17 independent reviews for Kerala houseboat holiday, India
Reviews for Kerala houseboat holiday, India
Bruce Cecil review 7 Nov 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing a leopard in the Periyar Forest.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Wear appropriate clothing when going on a trek and get out of your hotel and eat in local restaurants3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was excellent all roundSue Jones review 12 Oct 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Marari beach. Finding it empty , clean and unspoilt every day. The fact that we were pretty much the only British tourist everywhere we went. Other tourist were nationals. Made us feel like we weren’t a tourist!!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don’t plan too much into your itinerary. Take at a slower pace to enjoy your surroundings.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Local people benefited from tourism and CGH hotels are trying their best environmentally4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
9/10.Very successful, organisation spot on.Julian Scola review 17 Mar 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was a fantastic holiday and hard to identify the most memorable: the amazing temples, the beautiful scenery and birdlife, the food, the bright flowers and lush vegetation, the swimming, the massages, the service and helpfullness of staff at all stops? All great. It wasnt just a houseboat holiday though. We also went to Kochi and inland in Kerala and to Madurai and Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just a night or two on a houseboat in Kerala backwaters which many people seem to do is not enough. Also, we found the canals and waterways much more interesting than the lake.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Hard to be sure. Dewalakom certainly conserved the environment and nature and gave drivers accommodation, but in the big hotels we stayed at and at Lockhart the driver had to sleep in the car! Also, although we agreed it there was a lot of driving which isnt so eco-friendly, especially taking our luggage from Madurai to Chennai by car while we took the train!4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Possibly our best holiday ever. Apart from how amazing India is, all the arrangements worked like clockwork, and the operator was very helpful whenever we had a problem of our own making - which were the only problems we encountered! The service from them and local staff could not have been better.Read the operator's response here:
Dear Julian & Heather
Thank you for the email and Responsible Travel review. I am so pleased that you had a fantastic holiday. Dewalokam is a beautiful oasis – Jose & Sinta have created such a wonderful property. I will definitely highlight the temples at Mamallapuram and Dakshina Chitra more – I agree both are really worth visiting. Regarding the driver sleeping in the car, when a car and driver is at disposal the driver is given an allowance for lodgings. Unfortunately some properties are more remote and it is difficult to get back to the main areas for a room (like at Lockhart Bungalow) – but also the drivers for the majority of the time make the choice to sleep in the car over lodgings so that they can take a bit more money home. So it is a mixture of scenarios.There are many properties that have drivers accommodation, and we always push and request other properties (and new properties) to take this into consideration as the drivers are such an important part of the trip, and need to be looked after. We are in talks with some properties like Lockhart about the situation. It is so nice to hear that this trip could be up there in your best holiday category – I know that Daniel & Jerry received your email and were delighted as I am that you had a great time. Best wishes Gary Tree.
Gillian Cockerill review 16 Mar 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The rice barge trip was amazing. Very relaxing, a perfect chill out holiday.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The hotel and homestay are good but long drive to and from the boat. Do not expect loud music and madness. Relax and enjoy the peace. Look forward to the beautiful scenery and a very capable caring crew.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes by supporting local artisans and not large shops and supporting the reuse of the converted rice barges into an alternative holiday destination.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Brilliant.Andrew Brochwicz-Lewinski review 26 Feb 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Four nights nights on the Backwaters Rice boat with its superb Captain Sebastian and the memorable stay at Taleket with the truly lovely hostess Pirkko.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Ask for the same driver Sanil that we had for first week. He went over and above his duty to be of help. Do go on the Backwaters for at least 3 days. It was a beautiful and restful experience. And great food. If you want a remote charm with a lovely hostess, then do go to Taleket. Avoid the 'homestay' at Thalassery. Lovely house in a drab remote area dominated by prawn processing and moderately helpful staff and invisible owner. An excellent last stop near the airport at Puthumana. The family at this small plantation is really lovely.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Despite two glitches, it was excellent and memorable. I will write a fuller account of the outstanding, the excellent , the very good and the disappointing. The arrangements worked like clockwork. All drivers and guides were every good and faultlessly accurate and punctual. We were saved from a disaster stay at Munroe Island by Jerry's very quick response to our need to not stay there. The resulting stay at Takelet was magic. I would certainly avoid the 'homestay' at Thalassery.Chris Winsor review 26 Jan 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Views when we were in the mountain areas, Munnar, visiting a tea planation and seeing the way tea was produced. I will never dismiss the work that goes into producing tea and the low wages the workers earn. Had a great trip to a spice plantation with an informative guide and a trip to an Elephant sanctuary. We also visited Periyar National Park and walked through the forest and saw beautiful and rare birds.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Firstly don't go for too long. We booked 5 nights which was too long, 2-3 nights would be enough. I would recommend having a large boat even though it may only be the 2 of you going. I suggest having a covered top deck so you can have privacy, coolness from the wind, and an opportunity to be in the sun if you want to. Having an air conditioned lounge area so you can eat in the cool at night, as well as keeping the mosquitoes at bay. Air conditioned bedroom is a must too. We were disappointed with our boat, which we will discuss separately. We met a few travellers that had some horror stories. Our crew were fantastic and so was the food.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I don't think our holiday reduced environmental impact, due to having the air conditioning units and possible waste that went into the river. There were benefits for local people when are crew purchased food on a daily basis, beer that we bought from local shops, clothes and gifts to bring home.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I wish we had stayed in the Mountain regions for longer. He stayed in the Spice Tree which was a lovely hotel, fabulous views and large room. We unfortunately only had one night here, a big mistake. I would recommend that you always stay 2 - 3 nights at a hotel as there is a 4-5 hour drive between destinations, so by the time you get to your destination there isn't any time to enjoy whats there until the next day. We had a trip to a Bird Sanctuary - which had no birds - the birds had migrated ,we traveled in January. We had a great driver (Sunil) and a comfortable air conditioned car to take us through to our destinations. Cardamon County Hotel, Spice Tree, Spice Garden and Teak House (Homestay), Xandari Pearl were all great hotels (Xandari Pearl being the must luxurious close to the beach, but also had a swimming pool and a dip pool in our villa. Overall the holiday was great, don't expect the cleanliness of UK either in the country or in the rooms/boat.Adele Tungate review 10 Apr 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole experience was amazing. We saw Dolphins in Cochin Harbour, elephants in Periyar Tiger Reserve, Monkeys in Kumily right outside our accommodation. The Tiger Chef cooking demonstration was great fun and we got to eat the food afterwards. The martial arts display was awesome. Our dedicated driver made our trip special and made sure we were looked after to the highest standard. The homestay owners were so welcoming and kind, which made us feel safe and well looked after.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a specialised filter water bottle which you can fill from the tap to ensure pure water as some of the homestays do not have UV water purifiers or offer bottled water. Take an old UK 3 pin plug adaptor. Take toilet paper for when travelling away from the homestays/accommodation. Take some of your own tea bags coffee as not always provided (although on a couple of occasions there were no kettles provided in the rooms) Deet products for the mosquitos. Always carry tip money. At ATM's, use Withdrawal button rather than Fast Withdrawal button.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The holiday benefitted local people in terms of tip giving and employment regarding tours / trips. Visiting Periyar Tiger Reserve helped with conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The whole holiday was so interesting and we learnt so many new things and saw some wonderful wildlife. It was the perfect blend of sight seeing, rest time and the end few days spent at the beach in Varkala. What a great experience, would recommend this company wholeheartedly as everything ran seamlessly and we were always able to contact them and their replies were swift. The level of information we received was excellent in preparation for our trip.Paul Shaverin review 26 Feb 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole trip was highly memorable, but perhaps the boat trip was the best part, watching and photographing life and wildlife on and alongside the water.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Several people with whom we spoke suggested six nights on the boat was much too long and we would be bored. In fact we were never bored, and I wish we could have stayed longer. We took with ravel sized games and books and these were as pleasant way to pass the quiet evenings whilst moored overnight.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The holiday clearly benefited local people as we were accommodated in locally owned homestays, ate in local restaurants and were on a locally crewed boat. I am not sure that there was any obvious support for conservation or reduction in environmental impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We have been fortunate to have had some great holidays, and this one was up there amongst the most memorable.ian macbeth review 16 Nov 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We stayed at three places, two homestays both top class and also spent six nights on a houseboat. The boat was far below the standard we had been led to expect and I have taken this up with the operator.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
About 7/10 due to the shocking state of the "Premium" houseboat.Read the operator's response here:
Dear Ian
We were very disappointed to hear your dissatisfaction with the Lakes & Lagoons Houseboat. As soon as you submitted your feedback, we made contact with our local agent and houseboat provider. They took the feedback very seriously and the boat was taken out of service for a few days so they could rectify the issues raised.
Most of the issues were small and they were easily fixed. Now these have been rectified we are happy to report that we have had two sets of clients on this Houseboat and they were both very happy with the boat with one of the couples stating excellent on the Lakes & Lagoons feedback form.
We are sorry that your expectations of the boat weren’t met but were pleased to hear that the crew were great, the food wonderful and you enjoyed the leisurely cruising. Also nice to hear that the two homestays, John’s Farm & Home and Teak House were highlights and received top scores on your feedback.
Kind regards
Gary
Kim Horrocks review 30 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Arriving to the houseboat tour in a different location than Allepey was very nice. It was a quiet turn in the river where no other houseboats were visible for an entire day. It felt very special. We REALLY loved the walk into Camp Footprint from above Munnar town. Again, this took you away from the crowded tourist trap of Munnar and brought you to a very secluded spot, totally surrounded by nature. We would have enjoyed 2 nights here instead of 1.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The standard houseboat tour is with loads of other boats and goes in a circle. You can request to explore different parts of the area or spend more time down a side channel and avoid the big crowd of boats. Spend 2 nights at Camp Footprint instead of only 1 to be able to have a longer day hike on the middle day. We were only able to do a shorter hike to the top station and would have loved to explore the area a bit more. As for the home stay near Cochin, the family and property were extra excellent!! What a beautiful spot and experience to include in an itinerary. We felt it was a bit rushed and felt embarrassed that we were just arriving in the early evening after a long day and then had to sleep early and depart at 5 am to head to the airport. It felt disruptive and did not give us the time to have meaningful interaction, which I think the family wanted as well. Despite this, we would highly recommend this home stay, but in a different itinerary where arrival time/departure time was more forgiving.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
No matter how you cut it, travel does not benefit the environment. However, weappreciated the efforts made by the tour operator to travel with a sense of connecting to people and not just flowing with the masses to the usual destinations.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We LOVED our section of travel with the tour operator. Everything was very well Organized and communicated. The driver, Anil, was on top of his game and the overall feeling is that we were very glad to have pursued this portion office trip with you.Philip Thomas review 20 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was all great - very much surpassed what we were expecting, every one of the homestay hosts went over and above to provide a great experience for us.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We found it somewhat warm and humid in March - January or February might be less so (though there would be more tourists at this time!).3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We stayed with local families who employed locals so we knew our money was going where it was needed. The home/farm stay owners all seemed to have an awareness of the environment and reducing their impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The perfect getaway for someone who wants a relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle.Amanda Armes review 30 Dec 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Boat trip and beach2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just enjoy!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Na4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10/10Sara Denham review 16 Apr 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Just loved the peace of floating down the river, and watching life happen on the riverbanks.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
not sure4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Wonderful experienceMichael Smith review 3 Dec 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We have been able to totally relax and let the world go by due to the lovely boat, the brilliant crew who looked after our every wish and the unspoilt area.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I would suggest using Teak house on the first day/night when arriving in Kerala (we were so tired after the plane journey) then go to the boat for the relaxing part.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely our purchases helped local people and businesses I hope we had a minimal carbon footprint while on the boat.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely brilliant.Jan Broderick review 30 Nov 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The houseboats in Kerala2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take the upgrade options - the hotels and rooms we had were fantastic.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We used smaller local hotels and transport. They were all careful with their environmental impact - as much as they could.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Amazing. We enjoyed every part of it. Our tour operator built us a great tour which worked really well. There was lots to do and plenty of variety. Our driver, Sidgi (not sure about the spelling) was helpful and friendly. He was flexible and helped us to find what we most enjoyed on the trip.David Graham review 25 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Every aspect of our trip was memorable and it is impossible to select one particular feature that stands out. We particularly appreciated the houseboat in traditional style, unlike some of the more modern closed in boats with what we assume would be A/C and which were, as a result, not open to the surroundings. We didn't need A/C by day because of the style of the boat and the A/C at night was excellent. Our staff of 3 was excellent and non-intrusive and the food was spectacular.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a waterproof or umbrella in case of rain and any alcohol you might wish to drink as alcohol is not available on board.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Unsure about this. Certainly, from the response of the local people, tourists are appreciated but are not hassled in any way. From the welcome received, one must assume that tourists are seen in a positive way as contributing to the local economy. As to the environmental impact, that is uncertain, but if to guarantee tourism conservation and eco projects are necessary then such holidays must have a positive impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The holiday, which was recommended to us as excellent, proved to be such and we have no hesitation in recommending it to others. Indeed, we already have, and specified this company. We have no criticisms, only the greatest praise.Fran Griffin review 25 Apr 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
All of it. Every day was a new adventure. From the excellent food to the beautiful scenery and friendly helpful crew.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Travel light, relàx and enjoy. Take a good camera and binoculars.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our crew took us to various places where we could spend money but you get a real feel of local people when you have time to walk and talk to them which they are very keen to do. The crew buy fresh supplies from local sources. The boats themselves however pump out diesel fumes.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was a thoroughly relaxing, enjoyable experience watching nature and dining on far too much food. However the bird sanctuary had no birds in it, the snake boats only race in August and the coir industry has moved out of the area. Six days was a little too long but it enabled us to travel further to more beautiful places and travel along some of the smaller canals.Holiday Reviews
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