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The only thing better than checking into an amazing boutique hotels for some much-needed R & R? Checking into an amazing boutique accommodation that floats, apparently. Houseboat holidays are not just a fantastic alliteration, they’re seriously underrated, especially for people who can’t decide if they prefer exploring a new place, or just settling in for three weeks straight and taking relaxation to a whole new level. In India, most people automatically equate houseboat holidays with Kerala and its lush backwaters. Partially because they’ve done a great job of making it a mainstay in their tourism packages and partially because it really is an ideal spot for such homes to exist. But if you take the expansive landscape and waterbodies this country has to offer, it certainly doesn’t end there. Kashmir and the north-east in particular, also have some incredible houseboat experiences that are waiting to be explored.
In the spirit of the above, we put together a carefully selected bevy of houseboat experiences across India that everybody needs to experience. All you have to do is plan it out and sit back as your boatman steers you through backwaters and lakes teeming with aquatic and avian life. In the day, you have fresh breeze for company, and at night, a sky full of stars. It’s pretty hard to find a reason to complain. Now get out there and float on.
I. Alfresco Grand, Assam
If you thought houseboats were only limited to Kerala and Kashmir, think again. Alfresco Grand takes you through some of Assam’s most beautiful landscapes. Book a three-night houseboat experience and set sail down the river from Guwahati. Pit stops include Kamakhya Temple, Sualkuchi (the silk weaving village of Assam), Kajol Choki and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. If you want, you can extend your journey by two days and continue onwards to Kaziranga, Majuli, Shillong and Cherrapunjee.
Cost: Rs. 24,000 per night.
This eight-day cruise takes you into the far, upper reaches of the Brahmaputra basin with excursions to Kaziranga National Park, Vishnath, Dhansiri Mukh, Maujli Island and more. While you will stay on the boat, there are plenty of road excursions too, including the visit to Sibsagar, the one-time capital of the former kings.
Cost: Varies with seasonal availability.
III. Backwater Heritage, Kerala
Backwater Heritage’s houseboat takes off from Kumarakom and the 80-ft craft gently motors its way through the tranquil backwaters. It’s incredibly spacious and well appointed and comes with its on on-board chef and two experienced boatmen. Ask the chef to whip up some local seafood specialities. You won’t be disappointed.
Cost: Rs. 7,000 per night but the cost varies with season and availability so give them a call before you book.
IV. Butt’s Clermont Houseboats, Srinagar
Butt’s Clermont Houseboats can be found on the western shore of the Dal Lake, beside Srinagar’s famous Mughal Gardens. They have five houseboats on offer: the one-bedroom Akbar, the two-bedroom Gulshan, Nishat and Kushdil, which are a favourite with honeymooners, the two-bedroom Khushal, and the crown jewel of them all, Firdous, which has three bedrooms and a veranda with a truly enviable view. But perhaps the best part of Butt’s Clermont is the fact that on one side, it has the gorgeous expanse of the Dal Lake, while on the other, a simple step off the boat will take you to Naseem Bagh, which used to be part of the Mughal Gardens and is known for its 400-year-old chinaar trees.
Cost: Rs. 16,355
V. Coconut Creek, Kerala
Coconut Creek’s houseboat takes you down Kerala’s famous backwaters, either from Kumarakom or Alleppey, and shows you the state at its romanticised best. The eco-friendly houseboat is made of natural and sustainable materials, including bamboo and coconut fibre. It might be a boat but it’s not simple by any stretch of imagination, it’s kitted out with full service and amenities you’d expect at any hotel. You have your own on-board cook, guide and oarsman, who know everything about the local area and its flora and fauna, well-appointed bedrooms, and of course, a sundeck, where we advise you spend most your time. There’s also a TV on board, but let’s be honest, it’s an indulgence one can well do without. Check-in is at noon, check out is and 9:30 am, and regular cruising time is usually around five hours.
Cost: Rs. 7,000 per night
VI. John’s Boat Tours, Goa
John’s Boat Tours down the Charpora River are perfect for couples looking to get away, or even for an intimate group of friends. As the houseboat makes its way down the river, slices of Goan life peek out at you from behind the trees—silhouettes of little Goan-Portuguese homes and churches, fishermen bobbing mid-stream as they cast their nets and children playing on the banks.
Cost: Rs. 6,100 per night
VII. Just A Sail, Goa
Just A Sail’s two-bedroom houseboat takes you down Goa’s Siolim River. They have a bunch of cruise options available, ranging from day cruises to one-night cruises. Top things to do on this houseboat: nothing. Sit back and relax. Tanning on the deck is an option though.
Cost: Rs. 8,000 - 12,000
VIII. Moonshine Houseboat, Srinagar
Moonshine Houseboat is a beautiful houseboat located on Nagin Lake. The interiors are traditional and wood-carved, and each houseboat has between three and four bedrooms, beautifully appointed public rooms such as the dining and living room, a veranda and kitchenette. Each houseboat is also fully staffed and comes with a cook and caretaker.
Cost: Rs. 2,070
IX. My Indian Stay, Goa
This houseboat is located on Goa’s Chapora River, the beach state’s very own little backwater. The houseboat has five deluxe air-conditioned rooms and a view that’s not normally associated with Goa, but one that everyone should experience at some time or the other—the winding river and aquatic birds.
Cost: Rs. 6,000 per night for two people.
X. Prince of Vale, Srinagar
The Prince of Vale is a 147-ft-long luxury houseboat moored on the banks of the Dal Lake in Srinagar. With five bedrooms and hotel-style amenities, a stay here won’t leave you longing for much. The houseboat has beautifully carved cedar wood interiors, local rugs, fabrics and art, and Edwardian furniture throughout, as well as a stunning rooftop terrace, and delicious local food on the the menu.
Cost: Rs. 5,000 - 8,000 per night for two people.
XI. Royal Palace, Kerala
The word kettuvallam, or houseboat, has its origins in Malayalam, where kettu means ‘tied with ropes’ and vallam means ‘boat’. They were traditionally used to ferry spices and rice, but the modern houseboats are a far cry from their traditional counterparts and are decked out with modern amenities and comforts. The hull is made of wooden planks tied together with rope or coconut fibre while the roof is made of bamboo and palm leaves. Royal Palace’s houseboats come in one, two, and three, four and five-bedroom varieties. On-board meals revolve around traditional Keralan cuisine, including aviyal, fish fry, thoran, mezhukupuratti and more, with special South Indian breakfast consisting of idli, dosa, and idiyappams on offer.
Cost: Rs. 9,500 per night
XII. Sukoon, Srinagar
Built in 1979, the cedar wood Sukoon has five guest rooms and a staff to cater to your every whim. The houseboat has its own speedboat on call to take you for joy rides if you like, but we recommend sticking with authenticity and opting for a lazy shikara ride instead. The rooms on board are adequately spacious and even come with Wi-Fi. But hopefully, you’ll be spending the least amount of time in your room because there’s plenty to do: explore Srinagar, visit the 16th century hilltop fort, go on a guided hike to the Himalayas, or simply relax on Sukoon’s rooftop terrace with a cup of traditional Kashmiri kahwa.
Cost: Rs. 12,700 per night for two people.
XIII. Xandari Riverscapes, Kerala
This houseboat sails across Vembanad Lake during the day and docks on the shore at sunset. Its suites are air-conditioned and have balconies and attached bathrooms and the on-board restaurant serves traditional Keralan food. Thankfully, the houseboat is television-free, which means you’ll have more time to admire the gorgeous Keralan landscape as you glide by.
Cost: Rs. 15,000 per night for two people.
Researched by Raj Rege
