When you think of Kerala, the image of tranquil backwaters, swaying palms, and slow-moving houseboats often comes to mind. But what if you could begin that journey all the way from Pune? Our Pune to Alleppey Houseboat Package is crafted precisely for travellers who want to experience the soul of Kerala’s waterways, culture, and serenity — without the hassle of planning every detail.
Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic getaway, a family dreaming of a relaxing vacation, or solo travellers seeking calm, this package offers a blend of nature, comfort, and authenticity. Let me take you through everything you need — from itinerary to cost to FAQs — so you know exactly what to expect and how to get started.
📅 Sample Itinerary: Pune → Alleppey Houseboat (4 Days / 3 Nights)
Here is one possible schedule. You can tweak it according to flight timings, personal preferences, and extensions.
| Day | Route / Focus | Activities & Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 0 / Night Before Travel | Pune → Kochi / Ernakulam | Take an overnight flight or train from Pune to Kochi (or Ernakulam). Arrive in Kerala early next morning. |
| Day 1 | Kochi → Alappuzha (Alleppey) | Pickup from Kochi Airport / Railway Station. Drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha). On arrival, check into your houseboat by noon. Lunch on board. Begin cruising through backwaters. Visit villages, see paddy fields, coconut lagoons. Evening tea, sunset views, dinner on board. Overnight stay in houseboat. |
| Day 2 | Full Backwater Cruise & Village Life | Continue cruising through canals, smaller waterways and side canals. Stop at local villages, see coir weaving, local life. Lunch aboard. In the evening, anchor near a scenic spot. Dinner, local music/cultural show (if included). Overnight stay. |
| Day 3 | Alappuzha → Kochi / Departure | After breakfast, disembark the houseboat. You may optionally do a bit of Kochi sightseeing: Fort Kochi, Chinese fishing nets, Jew Town, Dutch Palace. Then drop at Kochi Airport or Railway Station for return journey to Pune. |
Notes & Alternatives:
- If your flights/trains don’t align, you can reverse the order: Kochi → Alleppey → stay on shore for an extra day.
- You can also include one night in Kochi city before or after the houseboat cruise to explore more.
- The main highlight remains the overnight houseboat experience in the Alleppey backwaters.
💵 Approximate Cost & Pricing Structure
Prices vary widely depending on the class of houseboat, duration, meal plan, season, and transport mode. Below is a rough guideline (as of 2025) to help estimate.
| Class / Category | Typical Rate (1 Night, 2 Persons) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Deluxe / Standard Houseboat | ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 | Basic amenities, AC (limited hours), 1-2 bedrooms, meals (fixed menu) |
| Premium / Full-AC Houseboat | ₹15,000 – ₹20,000 | More spacious rooms, full AC, possibly better interiors |
| Luxury / High End Houseboat | ₹25,000+ | Top-tier décor, full AC, possibly extra amenities (WiFi, jacuzzi, better food) |
Other cost components to consider:
- Transport: Pune → Kochi / Ernakulam fares (air or train)
- Land transfers: From Kochi to Alleppey and return
- Taxes, entry fees, permits
- Optional excursions or cultural shows
- Tips, personal expenses
Many packages advertised from Pune to Alleppey start from ₹5,999 for 1–2 nights (for budget option) while longer and more luxurious versions cost much more.
🛶 What You’ll Experience
1. Scenic Backwaters & Houseboat Cruising
Expect to glide gently through Kerala’s network of canals, lakes and lagoons. The houseboats (often traditional kettuvallams) drift with the water, offering peace, nature, and reflection.
2. Local Village Life
Watch local fishermen, coir workers, coconut trees, rice paddies, and people going about everyday life. You’ll get glimpses into a slower pace of life.
3. Kerala Cuisine Onboard
Meals are prepared fresh aboard — expect local flavors, fish (if non-vegetarian allowed), vegetarian dishes, coconut-based curries, fresh rice, and traditional breakfast (appam, dosa, etc.).
4. Sunsets & Sunrise on Water
One of the highlights — tranquility as the sun dips or rises over water and reflections.
5. Optional Experiences
Village walk, bird watching, fishing, canoe / shikara rides in smaller canals, cultural performance in the evening, local markets, etc. Many houseboats offer extras.
🌦️ Best Time to Visit
- Peak / Ideal Season: September to March (pleasant weather, lower rainfall)
- Avoid: Heavy monsoon (June to August) — heavy rains may disrupt backwater cruising
Also, book well in advance during peak season (Christmas, New Year, Onam) to secure good houseboats.
✅ Things to Check & Tips Before Booking
- Ensure the houseboat is licensed / approved by Kerala Tourism
- Check check-in and check-out times (commonly 12:00 PM to 9:00 AM next day) for overnight stay alappuzha.nic.in+1
- Confirm meal inclusions and special dietary preferences
- Understand amenities: AC (full / limited), hot water, WiFi, power backup
- Ask about crew, safety (life jackets, first aid, SOS)
- Check cancellation policy, extra charges
- For travel from Pune, coordinate your arrival time so you’re not rushed on Day 1
- Have a backup plan if water levels are low or route changes
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How many nights do I need for a good houseboat experience?
A: While a one-night stay gives a taste, many travellers prefer 2 nights to soak it in deeper — to enjoy calm hours, village stops, and more relaxed cruising.
Q2: Do I need to book from Pune or can I join in Kerala?
A: You can do either — some packages include the Pune → Kochi journey; others expect you to reach Kochi and then join the houseboat segment.
Q3: Is it safe to stay overnight on a houseboat?
A: Yes. Licensed boats follow safety norms, have crew, life jackets, first aid, and the boats are anchored securely at night. But always ask the provider about safety measures.
Q4: What about mobile / internet connectivity?
A: Connectivity can be patchy in remote backwaters. Some luxury boats provide WiFi (on request), but don’t rely on it. Use your trip as a digital detox.
Q5: Are children allowed? Any age restrictions?
A: Children are usually allowed; under 5 years often free (depending on operator). Always confirm with the operator before booking.
Q6: What types of boats are available (room, capacity)?
A: Boats can range from 1-bedroom (2 persons) to multi-bedroom (6, 8, even 10+). For example, deluxe houseboats 2-bedroom at ₹12,000, 4-bedroom at ₹19,000
Q7: Can I customize the route or duration?
A: Yes. Many houseboat operators allow route & duration customization depending on your preference (within waterway constraints)
Q8: Is it possible to combine this with hill stations like Munnar?
A: Absolutely. Some packages from Pune include Munnar + Thekkady + Alleppey. For example, “Best of Kerala” 4-day packages include both hills and backwaters.
✍️ Sample Package Description (for your site)
Package Name: Pune → Alleppey Houseboat Escape
Duration: 3 Nights / 4 Days
Route: Pune → Kochi → Alleppey → Kochi → Pune
Highlights:
- Overnight stay on a traditional houseboat
- Village life & backwater cruising
- Local Kerala meals aboard
- Optional Kochi sightseeing
Inclusions: - Houseboat stay with all meals
- Land transfers (Kochi – Alleppey – Kochi)
- Basic boat amenities & crew
- Local taxes & charges
Exclusions: - Pune → Kochi airfare / train
- Personal & optional expenses
- Insurance, tips
