10 Best Houseboat Destinations in India

Are you ready to bask in the golden sun in the tropical lands of India? The Houseboat is the best option to enjoy nature in a raw and fun way. In a houseboat activity, you will be travelling in a boat with hotel-features to enjoy water activities while anchored in the middle of a lake or backwater. Kerala is the most commonly known destination for houseboat activities in India. However, it is not the only option.

Here are the Top 10 Houseboat Destinations in India for travelers.

1. Kerala

Kerala is an important destination when it comes to backwaters and houseboat cruise on it. The traditional houseboat of Kerala is called as Kettuvallam. These boats are famous for short backwater trips and for overnight houseboat cruises with cozy living room, balcony for fishing, kitchen, bedroom and so on. Top places of Kerala for houseboat vacation are Alappuzha, Vembanad (Kumarakom) and Kollam.

Kerala Houseboat

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Read More : How To Book A Houseboat In Kerala – A Complete Guide

2. Dal Lake, Srinagar

Srinagar is the summer capital of the country. Surrounded by the richness of Himalayas, this orchard land is famous for the Dal Lake. The houseboats used in this lake are unique ones made with wood. These boats have delicate carvings and the boats have a strong historic link with the culture of the land. Although these boats look traditional, they are fitted with luxury and modern amenities. These boats are called shikara. Some choose to spend a few hours floating in shikara, exploring floating markets and the view and the most common tourist attraction is the sunset cruise ride on the lake on a houseboat.

Srinagar Dal Lake Houseboat

Also Read : Top 10 Largest Lakes in India

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3. Assam

This beautiful hill destination of North-eastern part of India is famous for tea and the River Brahmaputra. Cruising and houseboat rides on the river are main activities in this region. You can find many service providers with varying itineraries with houseboats. The best part about choosing Assam for houseboat activity is the nature. You can spot dolphins, exotic animals and migration birds during your houseboat ride in Assam.

Assam Houseboat

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4. Goa

Every water and beach activity will be available in this Indian version of Las Vegas. River Chapora is one of the main centers for houseboat activity in Goa. Day cruise in the backwater and an evening of music and party on the cruise is most commonly chosen style of houseboat itinerary. Some prefer private small houseboat for romantic time. Usually, the houseboat itineraries are coupled with many water activities. Goan food would be served during the stay and the route will usually cover traditional villages, coconut farms, fishermen villages, forts, monuments and others.

Goa Backwater Houseboat

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5. Tarkali , Maharashtra

The only backwater spot in Maharashtra is Tarkali. This small scenic village is quite famous for its coral beach. If you are looking for a luxury leisure vacation in Tarkali, the houseboat rides are the most recommended ones. You can explore numerous beaches on a house boat or, you can explore the backwaters on a few hours ride. The luxury houseboats have exclusive amenities, features and the cruise is served traditional Malvani food. Some pair houseboat ride with scuba diving or snorkeling to get more water activities. If you have a quiet ride during sunset, you will spot dolphins swimming alongside with your houseboat.

Tarkarli Houseboat

6. Chunnambar Houseboat, Pondicherry

Houseboat ride in Pondicherry will take you through the city life, cobbled streets and much more. The houseboat ride is considered as a luxury option in Pondicherry. You can find very spacious floating luxury boats for spending romantic time with your special ones. Many luxury houseboat organizers will customize the boat to add more flavor to your vacation. Most of the houseboats have a French influenced design and décor.

Chunnambar Houseboat, Pondicherry

Know about : Pondicherry – A Little France in India

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7. Udupi, Karnataka

The only backwater with houseboat option in Karanatka is Swarna River. This is a variant of Kerala styled backwater activity. The houseboats will closely resemble the traditional Kerala houseboats. The route covered includes cultural villages, coconut farms, fields and much more. Most of the houseboats are rich with amenities and luxury pampering. The luxury level varies with the budget limitations.

Tirumala Cruise, Karnataka

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8. Konaseema , Andhra Pradesh

When it comes to houseboat activities, the Arabian Sea side of India has more destinations than the Bay of Bengal side. One such destination in Bay of Bengal is Konaseema. Andhra Pradesh has Konassema, which is surrounded by Bay of Bengal and the flourish river of Godawari. The traditional boats of this region are called as Dindi. These boats have quite the cliché look when it comes to houseboats and take you on a few hour ride through mesmerizing natural beauties.

Konaseema Houseboat, Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh Travel Guide :

9. Sundarban, Kolkata

Sundarban is the most nature-rich destination for houseboat in Kolkata. You get to cruise through mangrove forests and spot many exotic animals and birds in the Sundarban forest. Do not worry about the climate. The houseboats of this region are fully air-conditioned and have many luxury elements. Sundarban also has the world’s first houseboat wildlife safari itineraries.

Sundarbans Houseboat Kolkata

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Are you planning a houseboat ride? Do not put it off until the last moment. Houseboat riding is an important tourist activity and it usually gets pre-booked. Especially, if you are looking for sunset romantic ride, you need to book at least 24 hours in advance. While booking a boat, check the safety elements of the boat and also compare the price with three or more service providers to choose the optimal one.