfort of a floating home. Here’s why travelers from across the world choose an Alleppey boat house for their getaway:

• Scenic Backwaters – Glide through endless stretches of paddy fields, swaying coconut palms, and quaint village canals.
• Cultural Immersion – Watch fishermen casting their nets, spot migratory birds, and witness the simple yet beautiful village life along the banks.
• Romantic Escape – Honeymooners and couples can indulge in private moments with candlelight dinners on floating boat houses.
• Flexible Packages – From quick day cruises to indulgent multi-day luxury houseboats in Alleppey, packages can be customized to suit every budget and preference.

Types of Houseboats in Alleppey

When booking houseboats in Alleppey, you can choose your perfect one from three main houseboat categories; Deluxe, Premium, and Luxury, each offering different levels of comfort and pricing. Depending on your group size, Alleppey houseboats are available in 1-bedroom options for couples all the way up to 8-bedroom houseboats for large families, groups, or corporate gatherings.

Deluxe Houseboats

Deluxe houseboats are the most affordable option, making them popular among budget-conscious travelers. They come with the basics: fan-cooled bedrooms, clean bathrooms, and simple yet tasty meals prepared onboard.

Premium Houseboats

Premium houseboats in Alleppey are a step up in comfort. They feature air-conditioned bedrooms, well-furnished interiors, spacious dining areas, and cozy decks for relaxing with a view.

Luxury Houseboats

Luxury houseboats in Alleppey redefine backwater cruising with top-notch facilities. Expect modern bathrooms, private balconies, plush interiors, 24/7 air-conditioning, and personalized services. Luxury houseboats are especially popular among honeymooners and travelers seeking the ultimate indulgence.

Types of Houseboat Cruises in Alleppey: Day Cruise & Overnight Stay

When booking a houseboat in Alleppey, travelers often face one big choice: should you go for a day cruise or an overnight stay? Both experiences let you enjoy Kerala’s iconic backwaters but differ in duration, inclusions, and pricing. By comparing these options, you can pick the right houseboat rental in Alleppey to suit your travel style.

Day Cruise Houseboat in Alleppey

• Duration: Typically 4–6 hours, starting late morning and ending by 5-5.30 PM.
• Inclusions: Welcome drinks, Kerala-style lunch, and light evening snacks.
• Experience: Perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of the Alleppey backwaters in a shorter time. The cruise takes you past lush paddy fields, fishing villages, and coconut groves while you enjoy a freshly prepared Kerala meal.
• Best For: Families with kids, senior travelers, business groups, or tourists with limited time. Many operators also provide family houseboats in Alleppey and group houseboats in Alleppey for larger gatherings.
• Pricing: Day cruises are budget-friendly compared to overnight trips, making them a great option for those exploring multiple attractions in Kerala.

Popular Day-Cruise Packages

Sunrise Day Cruise in Alleppey

Time: 6:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Duration: 2.5 hours
Inclusions: Breakfast
Price: ₹7,500 (up to 5 persons)
Extra person: ₹500

Sunset Day Cruise in Alleppey

Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Duration: 2 hours
Inclusions: Tea and snacks
Price: ₹7,500 (up to 5 persons)
Extra person: ₹500

Morning Day Cruise in Alleppey

Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Duration: 2.5 hours
Inclusions: Tea and snacks
Price: ₹7,500 (up to 5 persons)
Extra person: ₹500

Dinner Day Cruise in Alleppey

Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Cruise till 7:00 PM) | Duration: 2.5 hours
Inclusions: Dinner
Price: ₹7,500 (up to 5 persons)
Extra person: ₹500

Overnight Houseboat in Alleppey

• Duration: Check in by noon, cruise till evening, dock overnight, and check out the next morning after breakfast.
• Inclusions: Lunch, evening tea/coffee with snacks, a romantic candlelight dinner, and breakfast.
• Experience: Staying overnight on an Alleppey houseboat offers the full magic of the backwaters. You’ll watch a golden sunset, enjoy a moonlit dinner, and wake up to misty waters and birdsong. This is the ultimate way to experience a Kerala Alleppey boat house stay.
• Best For: Honeymooners, couples, and travelers who want an immersive and romantic experience. For bigger groups, there are upto 8-bedroom deluxe, premium, and luxury houseboats in Alleppey that are perfect for weddings, corporate retreats, or celebrations.
• Luxury Touch: Many luxury houseboats in Alleppey include modern facilities like 24/7 air-conditioning, private decks, entertainment systems, jacuzzis, and even personal chefs. These premium packages transform your cruise into a floating luxury hotel.
• Pricing: Overnight packages are higher than day cruises, but the inclusions and extended experience make them well worth it. You can choose from deluxe houseboats in Alleppey, premium houseboats in Alappuzha, or top-tier luxury options, depending on your budget.

Here’s an overlook of overnight stay houseboat cruise pricing in Alleppey:

Whether you choose a quick day cruise houseboat in Alleppey or an extended overnight stay on an Alappuzha houseboat, both options promise relaxation, authentic Kerala cuisine, and stunning natural views. With Lake Park Cruise, you will get flexible houseboat rental packages in Alleppey, making it easy to find the perfect boat for your group size, travel goals, and budget.

Day-cruise and overnight stay: 

Best Time to Visit Alleppey Houseboats

• October – March: Pleasant weather, peak tourist season.
• April – June: Hot and humid, but fewer crowds and lower prices.
• July – September: Monsoon season. Lush greenery, but cruises may be limited due to rains.

Food on Alleppey Houseboats

One of the highlights of staying on an Alappuzha houseboat is the food. Most packages include authentic Kerala meals prepared fresh onboard. Expect:

• Traditional Kerala Sadhya (vegetarian feast with rice and curries).
• Fish fry and Karimeen Pollichathu (local specialty).
• Breakfast options like appam, puttu, and dosa.
• Evening tea with banana fritters.

Tips for Booking a Houseboat in Alleppey

1. Book in advance during peak season (December–January).
2. Check customer reviews and verify inclusions.
3. Compare day cruise vs overnight stays to match your budget.
4. Confirm AC timings (some boats provide it only at night).
5. Choose the right size boat depending on your group.
6. Ask about safety features like life jackets and emergency support.

From family-friendly day trips to romantic overnight stays on Kerala boathouses, Alleppey offers something for every traveler. Whether you are planning a honeymoon, a family vacation, or a group getaway, booking a houseboat in Alleppey is the best option that fits your budget and expectations perfectly.

With customizable houseboat packages by Lake Park Cruise, you can choose from multiple options ranging from deluxe to premium and luxury houseboats in Alleppey and stays that fit anywhere between day cruises and overnight stays.
Book your houseboat cruise today.

FAQs about Day cruises and Overnight Stays

1. How many bedrooms are available on Deluxe, Premium, and Luxury houseboats in Alleppey?
   Houseboats in Alleppey are available from 1-bedroom to 8-bedroom options both for Deluxe, Premium, and Luxury houseboats, making them perfect for families, groups, and even corporate gatherings.
2. Can I choose between air-conditioned and non-AC rooms on houseboats?
   Yes. Most Premium and Luxury houseboats in Alleppey come with full-time AC, while Deluxe houseboats usually offer non-AC rooms or limited AC usage (mostly at night). You can select based on your comfort and budget.
3. Are houseboats in Alleppey available for corporate events or team outings?
   Absolutely. Group houseboats in Alleppey are often used for corporate retreats, team outings, and even small weddings. Multiple boats can also be booked together for larger gatherings.
4. How long is a typical day cruise on an Alleppey houseboat?
   A day cruise houseboat in Alleppey usually lasts 4–6 hours, starting late morning and ending by 5–5.30 PM. You can also choose from short sunrise, sunset, and dinner cruises of 2–3 hours.
5. Do Luxury houseboats have private decks or balconies?
   Yes. Luxury houseboats in Alleppey often include private balconies, spacious decks, and sometimes even jacuzzis, giving you the feel of a floating luxury hotel.
6. Are overnight houseboats suitable for families with children?
   Yes. Families with children can safely enjoy an overnight stay on Alleppey houseboats. The boats are secure, have comfortable rooms, and the crew ensures safety throughout the journey.
7. Can I customize meals on Premium and Luxury houseboats?
   Yes. Premium and Luxury houseboats usually allow customization of meals, including vegetarian, non-vegetarian, Jain food, or even special seafood requests like Karimeen Pollichathu.
8. Is Wi-Fi available on Deluxe, Premium, and Luxury houseboats?
   Most houseboats in Alleppey provide Wi-Fi as part of the experience. You can avail Wi-Fi on request.
9. What are the check-in and check-out times for overnight stays on houseboats?
   Check-in is usually by 12:00 noon and check-out the next day by 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM. This includes lunch, evening snacks, dinner, and breakfast.
10. Can I book a houseboat for a full day versus a half-day trip?
    Yes. You can book both half-day cruises (2–3 hours) and full-day cruises (up to 6 hours) in Alleppey, depending on your schedule and budget.
11. Are pets allowed on houseboats in Alleppey?
    Pet policies vary by operator. Some houseboats allow pets with prior notice, while others may not. It’s best to confirm before booking.
12. How is safety ensured on day cruise and overnight houseboats?
    All houseboats in Alleppey come with life jackets, fire extinguishers, trained staff, and emergency support, ensuring passenger safety at all times.
13. What is the process for confirming a houseboat booking online?
    You can easily book a houseboat in Alleppey online through the Lake Park Cruise website (website url) by selecting your date, type of houseboat (Deluxe, Premium, or Luxury), and making a partial or full payment. Confirmation is usually shared instantly via email or WhatsApp.
14. Do houseboats provide local sightseeing or village tours?
    Yes. Houseboat packages in Alleppey include village walks, canoe rides, or local sightseeing to explore Alleppey’s cultural and rural charm.
15. Can I book multiple houseboats for large groups or weddings?
    Yes. You can book multiple houseboats in Alleppey for events. If you are conducting a wedding, family reunion, or any other event, you can go for 8-bedroom luxury houseboats that can accommodate up to 50 people. If the event is much bigger, booking multiple houseboats is the best choice.
16. Are houseboats wheelchair accessible or suitable for elderly travelers?
    Most of the houseboats are fully wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to confirm accessibility before booking.
17. How far in advance should I book a houseboat to get the best rates?
    For the best prices, it’s advisable to book houseboats in Alleppey at least 2–3 weeks in advance, especially during peak season (December–January).
18. What is included in the price of a houseboat in Alappuzha?
    Houseboat prices generally include the cruise, all meals (lunch, snacks, dinner, breakfast), welcome drinks, and stay facilities. Luxury boats may also include extras like candlelight dinners and entertainment options.
19. Are day cruises and overnight stays available during the monsoon season?
    Yes. Houseboat cruises in Alleppey operate year-round. During monsoon (July–September), the views are especially lush and green, though availability may be limited during heavy rains.
20. Can I choose a specific route or lake for my houseboat trip?
    Yes. Many operators allow customization of routes according to your budget, preference, timing, and season.
21. How can I make an Alleppey boat house booking in Alleppey?
    You can book directly through the Lake Park Cruise website. Choose the type of Alappuzha boathouse (Deluxe, Premium, or Luxury), number of rooms, date, and package (day cruise or overnight stay), then confirm with a deposit.