10 things to know before you book Alleppey houseboat.

A peaceful backwater holiday in your mind? Alleppey, the Venice of the east beckons you! As a world-renowned backwater destination, here you can experience the mesmerizing backwaters with an enchanting stay in an Alleppey houseboat. There are more than 800 Houseboats plying the backwaters of Alleppey but, before you book Alleppey Houseboat, here are a few things to keep in mind: 1.The condition of the houseboat Consider the condition of the boat and how long it has been in use. Houseboats have an average lifespan of 6 to 10 years & the construction materials quality also matters. rn2.The price range of houseboat As such, there is no standard range of tariff for houseboats but rates are fixed based on the quality of the boat and the services provided. Advance booking is less expensive than spot booking from Jetty. 3.Cruising Direction Ask for the cruising routes before you book. If you select Kumarakom — Alleppey — Quilon — Kumarakom and on to Cochin, then it takes a longer time and the charge is higher. 4.Cruising Period Check out the exact cruising times before booking. At times the boat may stop cruising and dock during meal times and at night. 5.Air — Conditioning Most houseboats offer AC in bedrooms from 9 pm to 7 am and at extra costs after that. Check it out before you book. 6. Check-in & Check out Generally, all the houseboats maintain a systematized check-in time at 12 pm and check-out time from 9 am to 10 am. 7.Crew Members Usually, 3 crew members including the driver, an engine operator, and a chef are there on a houseboat. You can also request a guide while booking. AC Houseboat in Alleppey Bedroom in Houseboat 8.Food Wonderfully tasty Kerala local cuisine is normally cooked and served inside the Houseboat. No alcohol is available. 9.Other Services Most houseboat operators provide complementary services like village trips, coir factory trips, church visits, canoe village rides and fishing in their cruises. 10.Best time to hire a houseboat December to January is the best time of the year for a houseboat backwater tour. There are off-season offers and discounts in Monsoons & also you can pamper yourself with Ayurveda and spa. In summer, A/C houseboat is better.