Backwater trip in a houseboat : Houseboats are designed like a kettuvallam (rice boat) and a travel in it will be one of the most expensive experiences in India, but it's wroth every rupee. It is the biggest business in Kerala with Alapuzha as the main hub. Alapuzha has more than 250 houseboats with range of quality from veritable rust buckets to floating palaces. DTPC will be helpful in chartering houseboats at a right price. It will be cheap & safe if you book a cruise after reaching Alapuzha as you have greater choice.

Houseboats drifting through quiet canals lined with coconut palms, eating deliciously traditional Keralan food (served on a green banana leaf) prepared onboard by a chef, meeting local people, visit villages to watch coir making, boat building, toddy tapping, fish farming and sleeping on the water under a galaxy of stars will be an unforgetful experience.

Houseboats cater for groups (up to eight) or couples (one or two double bedrooms). Before agreeing to a cruise, visit the houseboat, make sure that everything has been included in the price (food) and agree for a reasonable price. Bargain is a must for getting right price.