I’m planning a Kerala backwaters trip soon and one of the highlights I don’t want to miss is staying on a traditional houseboat in Alleppey or Kumarakom. But I’m finding mixed information online about pricing.
Can anyone share updated Kerala houseboat costs for couples, families, or groups in 2025? Specifically, I’d love to know:
What’s the average 1-night Kerala houseboat price for a couple (private deluxe vs. luxury vs. premium)?
Are there family houseboat packages (2-bedroom or 3-bedroom) and what do they typically cost per night?
Do prices change depending on whether you book in Alleppey or Kumarakom?
Are meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast) usually included in the tariff, or do we have to pay separately?
Is there a big price difference between sharing a houseboat vs. booking a private one?
Roughly, what should I budget for peak season (Nov–Feb) vs. off-season (Jun–Sep monsoon)?
Also, if you’ve done it recently, do you recommend booking online in advance or negotiating directly with boat operators when we arrive? Any tips for budget-friendly Kerala houseboat bookings would be really helpful!
Looking forward to your suggestions and firsthand experiences so that other travelers (couples, honeymooners, and families) can also get a clear idea of how much a Kerala houseboat actually costs in 2025. 🙏