Best houseboat routes

Alleppey-Kuttanad

Renowned for its paddy fields, it has an extensive network of narrow backwaters and is an excellent destination for experiencing village life around Thottappally, Nudmudy and Thakazhi. The Kuttanad district is referred to as the “rice bowl of Kerala” and farming is intriguingly done below sea leave in this area.

Alleppey-Kumarakom

Many luxury resorts are located on the banks of Vembanad Lake in this area. It’s also renowned for the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Pathiramanal Island. The canals are much wider and you’ll cross the large expanse of the lake, plus sprawling reclaimed farming areas such as C Block, R Block, and H Block.

Alleppey-Kollam

This is a particularly long cruise, and is either a one-way day trip or overnight return. The route is really scenic with many narrow canals, farm fields, and secluded villages. It goes past Amritapuri Ashram of Amma the ‘Hugging Mother’, and Alumkadavu where the houseboats are made.

Payyanur and Kottapuram near Nileshwar in Karasagod district

This route covers Valiyaparamba Island and the Kavvayi backwaters. Oyster Opera theme village, dedicated to oyster farming, lies along it.