Frequently Asked Questions
Everything travellers ask us about booking an Alleppey houseboat. Still stuck? Ask us on WhatsApp.
Booking & payment
Is a boat house the same as a houseboat?＋
Yes. Boat house, house boat, boathouse and houseboat all describe the same thing on the Alleppey backwaters: a converted Kettuvallam rice barge with bedrooms, a lounge and a crew, which you book for a day cruise or overnight. The spelling varies; the boat does not.
How do I book an Alleppey houseboat?＋
Pick a boat, then tap “Book on WhatsApp” or send an enquiry. We confirm availability against the live schedule and share a secure advance-payment link. The balance is paid at check-in.
How much advance do I pay?＋
An advance reserves the boat; the balance is paid at check-in. The exact advance depends on the boat and dates — we confirm it when you book.
Is my booking confirmed instantly?＋
We confirm each request with a person against the live schedule before taking payment. It takes a little longer than instant-confirm sites, but it means you are never double-booked — a common complaint elsewhere.
Are prices inclusive of GST?＋
Prices shown are ex-GST — GST is charged extra on the displayed price. Rates also vary by demand and season (Normal / Peak / High Peak).
On the boat
What time is check-in and check-out?＋
Overnight houseboats check in at 12:00 PM and check out at 9:00 AM the next day. Day trips run roughly 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Does the boat cruise at night?＋
No — cruising pauses from 5:00 PM to 7:00 AM. The boat anchors at a safe location for the night with the crew onboard, per Kerala backwater rules.
Are meals included?＋
Yes — overnight packages include all meals (freshly cooked Kerala, South and North Indian). Day-trip “No Food” packages are the exception; meals can be arranged on request.
Is there air conditioning?＋
On Deluxe boats the AC runs 9:00 PM–7:00 AM; Premium and Luxury boats offer on-demand / full-time AC. Standard boats are non-AC and naturally ventilated.
Choosing a boat
What is the cheapest houseboat in Alleppey?＋
Shared houseboats start around ₹5,000 per room per night; the cheapest private boat house is a one-bedroom from ₹10,000. See the full rates page for every boat.
What is the difference between private and shared?＋
A private houseboat is the entire boat for your group. A shared houseboat means you book a private room and share the common areas — the most economical option. See our private vs shared guide.
How many bedrooms can I book?＋
Boats range from 1 to 8 bedrooms, plus day-trip boats. One and two-bedroom boats suit couples and families; six and eight-bedroom boats take groups of twelve to sixteen.
Policies
What is the cancellation policy?＋
More than 15 days before check-in: ₹1,000 charge. Within 15 days: 50% of the trip price. No-show or within 72 hours: 100%. Long-weekend cancellations: ₹3,000. No refund for mid-cruise cancellation or early check-out.
Do I need ID?＋
Yes — a photo ID is required at check-in for all guests.
Are children allowed?＋
Absolutely — houseboats are family-friendly. Children under 5 typically stay free; confirm exact terms for your group when booking.
Please note:Houseboat rates may vary depending on demand; the rates shown are standard rates for the Normal season. GST is charged extra on the displayed price.