Craft · Safar Desk
How we choose a Kerala houseboat
Not all kettuvallams are equal. What we look for before we put a family on the water overnight.
Private, not a parade
The Alleppey canals in high season can feel like a procession. We book private boats — one family, one crew — and we push the route into quieter canals south of the main artery.
The boat itself
We inspect for: a working generator that is not left running all night, a clean galley, life jackets that are not ceremonial, and a crew that has cooked for guests rather than heated parcels.
When to go
November to February is the dry, clear window. Monsoon houseboats are atmospheric and cheaper; we only recommend them to travellers who like rain on the roof and do not mind a truncated route.
A one-night cruise is enough for most families. Two nights if you want the village landings to slow down.