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What It’s Like to Spend a Night on a Houseboat
If there’s one experience that captures the soul of Kerala, it’s gliding through the backwaters of Alleppey on a traditional houseboat. Often described as “Venice of the East,” Alleppey is a labyrinth of interconnected canals, lush paddy fields, and sleepy villages — and a houseboat lets you float right through it all.
The houseboats, known locally as kettuvallams, were once used to carry rice and spices. Today, they’ve been transformed into beautiful floating homes with cozy bedrooms, open-air decks, ensuite bathrooms, and often even a private chef. As your boat gently slices through the water, you’re wrapped in a quiet rhythm that slows down your thoughts and sharpens your senses.
The journey begins from a private dock near Kumarakom or Alleppey. The boat crew — typically a captain, cook, and helper — welcomes you aboard with fresh coconut water. From there, it’s all about surrendering to the slow. You’ll float past coconut palms, children waving from the shore, fishermen casting their nets, and ducks paddling by in perfect formation. It feels like watching life unfold in slow motion.
Meals are a highlight of the experience. You’ll be served traditional Kerala dishes, often prepared using local ingredients picked up that very morning. Think freshly fried pearl spot fish, rice, sambar, vegetable thoran, and sweet banana fritters for dessert — all enjoyed as you watch the sun dip into the water.
The houseboat halts for the night by the edge of a quiet village, away from the main canal routes. With no Wi-Fi and no traffic sounds, you’re left with the stillness of the backwaters, the rustle of palm fronds, and a sky full of stars. It’s the kind of silence that feels deeply healing.
The next morning, you wake up to birdsong and the rising mist over the water. After a light breakfast, the boat begins cruising again, eventually bringing you back to shore — but a part of you will want to stay floating forever.
If you’re planning a Kerala itinerary, don’t skip the houseboat experience. It’s not just about the scenery — it’s about reconnecting with a slower, more mindful way of being.
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