Luxury in Kerala: 5-Star Resorts

1 .What is houseboat called in Kerala
A houseboat is known as Kettuvallam in Malayalam. The Huge Kettuvallams made of wood and coconut fiber used to be means of transporting goods around areas of Kuttanad and Kumarakom. The traditional Kettuvallam transformed into the modern houseboat with British influence.

2. What kind of amenities is there in a houseboat?
Modern houseboats come with separate bedrooms, sofas on the deck to relax, sumptuous food, friendly staff, and a guide to show around the village scenes. Facilities and amenities differ with the type of houseboat you choose. It is advised to choose a luxury houseboat to assure top class service, delicious food and experiential activities.

3. Where is houseboat found in Kerala?
Houseboats can be seen in the districts of Kollam and Allappey. There is a beautiful backwater area of Allappey (Kuttanad) and Kumarakom for the houseboat experience.

4. Is houseboat Kerala Safe?
A houseboat in Kerala is absolutely safe. The boats are built with firm materials that assure its strength and there would be friendly staff to accompany you on your trip.

5. How much does a houseboat cost in Kerala
A houseboat ride may cost from Rs 10,000/- to Rs 40,000/- depending of the type of houseboats and the number of days of the trip.

6. What is the difference between Kerala houseboat and Kashmir Houseboat?
The Kerala Kettuvallam is different from the Kashmiri Shikara as it is made of coconut fibres and wood. The Shikharas are made of intricate wood paneling carved out of sweet smelling wood like deodar while the Shikharas would be permanently docked near a lake, the Kerala houseboat lets you wander through the backwaters. Though both provide you unique experiences, there is a special advantage for the Kerala houseboat as it takes you to the village scenery near the backwaters.

7. What is the name of Kerala boat race?
The Nehru trophy snake boat race is an annual competition held in the second week of August in the Punnamada backwaters wherein a number of snake boats with professional rowers compete for the prestigious ever rolling trophy. There is another boat race called the Aranmula Uttrattathi Vallamkali which is held in between the months of August and September. The Champakkulam Mollam is
another boat race held in Allappey in the month of June or July to commemorate the setting up of the Krishna idol in the Shree Krishna temple there.

8. What type of houseboat Cruises is available?
There are a number of boats to choose from depending in your comfort and budget. From budget houseboat the list goes to premium luxury boats where everything will be taken care of. Always choose a houseboat after checking out the pictures, facilities and amenities provided inside.

9. What is the food menu at Kerala boat house?
The sumptuous lunch in a houseboat is pretty famous. With a number of sea food items and classic signature items like Prawns fry, squid , Karimeen pollichath, Allappey fish curry and Kerala rice, the menu extends to vegetarian dishes like sambar, thoran, avail and savouries like elaneer (coconut) pudding and ice cream. A good breakfast with Kerala traditional items would also be provided if you
take a two or three day package.

10. What will the itinerary of Houseboat?
Check-in to the boat at 12 noon and brace on as the houseboat begins its beautiful journey. Settle down, have a drink and enjoy the rippling ride for a while. After some a traditional lunch would be served in the boat. With Kerala rice, fish curries, sea food stir fries and other vegetarian dishes, the sumptuous feast would fill your tummy and hearts. After serving tea and snacks, the boat would
anchor in a village side. You may get down and wander through the rural mud pounded roads and enjoy the village landscape. After an evening of fun, you can have dinner and spend a memorable night with music and fun. After an overnight stay, the trip ends in the morning after breakfast and a small round around the backwaters.

11. Which houseboat is better –Kumarakom or Alleppey
Though Allappey has a huge rush for houseboat rides annually, when it comes to privacy, scenery and things to see around, houseboats of Kumarakom are better.

12. Which houseboat is best?
The luxury houseboat provided by Niche stays is the best houseboat I n Kerala. With premium luxury facilities, cheerful staff and eminent facilities, this houseboat also provides an experiential activity across the village.

13. Are there any activities I can look forward to?
Yes, as the boat decks in the evening, you can see a number of village activities like coconut tree climbing, coconut leaves thatching, traditional fishing, coconut tree tapping, coir making. You can see a number of handicrafts items and maybe buy some souvenirs to home.

14. How safe are these houseboat
These houseboats are built with good materials and guarded with responsible staff. You will get a homely feeling if choosing to spend a holiday in a niche stays houseboat.

15. What are tariff/ what is the price of kerala boat house
There are different houseboats ranging from 10,000 to 40,0000/-. Rther than checking the budget alone, It is always advised to check quality of services, experiences, food and services etc.

16. Is it necessary to pre book the houseboat?
Though it is possible to book houseboats in between your trip, it is always advised to pre book your houseboat rides to ensure safety and better planning. You can book through your travel partner which you will get an idea about the facilities and timings.

17. How many people can stay in a house in Kerala
Houseboats come in different sizes. From 2 people , there are large houseboats that can accommodate almost 12 people for an overnight trip. There are 2 to 5 bedroom houseboats where three people can be accommodated in each room comfortably. But for a day cruise, this is not applicable since visitors just use the lobby area. More number of people can be accommodated for day cruises.

18. Is Alleppey and Kumarakom same
No, Allappey and Kumarakom lie on the opposite sides of the Vembanad Lake. You can see both place if you start the houseboat ride from either ends.

19. How do you choose a houseboat?
Always choose a houseboat with all the facilities and amenities and that suits the nature of your trip. A luxury houseboat is always advised since it has premium facilities and trained staff to accompany you.

20. Which is the best houseboat in Kerala?
The luxury houseboat offered by Niche stays is undoubtedly the best houseboat in Kerala. With top quality services, mouthwatering food well planned experiential tours and friendly staff, this houseboat ride would be a memorable experience in your life.