Alleppey Houseboat Hourly Rates (2025 update)
How much does a backwater cruise cost if you want just 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 hours?
TL;DR
Classic houseboats with bedrooms are normally sold as a 6‑hour day cruise (11 AM – 5 PM).
To help travellers budgeting for shorter slots, we’ve reverse‑engineered theoretical hourly prices from the standard day‑cruise tariff.
2‑ or 3‑hour trips are best done in a shikara (open, houseboat‑style launch) because full‑size houseboats rarely agree to such short hires.
Why “hourly rates” don’t officially exist
Alleppey houseboats are normally sold in two formats: a day cruise (11 a.m.–5 p.m.) or an overnight stay. Operators price per boat, not per person, and the tariff already bundles crew wages, fuel, docking fees and a full Kerala menu. That’s why you seldom see “per‑hour” quotes.
| Package | Timing | Inclusions | Typical price * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day Cruise (Deluxe) | 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (6 hours) | Welcome drink, Kerala lunch, tea & snacks, continuous cruising | ₹12 000 – 18 000 |
| Overnight Cruise | 12 p.m.–9 a.m. next day | All meals + A/C 9 p.m.–6 a.m. | ≈ 1.5 × day‑cruise rate |
| Shikara (open launch) | Min. 2 h between 7 a.m.–6 p.m. | Drinking water, canopy roof, cushioned seats | ₹800 – 1 500 /h |
*Deluxe class, low‑season rate (Feb – Sep). Premium boats add ₹3 000–5 000. Peak season (Oct → 15 Jan) typically costs 10–15 % more.
The math: turning a 6‑hour day‑cruise into hourly figures
To estimate shorter hires, we simply pro‑rate the 6‑hour package. Prices below are all‑inclusive per boat (meals, crew, fuel—everything). One‑hour numbers are shown only for reference; operators rarely accept bookings under four hours.
| Group size | 1 h† | 4 h | 5 h | 6 h (official) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–4 pax | ₹2 000 | ₹8 000 | ₹10 000 | ₹12 000 |
| 5–8 pax | ₹2 200 | ₹8 700 | ₹10 800 | ₹13 000 |
| 9–12 pax | ₹2 500 | ₹10 000 | ₹12 500 | ₹15 000 |
| 13–20 pax | ₹3 000 | ₹12 000 | ₹15 000 | ₹18 000 |
†Shown for comparison only; most owners start at the 4‑hour bracket.
Add ₹3 000–5 000 if you need Premium (full‑time A/C) service.
Rates for 2‑ and 3‑hour cruises (Shikara)
| Duration | Indicative cost (1‑4 pax) | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| 2 hours | ₹1 600 – 2 000 | Quick photo tour, sunrise views |
| 3 hours | ₹2 400 – 3 000 | Sunset bird‑watching, narrow canals |
Fuel surcharges may apply if you request extra‑long routes. Confirm whether life jackets and drinking water are included.
Factors that change the final quote
- Season: Oct → mid‑Jan = +10–15 % on almost all fleets.
- Premium upgrade: Full‑time A/C, better linen, finer menus (+₹3 000–5 000).
- Special menus: Pure veg, Jain or seafood‑heavy spreads add ₹250–500 per head.
- Route choice: Narrow‑canal detours cost extra fuel hours.
Frequently asked questions
Can I really book a houseboat for just 2 hours?
Technically, yes—but only a handful of owners agree, and they often charge close to the 4‑hour price. A shikara is the practical alternative for ultra‑short slots.
Is food included in a 4‑hour booking?
Yes. Operators keep the same kitchen crew, so lunch is served; the welcome drink or evening snacks may be skipped if you start late.
Do I need to pay GST on top of these rates?
The numbers above are all‑inclusive. Always confirm when you book; most operators roll GST into one round figure.
How early should I reserve for December weekends?
At least 30 days ahead for Deluxe, 45 days for Premium. Half‑day slots are even scarcer in peak season.
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