Kerala Houseboats In Spotlight As Tourists Demand Astonishing Variety
Overnight tours on houseboats are losing their charm for international tourists, primarily because of restrictions on nighttime sailing and the lack of appealing anchoring spots for relaxation and entertainment. This trend has led to a noticeable decline in foreign bookings for overnight houseboat experiences, according to travel and tour operators.
While a day cruise across the expansive backwaters of Kochi, Alappuzha, and Kottayam offers a captivating experience, especially for first-time visitors, seasoned travelers often find the nighttime stay less engaging.
With no sailing permitted after dark, houseboats are typically moored to trees along the shore, leaving guests confined to their cabins for the night. This limited activity has contributed to the growing disinterest among tourists seeking more vibrant and engaging experiences.
As a result, many tourists visiting Kerala now prefer day tours, which typically last four to five hours and include a serene mid-lake lunch. Over the years, the actual time spent sailing has gradually decreased, with most houseboats beginning their cruises at 11:30 a.m. or even as late as 1:00 p.m. Currently, about 1,200 houseboats operate across the picturesque backwaters and lakes in Kerala’s popular destinations like Alappuzha, Kochi, and Kottayam.
Tour operators have called for government intervention to revitalize the houseboat experience. Suggestions include relocating stake nets to expand navigable areas and introducing more scenic and relaxing nighttime anchoring spots. While many modern houseboats are equipped with five-star interiors and can host conferences, business meetings, private events, and family gatherings, the overall approach to these tours remains largely unchanged since the first modified kettuvallams began catering to tourists in the 1970s. For Kerala’s iconic houseboats to regain their allure, operators argue that innovation and modernization are essential.
The government should work closely with fishermen to relocate stake nets, permit appropriate lighting, and expand sailing zones for houseboats, according to India Destination Tours. Creating designated anchoring spots in the middle of the lake and providing spaces onshore for music and entertainment programs could significantly enhance the experience for tourists during overnight tours. In earlier times, houseboats were allowed to sail at night, offering a more dynamic experience for travelers.
Despite the growing concerns, Kerala Tourism has yet to implement measures to make houseboat tours more engaging. A district tourism official explained that night tours remain prohibited as they could interfere with fishing nets, which has prevented any changes in the current operations.
