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The extended version of the popular 1 day cruise with an extra day: covers more backwaters and travels deeper in the quiet beyond.  Available in different ratings and sleeps from 2 -8 as required.

You will board around midday in either Kumarakom on the East side of Vembanad or at one of the jetties near Alappuzha. We can pick up from either as required by your schedule. After you are settled and have enjoyed a calming sweet cocont, we will motor into Vembanad Lake before entering the canal system of what is called the Kuttanad - the erstwhile rice bowl of Southern India. The is vast arrangement of geometric rice paddies called Blocks that connect the ancient backwaters to the Lake and sea.

After setting off, we sometimes stop at one of the canal-side fish markets to stock up on some fresh fish for the journey which gives you a chance to decide what you want and you can embellish our menu with lobster if they are available. Whether we stop for some shopping, we will cruise for a short period before stopping for a bite of lunch as we moor beside a paddy. Lunch is actually quite a rich event and you will have been smelling the aroma of grilling and frysing from the galley at the rear as you were cruising which should get the saliva going. Lunch is two course but quite a few dishes that include meat, fish and vegetable dishes , all cooked Kerala style.

Begin the cruise at midday from either Kumarakom or Alleppey and head straight into Vembanad Lake, the biggest lake in Kerala and indeed South Asia, fringed with mangroves. The 2 day cruise then moves on to the waterways of the Kuttanad, the rice country of Kerala. Perfect time to stop and relish a Kerala meal cooked on board the houseboat.

Watch the villagers go about their lives almost immune to the houseboat and the cameras everywhere. Spot the young lady with her goats, the woman with the greenest grass in her canoe, the man casting a net into the cordoned off fish farms along the shallows and the waving children. 

The sunset is spectacular with the water and sky shimmering crimson in unison. This is perfect time to board a country craft or canoe to go up a the numerous canals right up to the many houses and their evening activities. Glide past chatting women who wash the vessels in the water or see children tend to their ducks. The best part is that the villagers are unaware of what unusual sights they make for the visitors or the wonder that the onlooker feels about their lives.

Venture out and off the houseboat for an ayurvedic massage or visit the craft centre to see how coir is used in making rope, carpets and other knick-knacks perfect for gifting back home. Visit the local toddy shop where the weary men unwind with a bottle or two of the fermented coconut drink washed down with fiery meat dishes and pickles. Truly, this 2 day houseboat cruise adds that little bit extra to a houseboat ride to satisfy your curiosity of the way of life here.

YOUR SLEEPING CABIN

All boats now offer en-suite cabins with double bed and shower/washroom. All luxury boats offer round the clock AC, whilst some superior boats offer only night hrs AC (see more about boats below)

FOOD ABOARD THE BOAT

All meals are cooked and served aboard the boat and feature the typical Kerala cuisine. Indeed, may Keralites believe that you get the best food in houseboats! 

We cannot sell alcohol as boats are not licensed... but where there is a way, there is a means ! We can discuss beer etc with you.

INCLUSIONS

• All Meals

• AC (except where specified)

• Soft Drinks

EXCLUSIONS

• Alcoholic Beverages

• Transfers (arranged separately

STANDARD, SUPERIOR & DELUXE/LUXURY HOUSEBOATS

We distinguish between two classes of boat - standard and deluxe/luxury as a simple way for you to choose which type of boat you want. We also list below examples of the boat to help you choose what boat you want to choose.

In overall layout, they are very similar. The real distinction is age of boat and quality of build.

Deluxe/Luxury houseboats are either new or simply very well maintained with high crew quality and the overall build and finish is excellent. For a good nights sleep and real comfort - choose deluxe. 

Note: Cruise starts at 12:00 noon with lunch and ends by last day morning 09:00 after breakfast. As per government rule, the boat will be anchored from 05:30 pm to 7:30 .

Houseboat Cruise Rates

Prices vary across the season for cruises. Luxury boats are more expensive than superior boats as you would expect. Each cabin sleeps two people. For luxury category, price can vary as per the boat chosen.

Peak Season is the Xmas and New Year period where prices usually rise by 25% but it can depend and we negotiate to get the best rates.