Cruise Land Houseboats

Kainakary, on the backwaters of Alappuzha in Kerala, is where Cruiseland's houseboats board and cast off. The route runs through the Vembanad lake, Asia's largest brackish lagoon, past the man-made islands known as R Block and C Block, and on toward Pathiramanal island. Coconut palms line the canals. Paddy fields sit below the waterline, held back by mud bunds, and the boats glide past village jetties, toddy shops, and small temples. Fleet options range from one to five bedrooms, split between deluxe boats with air conditioning limited to night hours and premium boats that run it around the clock. A chef cooks on board: Kerala lunch, snacks with tea, and dinner, largely fish curry and local spice work. Evenings end early. Boats anchor by around half past five and stay put till morning, so the water goes still and the crew serves dinner around eight. You can hear the paddle strokes of passing canoes after dark. For a change of pace, Cruiseland also runs a guided kayak route out of Nazareth, along the Manimala River and into the narrow canals toward Moncompu village, past its old temple and market site. Check-in runs from 12:30pm, with check-out the following morning at 9:30am.