Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Frequently Asked Questions section provides clear answers to common queries about our houseboat services, bookings, amenities, safety measures, and policies for a hassle-free experience.
What do you mean by houseboat?
Houseboats are a modified version of country boats that were used to carry goods from one place to another in the gone days. These houseboats are built by tying huge jack woods together and the interesting part is not even a single nail is used for the construction. Single bed room to ten bed room houseboats is currently available. Each of these has bed rooms with attached wash rooms, living room and dining room and a kitchen. Some even have separate dining room and balcony, upper deck, glass wall etc.
Different categories of houseboats?
Generally, House boats comes under 3 categories namely Standard Class, Deluxe Class, and First Class (Luxury Class) house boats. In deluxe house boats, AC will be operated only from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am while for First Class houseboats AC will be operated round the clock. You can contact us for more details.
What is the minimum stay in the houseboat?
Day trip & Overnight stay are the two major cruises available.
- For Overnight Stay - check-in is usually around 12.00 noon while checkout is next day 9:00 am. (Including lunch and evening tea & snakes + dinner + next day breakfast)
- For Day Cruise - Check-in time for day cruise is by 11.00 am while checkout time is 5:00 pm. (Includes Lunch (Veg/Non Veg) + Evening Tea & Snacks)
- Night Stay - Check-in time is 5 pm checkout is next day 9:00 am. (Including dinner + next day breakfast )
Is travel in night is available?
No, Since the local fisherman put their fishing nets in the the backwater and lake, The Kerala Govt has banned moving all types of engine operated boats from 5.30 pm in the evening to 7.30 am till the next day.
Are the Check in and Checkout time is fixed?
Normal check-in time is 12.00 noon and check out time is 9.00 am. Late Check-in and Early Check-out is possible as per your travel plans.
Is Vegetarian food serviceable in a houseboats?
Yes. Pure Vegetarian Food is available at all the houseboats.
Whether the food is unlimited?
Food is preparing based on number of adults and child in your group.
How many staffs are there in the houseboat?
There are 3 members of Crew including the Chef.
Is Houseboat stay safe and comfortable?
In all houseboats there would be 03 crew members (The Captain, Oarsmen and a cook) The houseboat crew boat take special care to meet the needs of the tourists. They are also given special training in first aid and life saving techniques to meet if any emergency arises. Hence there is nothing to worry about safety.
Are there any activities I can look forward to?
Some houseboats give guests the option to enjoy indoor games, fishing etc. For overnight stay cruises, after the houseboats are anchored in the evening, guests can also visit the village, church, temple, and other local attractions.
Is the Ac in houseboats works only in night?
Generally ac in the stranded and deluxe houseboat works from 9 pm to next day 6 am. But, there are expensive First Class boats which operates ac during day time.
If we book the houseboat, are there any other guests to share with us?
No, if you book the houseboat with us, you can enjoy privately. There will not be anyone else to share the houseboat other than the boat staff for your service.
Is Houseboat available on multi sharing basis?
Houseboat is reserved on EXCLUSIVE Basis only and NOT ON Shared basis. Venissa Houseboat strictly not providing any shared boats.
How do I book a houseboat cruise?
You can book directly through our website, call us, or send a message via email or WhatsApp for reservations and inquiries.
What are the different backwater travel routes available?
Most popular back water routes for house boats cruise are Alleppey Circle Trip, Alleppey Kumarakom Trip and Special Trip.
Is Houseboat cruise available in monsoon season?
Yes. The houseboats operates during Monsoon. But if it’s pouring heavily houseboat cruise will not be possible.
Any other personalized special packages is available apart from those listed in the site based on our needs?
Yes. We can create tour packages according to your requirements but only with the houseboats featured in our list.
Do you arrange airport transfers?
We will arrange airport transfers and also the pickup and drop off to any destination within Kerala for extra cost.
Does the package mentioned includes the flight/pick up and drop charges?
No. The packages mentioned in the site are not inclusive of air fare, Car or train ticket. But on request we can book these things for you.
For foreign travellers, is visa an important factor?
Yes, a Visa is a must to enter India for Foreign nationals. You can contact the Indian Embassy / High Commission in your country for the same. It is best to carry your passport with you all the time. You may also carry travel insurance.
Should we book our houseboats in prior?
It’s recommended to pre book houseboats in Season time. Even though houseboats are found for spot booking in off season, reputed houseboats providers usually get booked and it’s a good idea to book in advance.
Is there any advance payment required for the booking and how can I clear my payments later?
Yes, advance deposit required, it depends on houseboats, this is to be sure that your booking is genuine and we can go ahead with the reservations. The rest of the due amount can be paid at the check in time.
Refund system provided by Venissa Houseboat?
Cancellation has to be done at least 03 days before the check-in date.
What are the different payable methods applicable?
Payment can be made by Cheque/Credit/Cash on Travel or Debit Card online, PayPal, Google Pay, Phonepe, BHMI, etc.
Is it safe to swim in lake?
Swimming in the lakes is strictly prohibited.
Any questions you want to ask?
Have any questions? Feel free to ask! We’re here to help with all your houseboat booking and travel inquiries.