Kerala Backwaters Houseboat Guide for Malaysian Families

Browse Kerala tour packages from Dhesu to find an itinerary that pairs the backwaters with Munnar, Kochi or Thekkady.

The traditional houseboats of Kerala are called kettuvallams. They were once rice barges, and today they have been converted into floating homes with bedrooms, bathrooms, a dining area and an open sun deck. Most depart from Alleppey, which is the main hub for backwater cruising and a comfortable drive from Kochi airport.

Each boat comes with a small crew, usually a captain, an engineer and a cook. The cook prepares meals on board using fresh local ingredients, so you never need to leave the boat for food during the cruise.

The two main choices are a day cruise of a few hours and an overnight stay. A day cruise suits families with very young children or those who are short on time. You board around midday, enjoy lunch on the water and return before evening.

An overnight cruise is the fuller experience. You board after lunch, cruise through villages and wide lakes, moor at a quiet spot for the night and wake to mist over the water. Most Malaysian families who try overnight say it is worth the extra cost, particularly if it is your first time in Kerala.

Houseboats come with one, two, three or more bedrooms, so a family of four or five can book a two or three bedroom boat and have it to themselves. Cabins are air conditioned in the evening and each has an attached bathroom. Ask for a boat with a larger deck if you have restless children who need space to move about.

Premium and luxury categories offer bigger cabins, better furnishings and sometimes a small upper deck. Standard boats are perfectly comfortable and typically a better fit for families who prefer to spend on other parts of the trip.

Meals are a big part of the houseboat experience. Expect Kerala style rice, vegetable dishes, fish curry, chicken and fresh fruit, with tea and snacks in the afternoon. Kerala cooking uses coconut generously and is milder than many Malaysians expect, so children usually eat well.

For Malaysian Muslim families, it is important to request halal meals at the time of booking rather than on the day. Many operators can arrange this, and a good travel agent will confirm the arrangement in writing before you travel. Vegetarian meals are always easy to provide.

Before confirming your booking, run through the following points with your agent or operator.

• Licensed operator: Check that the houseboat operator is licensed by the Kerala Tourism Department. A licensed vessel meets basic safety and maintenance standards.
• Private vs shared boat: Confirm whether you are booking the entire boat for your group or sharing with other passengers. Most Malaysian families prefer a private booking.
• Air conditioning timings: Air conditioning on standard houseboats typically runs from around 9 pm to 6 am only, not throughout the day. Confirm the hours for your specific vessel.
• Meals included: Clarify which meals are covered. Most overnight packages include lunch, dinner and breakfast. Ask whether halal meals are available and confirm this in writing.
• Life jackets and child safety: Ask whether child-sized life jackets are provided and where they are kept. Check that the deck has railings appropriate for the ages in your group.
• Check-in and check-out times: Standard check-in is around noon to 1 pm and check-out is around 9 am. Confirm these times for your specific booking, as they affect how you plan your day.
• Route and duration: Ask for the planned cruising route, total distance covered and whether the boat moors at a fixed location overnight or continues to move. Some routes offer more scenic variety than others.

The best months for a Kerala backwaters houseboat cruise are October to March. The monsoon has passed, the weather is drier and the water levels in the canals are ideal. December school holidays are popular with Malaysian families, so book early for that window.

April and May are hot and humid, while June to September brings heavy monsoon rain. Cruising still happens in the wet season and prices drop, but you may spend more time indoors than on deck.

Bring mosquito repellent, sunscreen, hats and light cotton clothing. Life jackets are provided for children, but keep an eye on younger ones on the open deck. Internet coverage is patchy on the water, which many parents quietly enjoy. Combine the houseboat with two or three nights in Munnar for tea gardens and cooler air, and a day in Kochi for the old town and Chinese fishing nets.

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