Alleppey Houseboat Day Cruise: Price, Timings & Is It Worth It?
By the Kerala Escapes team · updated July 2026
An Alleppey houseboat day cruise runs roughly 11am to 5pm — about 5–6 hours on the backwaters with lunch cooked on board. A whole private boat is around ₹13,000–15,000 (up to ~10 guests), or from about ₹800–3,000 per person on shared boats. It's the budget- and time-friendly way to see the backwaters — but you miss the sunset, dinner and sunrise that make the overnight special.
What a day cruise includes
You board around 11am, cruise the Alleppey backwaters and Vembanad Lake, stop for a freshly-cooked Kerala lunch on board, and are back at the jetty by about 5pm. A typical day cruise includes:
- A welcome drink on boarding
- A freshly-cooked Kerala lunch on board (often a fish or veg thali)
- The private boat with its crew for ~5–6 hours
- A cruise through the Alleppey canals and out onto Vembanad Lake
Day cruise price
| Option | Typical price | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Private whole boat | ₹13,000–15,000 | families / groups up to ~10, privacy |
| Per person (shared) | ₹800–3,000 | couples / solo, smaller budget |
| Shikara (2-hour) | ₹1,500–2,000 (off-season) | a quick, cheap taste of the backwaters |
Indicative — day-cruise rates move with season and group size. A 2-hour shikara ride is a cheaper alternative (₹1,500–2,000 off-season, ₹3,000–6,000 in peak). We confirm the live rate for your dates on WhatsApp.
Day cruise vs overnight — which should you book?
| Day cruise | Overnight | |
|---|---|---|
| Hours | ~11am–5pm (5–6h) | Noon check-in → 9am next day |
| Meals | Welcome drink + lunch | Lunch, evening snacks, dinner + breakfast |
| Sunset & sunrise | No | Yes — the best part |
| Sleep on board | No | Yes, AC bedrooms (9pm–6am) |
| Typical price (whole boat) | ₹13,000–15,000 | from ₹18,000/night |
| Best for | Short on time or budget | The full Kerala backwater experience |
Short version: if you only have a few hours or you're on a tight budget, the day cruise gives you the backwaters and a great lunch. But if this is a once-in-a-while Kerala trip, the overnight is what people remember — mooring for a sunset, dinner under the stars and waking up on the water. Most of our guests do one overnight and are glad they did.
Do the day cruise on our own boat
We run our own 3-bedroom Alleppey houseboat, Grand Nirvana — so we can quote you a real day-cruise rate and you know exactly what you're getting. It's also available for overnights.
Alleppey day cruise — FAQs
How much is an Alleppey houseboat day cruise?
A private whole boat is roughly ₹13,000–15,000 for up to ~10 guests, or from about ₹800–3,000 per person on shared boats, depending on season. A 2-hour shikara ride is a cheaper alternative at ₹1,500–2,000 off-season.
What time does an Alleppey day cruise start and end?
Most day cruises run about 11am to 5pm — roughly 5–6 hours on the water, with lunch cooked on board.
Is a day cruise or an overnight houseboat better?
A day cruise is cheaper and fits a tight schedule, but you miss the sunset, dinner and sunrise. For a first Kerala trip, one overnight is what most people remember — we usually recommend it if you can spare the time.
Is lunch included in a houseboat day cruise?
Yes — a freshly-cooked Kerala lunch on board is standard, usually with a welcome drink. Special menus (large prawns, crab) can be arranged for extra.
Can we do a day cruise on your own boat?
Yes — our 3-bedroom boat Grand Nirvana runs day cruises as well as overnights, so we can give you a real rate and you know exactly what you're booking. Message us your date and group size.