Frequently Asked Questions
Everything guests usually ask before booking a houseboat on the Nileshwar backwaters.
Houseboats are a modified version of the country boats (kettuvallam) that once carried goods from one place to another. They are built by tying large pieces of jack wood together, and traditionally not a single nail is used in the construction. Each houseboat has bedrooms with attached washrooms, a living and dining area and a kitchen. Some also have a separate dining room, balcony, upper deck or glass walls.
Houseboats generally come in four categories: Standard, Deluxe, Premium and Luxury. Kerala Bekal Houseboat provides Standard, Deluxe and higher grades. In deluxe houseboats the AC works at night, while premium and luxury houseboats run the AC round the clock. Call +91 99959 02369 for details.
In deluxe houseboats the air conditioning generally works only at night. Premium and luxury houseboats operate the AC during the day as well.
No. Local fishermen set their nets in the backwaters at night, so Kerala Government rules require engine-operated boats to stop cruising in the evening. The houseboat anchors at a safe spot for the night and resumes cruising in the morning.
No. Every houseboat is reserved for your group on an exclusive basis. Kerala Bekal Houseboat does not offer shared boats, so please be careful when booking a houseboat anywhere.
Some networks work well, others only in certain areas. We suggest giving family and friends our office or manager number, +91 99959 02369, so their messages always reach you.
Yes. Every houseboat carries safety equipment as required by the Department of Tourism, Kerala, and the crew are trained in first aid and life-saving techniques. They take special care of every guest throughout the cruise.
A crew of three accompanies you: the captain, an oarsman and a cook. They stay in a separate staff area with its own bathroom.
Yes, we recommend booking in advance during the season. Some boats are available for spot booking in the off-season, but well-reviewed houseboats are usually booked early.
Cancellations made 15 days or more before departure are refunded after a ₹1,500 handling fee. Cancellations 7 to 14 days before departure get a 50% refund, and bookings cancelled within 7 days are non-refundable. Read the full cancellation policy.
Kerala is comparatively safe to travel in, and crime against visitors is low. As a general precaution, we suggest not being alone on the road late in the evening. For emergencies, call 112 (police 100, ambulance 102).
To keep the houseboat neat and clean, guests are asked to remove their footwear and keep it aside when they come on board.
Our travel desk is available 24 hours. Call +91 99959 02369 or +91 98469 57999, or email keralabekalhouseboat@gmail.com.
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