India has a myriad of landscapes and natural beauty just waiting to be seen. One of the best activities to do is river cruises and houseboat experiences in India for foreigners. Be it the ornate houseboats moored in the lakes of Kashmir or the traditional kettuvalams floating along the backwaters of Kerala, India has a variety of boating experiences you can enjoy. Read on to find out more!
Kerala backwaters
The backwaters of Kerala are an intricate network of canals, lakes, and lagoons across 900 kilometers, offering breathtaking natural beauty unlike any other. A cruise through the narrow, serene waterways lined with coconut and palm trees, paddy fields, and small villages is the perfect way to see the authentic life of South India.
The kettuvallam is a traditional houseboat in Kerala made out of wooden planks and coir rope. Originally used for transport and cargo, you will now find many kettuvallams converted to stunning cottages complete with bedrooms, en suite washrooms, dining area, and open decks. Some of the most popular backwater destinations in Kerala are Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Kollam. These places offer different types of cruises based on your preferences.
Many boats come with private bedrooms and en suite bathrooms, front or upper decks, dining areas, and air conditioning. You will be provided local Kerala cuisine, and you can tell them beforehand if you have any specific requests. A day cruise lasts for 3 to 5 hours, which is a good option if you are on a budget. However, for a more immersive experience, it is a good idea to spend one or two nights on the houseboat.
Best time to visit
November to February is the best time to enjoy a backwaters cruise, but you can go any time throughout the year. June to August is the monsoon season, so check for weather updates, since heavy showers may ruin your experience.
Read more: The houseboat experience in the backwaters of Kerala
Houseboats in Kashmir
Known as Heaven on Earth, Kashmir offers some of the most mesmerizing landscapes in the world. With beautiful lakes and stunning scenery, a trip to Kashmir is incomplete without experiencing the traditional houseboats of Kashmir.
Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake are the most popular spots for spending a night on a luxury houseboat. While Dal Lake is more popular among tourists, Nigeen Lake is perfect if you want fewer tourists. Unlike the floating houseboats of Kerala, the houseboats here do not move.
The houseboats of Kashmir are made out of walnut wood, with intricate designs and modern amenities. They are adorned with ornate furniture, chandeliers, and local carpets. Bedrooms come with en suite bathrooms and there is a dining room as well as a common lounge. You can even have a deck balcony, a small courtyard, or even a rooftop deck, depending on the houseboat you choose according to your budget.
However, if you are on a tight budget and don’t want to spend a lot on houseboats, go for a shikara ride. A shikara is a small boat mostly used for transporting people across the lake, fishing, and more. These small boats offer a ride through the vast Dal Lake. Visit the floating market, buy snacks and more on the way, or simply watch the daily life of the locals living around the lake.
Best time to visit
If you want to enjoy mild weather, avoid heavy winters, since the lake can be partially frozen. The best time to stay in a houseboat is from April to October, while the best time for a shikara ride is early morning and evening.
See also: Best time to visit Srinagar
Ganges river cruises
The Ganga, or the Ganges, is the largest river in India, flowing through north and east India along many cities, villages, and pilgrimage sites. Unlike other cruises, a Ganges river cruise is a spiritual journey. The cruise itinerary ranges from 7 to 20 days and you can choose one according to your preference.
The cruise operates across Kolkata, Murshidabad, Farakka, and Varanasi, depending on your itinerary. You will be able to witness historic towns, ancient temples and ghats, artisan communities, and local life of the regions. The Ganga Aarti is a surreal evening prayer you can experience on the cruise.
Most cruise ships offer private rooms, deck lounges, onboard chefs, spa or massage rooms, and lectures by cultural guides. This is a great cruise for history and culture enthusiasts as well as photographers.
Best time to visit
The best time to experience the Ganges river cruise is from October to March, when the weather is cool and dry. April experiences a hot climate, but the cruises are operational. June to September is the monsoon season, and many cruises stop operations due to high river levels.
Brahmaputra river cruises
The Brahmaputra flows through Assam and northeast India. A cruise along this river takes you through wildlife sanctuaries, tea plantations, river islands, forests, and tribal villages. This is the perfect cruise for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.
The itinerary usually lasts from 7 to 10 days and cruises operate across Guwahati, Kaziranga National Park, Majuli Island, and Sibsagar. The cruises generally have lounge decks from where you can watch the river, authentic Assamese cuisine, and even naturalists and cultural guides who make the experience more enriching.
Best time to visit
The best time to enjoy a cruise along Brahmaputra river is from November to March, when the climate is cool and pleasant. April to October is not a good time to visit, since the wildlife zones are closed due to the monsoon season.
Mandovi river cruises
The beach state of India, Goa also has many fun river activities, one of which includes river cruises along the Mandovi River. The Mandovi River flows through Panjim, the capital of Goa, and joins the Arabian Sea. A river cruise in Goa is a nice way to experience the Goan culture, nightlife, and the beautiful views.
You can enjoy a public cruise or a private cruise in Goa. A public cruise offers live Goan music, sunset views of the river, and food and snacks you can buy. This is a good idea if you are on a budget. On the other hand, if you don’t mind splurging, you can enjoy a private luxury dinner on a boat or yacht. Floating casinos like Deltin Royale and Big Daddy are popular river cruises in Goa.
Best time to visit
The best time to enjoy a river cruise in Mandovi is from November to February. The climate is cool and pleasant, and the sunsets are clear and beautiful. June to September is monsoon in Goa. The river can be rough during this time and cruises may also be less frequent or closed for the season.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Kerala Backwater Cruise, Oberoi M.V.Vrinda Cruise, Ganges River Cruise, Brahmaputra River Cruise, Andaman Islands Cruise, The Goa Cruise, and Sunderbans Cruise are a few popular cruises in India.
The most common houseboat problems include fire hazards, carbon monoxide exposure, electrical issues, and storm damage. There is also the danger of falling off the boat.
Yes, most overnight stay houseboats in Kerala include meals that focus on the local cuisine.
About Aishwarya Shete
Aishwarya Shete is a content writer at India Someday. Her passions are writing, photography, and more importantly, food. She hopes to travel the world someday and document it through her pictures and words.
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