Last Updated : Oct 24, 2025  |   Author : Tanya Prasad   |   View Count : 813   |   Read Time : 5 min

Kerala Houseboats vs Luxury Resorts: Which Backwater Experience is Worth Your Time & Money?

Kerala, also known as “God’s Own Country, is a state located on the Malabar coast of India, with the Arabian Sea shoreline of nearly 600 km. Surrounded by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the South Indian paradise is famous for its culture, tea plantations, serene beaches, beautiful backwaters and exotic wildlife, which makes the destination a favorite among tourists

What amenities are offered on a luxury Kerala houseboat?

Luxury Kerala houseboats are slow-moving boats with premium amenities like air-conditoned bedrooms, modern bathrooms, dining areas, and private deck. All of these amenities are designed for luxury travelers to offer comfortable ride through backwaters and villages.

Table of content

1. What are Kerala Backwaters?
2. Why is Alleppey the most popular Backwater Destination in Kerala?
3. What Are Houseboats and What Makes Them Special?
4. What are the Key Features of Kerala Houseboats Holiday Packages?
5. Backwater Experience - What to Choose a Luxury Resort?
6. Who Are the Resorts Ideal For?
7. What are the Key Features of a Resort?
8. Conclusion
9. FAQ

What are Kerala Backwaters?
 

Kerala Backwaters are 1500 km long, unique water passages, canals, rivers and lakes that flow through the state along the Malabar region and provide a serene travel experience to its tourists. The backwaters comprise 38 rivers and 5 big lakes spread from one end of Kerala to the other. These waterways have been a rich source of marine habitat and are used locally for transportation, fishing, and agriculture.

The backwaters can be found in multiple parts of Kerala, such as Kollam, Paravur, Kasaragod, Thiruvallam and Alleppey. But the most popular and beautiful destination for a backwater experience is Alleppey.
 

Why is Alleppey the most popular Backwater Destination in Kerala?
 

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is located on the Laccadive Sea in Kerala, and is best known for its houseboat cruises, tropical village life and dense forests. Stretching over 900 km, the waterways are bordered with lush greenery, coconut palms, paddy fields and charming villages.

The coastal city of Alappuzha offers a perfect blend of natural history, cultural heritage and serene environment. Alleppey is famous for hosting multiple activities for its tourists that offer a rich cultural experience. These activities are:

• Boat Races
• Kayaking, and
• Village Tours

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What Are Houseboats and What Makes Them Special?
 

Kerala Houseboats, also known as “kettuvallams”, are large cargo boats that have been transformed into luxury floating residences. The houseboats offer a unique way to experience the backwaters of Kerala and amplify the tropical beauty of the city of Alleppey, you experience the luxury while relax in Kerala houseboats.

These houseboats are well equipped with modern amenities and offer luxurious accommodations and experiences to the tourists on the water. These royal floating residences are built using bamboo, coir and wood, offering a unique travelling experience, with authentic charm to its tourists. Explore the Kerala Houseboats Holiday Packages options.
 

What are the Key Features of Kerala Houseboats Holiday Packages?
 

Close Encounters of Kerala Backwaters

Houseboats offer a cruise across the lush greenery and dense tropical forests of Kerala and a close encounter with the wildlife and beautiful surroundings of the rivers. These floating residences offer you a mobile journey across the dense forests and explore the waterways amid the serene natural environment.

Authentic South Indian Cuisine

One of the best parts of staying in a houseboat is its food. The meals prepared in the houseboat are cooked using authentic coconut oil and offer a rich taste and flavor of South Indian cuisine. The dishes prepared are fresh, by locally grown foods and offer a true Keralan experience.

Peaceful and Serene Atmosphere       

The houseboat experience, surrounded by nature and dense forests, is unique and peaceful. Kerala, known for its natural beauty and serene environment, is made even more beautiful when staying in a houseboat, moving across the backwaters, without any traffic or pollution in the vibrant cities.

Privacy

Kerala houseboats are generally private and offers exclusive services to its customers, making sure that the privacy of the tourists is maintained at all times. The loud and bustling atmosphere of the city is left behind during a houseboat journey, and the experience is amplified.

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What are the Popular Houseboat Destinations in Kerala?
 

Although Alleppey is the most popular and beautiful backwater destination in Kerala, it offers a more detailed tropical experience to its tourists. But other destinations offer a beautiful backwater experience but remain less visited. These destinations are:

• Kumar Akom: Known for its birdlife and a peaceful retreat in nature
• Ashtamudi Lake: A peaceful lake with lush landscapes and cultural richness
• Bekal: Explore the Bekal Fort among the backwaters
   

Backwater Experience - Why Choose a Luxury Resort?
 

The resorts in Kerala are known for their comfort, luxurious ambience, world-class amenities and convenient accommodations. From the hills of Munnar to the beaches of Varkala, Kerala resorts are famous for offering a natural and ultimate luxurious experience to their tourists, in different landscapes of the Southern Paradise.

Though common, but a convenient option, staying at a resort among the backwaters is for those travellers who prioritise comfort and luxury over tropical experiences. Staying in resorts in the backwater locations offers a more organised and convenient experience to its tourists.
 

Who Are the Resorts Ideal For?
 

Although Kerala houseboats are the most popular option for a journey across the Kerala backwaters. Still, some people choose luxury resorts for their stay. Here are a few cases why people choose luxury resorts over a houseboat:

• Comfort and Convenience
• Amenities and Activities
• Structured Experience

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What are the Key Features of a Resort?
 

Exceptional Amenities
 

Resorts offer exceptional services and amenities to its tourists, such as spas, swimming pools, customized dining options and activities, that the tourists can enjoy being away from the dense forests.
 

Stationary Experiences
 

Some people do not enjoy mobile journeys and are more inclined towards stationary experiences. Resorts are the best option for these people, who do not want to indulge in floating residences while enjoying the amenities of the resorts.
 

Infrastructure
 

Resorts have a more established and settled infrastructure that provides a seamless and structured experience to their visitors. Some people enjoy the infrastructure more than houseboats and choose resorts over houseboats.
 

What are the Popular Resort Options in Kerala Backwaters? 
 

Kerala is home to one of the best resorts in all its cities, and the backwaters of the Southern Paradise are no less. Here are a few of the best backwater resorts of Kerala:

• Kumarakom Lake Resort
• Coconut Lagoon Backwater Resort
• Taj Bekal Resort and Spa
   

Houseboat Experience v/s Luxury Resorts – Which is Worth it?
 

Conclusion
 

Though resorts are easy to access, have varied cuisines and are full of amenities, the houseboat experience in the backwaters of Kerala is truly unique. Taking a journey across the natural, dense forests and serene atmosphere, surrounded by river and water passages, amplifies the beauty of Kerala trip and provides a cultural insight into the South Indian Paradise.

Visiting these backwaters in a houseboat is an experience, tourists should feel at least once during their lifetime. Yet, certain considerations need to be made while deciding which one to experience, the final decision depends on the convenience and comfort of the travelers and what they priorities. Travelosei offers your bunch of travelling options, Book an enquiry for South Tour details.

FAQ
 

1. What is the best time to visit the backwaters of Kerala?
   October to February is generally considered the best time to visit Kerala backwaters, as the weather is quite pleasant and offers truly rewarding houseboat rides along with other outdoor activities.
    
2. Can I book a houseboat tour from the resorts?
   It depends on the resort. Some properties offer houseboat touring services, while some don’t. It is always recommended to inquire at the resort during the time of booking.
    
3. How can I book a trip to Kerala Backwaters?
   Travelosei offers Kerala backwater tour packages for its tourists, through Kochi, Munnar and Alleppey. With customized activities and luxury houseboats, you can book a backwater tour through their website: Kerala Backwater Tour
    
4. How do I book a luxury Jaipur tour with Travelosei?  
   Visit Travelosei’s website, choose your package, or contact us for a custom experience.