Now many of you reading this may or may not have taken a houseboat ride before or maybe even planning a one. Anyways don’t worry because this blog covers exactly how a day in a houseboat goes. If you’ve never been on a Kerala houseboat before, the first thing that hits you is the peace and the slow pace. You arrive at the jetty, step onto a wooden boat that looks like it belongs to another time, and suddenly the noise of the outside world drops away. Now that moment onwards you will be endulged deep into nature.
Most cruises start around noon. There’s usually a small welcome drink, and then the boat begins to move. Not fast. Not slow enough to get bored either. Just steady. Our crew who knows each corner of the backwaters will take you through narrow canals where palm trees lean over the water, kids wave from the shore, and fishermen pull nets in rhythms they’ve probably followed for generations.
Lunch is freshly cooked onboard by our chef. Not restaurant-style plating, but honest Kerala food — rice, fish curry, vegetables, maybe a fry. You eat while the boat keeps moving, water rippling outside the window. You may take a little extra time to finish the food as both food and views are great!!!
By evening, the cruise reaches wider backwaters. The sky turns orange. Tea and snacks appear. The boat eventually anchors for the night near a quiet village stretch. You may even endulge in local festivals at the time if you are lucky. Dinner is served. Lights reflect on water. It’s simple, but it feels special.
Next morning, you wake up to mist, birds, and still and silent backwater. Breakfast arrives. The captain slowly heads the boat back to the jetty. No rush, no schedule pressure. That’s really what a day on the backwaters feels like — unhurried.