Kumarakom Boat House Stay: Cost & What to Expect

Hey travel friend! 🚤 If you’ve ever imagined falling asleep to the sound of gentle water, waking up to birdsong, and sipping tea while drifting past palm trees — then you need to experience a Kumarakom boat house stay.

Let me walk you through what it’s like, how much it costs, and what you can expect onboard. Spoiler: it’s magical.

Overnight vs Day Rides

Not sure whether to stay overnight or just go for a quick cruise? Here’s the difference:

Day Rides

• Usually 2 to 6 hours
• Great if you’re short on time
• Includes sightseeing, snacks, and tea
• Budget-friendly

Overnight Stays

• Run from noon to next day 9 AM
• Includes lunch, tea, dinner & breakfast
• You sleep on the lake! 🛌🌌
• More peaceful, private & romantic

👉 Looking for more ride options? Check our Boating in Kumarakom Guide

Meals on Board

Here’s where it gets delicious! Most Kumarakom boat house stays include authentic Kerala meals freshly cooked by the onboard chef.

What You’ll Get:

• Lunch: Rice, fish curry, veggie dishes, pickles
• Tea Time: Banana fritters + chai ☕
• Dinner: Chapatis, chicken curry or veg stew
• Breakfast: Dosa or appam with coconut chutney

Vegetarian? No problem. Most boats happily cater to preferences. Just let them know in advance!

Best Boats for Families/Couples

Different boats, different vibes. Here’s how to pick the perfect one:

For Couples 💑

• Go for a 1-bedroom luxury boat
• Ask for upper deck and private dining
• Ideal for honeymoons or anniversary trips

For Families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

• Pick a 2 or 3-bedroom boat with common areas
• Look for boats with safety railings & board games
• Some even have TVs and Wi-Fi!

Houseboat Tips

Here’s some friendly advice from someone who’s been there, done that:

• Bring mosquito repellent (just in case!)
• Keep your camera ready — golden hour is unreal
• Don’t pack heavy; you’ll be barefoot most of the time
• If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs (nature sounds can be... vocal 🌿🐸)

Houseboat Booking Links

Here are a few reliable ways to book your Kumarakom boat house stay:

• Kerala Tourism Houseboats
• Booking.com
• MakeMyTrip – Kumarakom Boats
• [Ask your homestay or hotel host] – they often know the best local options!

A houseboat stay in Kumarakom isn’t just a place to sleep — it’s a floating window into Kerala’s soul. The calm water, slow pace, and warm meals onboard will leave you feeling like you pressed pause on the rest of the world.

If you’ve stayed on one already, tell me your favorite moment! Or if you’re planning to, tag me when you post your dreamy backwater photo ✨

– With wanderlust, from Wander With Heart