Monday, November 25, 2024 Overnight tours on houseboats are losing their charm for international tourists, primarily because of restrictions on nighttime sailing and the lack of appealing anchoring spots for relaxation and entertainment. This trend has led to a noticeable decline in foreign bookings for overnight houseboat experiences, according to travel and tour operators. While a day cruise across the expansive backwaters of Kochi, Alappuzha, and Kottayam offers a captivating experience, especially for first-time visitors, seasoned travelers often find the nighttime stay less engaging.
With no sailing permitted after dark, houseboats are typically moored to trees along the shore, leaving guests confined to their cabins for the night. This limited activity has contributed to the growing disinterest among tourists seeking more vibrant and engaging experiences. As a result, many tourists visiting Kerala now prefer day tours, which typically last four to five hours and include a serene mid-lake lunch.
Over the years, the actual time spent sailing has gradually decreased, with most houseboats beginning their cruises at 11:30 a.m. or even as late as 1:00 p.
m. Currently, about 1,200 houseboats operate across the picturesque backwaters and lakes in Kerala’s popular destinations like Alappuzha, Kochi, and Kottayam. Tour operators have called for government intervention to revitalize the houseboat experience.
Suggestions include relocating stake nets to expand navigable areas and .
