How to enjoy the best of Houseboat experience. After working for 6 years in Kerala as a freelance wildlife photographer, I have seen a sudden increase in Kerala houseboats for travelers. The industry is in demand.
Just to contribute to readers, I am penning down what I have seen about houseboats.
There are generally 3 types of houseboats: 3 bedroom, 2 bedrooms, 1 bedrooms. 1 bedrooms houseboats are normally very good & offer privacy. There’ s a check-in time: normally 11 a.m. Make sure u reach there on time. Early arrival may cause you to wait.
Nowadays many types of houseboats are available : Normal , Premium & Luxury.The difference lies in size of Boat , curtains , cushions and all those stuff. All are equally good & it highly depends on your budget. Normally AC can’t be switched on anytime. If you need that, you need to pay extra.
AC is available for nights mostly in houseboats. TV, Toilets & all services r available in houseboats so you need not worry. You can even get cigarettes & liquor. Try Local Kerala Beer Toddy. Food is generally fish & non vegetarian. However, you can specify the food choice. Boat is still during nights for comfy sleep & there is a mosquito coil as well.
The amazing backwater experience is not to be missed. What you may not like-Rude staff & Hindi/English illiterate boatwallahs. Shabby Boats with blood stains on bed (yes, I have seen it) Polluted backwaters.
Mosquitoes in rainy season Bookings : Many travel agents give houseboats & few houseboat bookings r also sold directly but it is advisable to go through a reliable operator.ATDC houseboats are quite good, Amrutham are classic, Coco r comfy with good meals.
Models- TLS- 321, 322 r good & authentic.Rest all r Chinese copy. Anyway you are not buying it , so u need not worry Antilog Vacations is a major player in Kerala Houseboats sector & usually has best rates & services for all houseboats ; Coco, Amrutham, ATDC etc etc.
It also offers a complete package & is a good choice.Most travel agents book through them & hence it makes sense to go for bookings directly through Antilog rather than some re-sellers.