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Houseboat Activities in Alleppey

A Hills and Cruise houseboat cruise comes with more than a scenic route across Vembanad Lake — it comes with a full lineup of houseboat activities designed to bring you closer to Kerala’s backwater life. From live fishing and kayaking to a authentic toddy tasting, these houseboat activities are what turn a simple cruise into a memory. Pick a few, or try them all — our crew will help you build them into your itinerary.

Activities

Choir Making

One of the more soulful houseboat activities on offer, this lets you sit in with a local choir group and experience the harmony-driven music woven into Kerala's village culture. Guests often describe it as one of the most unexpected of all the houseboat activities on our list — a quiet, moving performance passed down through generations of local singers, and a rare window into community life that most cruises never show you. It's a gentle, atmospheric way to spend an hour on board, especially in the evening as the boat settles for the night.

Live Fishing

A guest favourite among our houseboat activities. Try your hand at traditional backwater fishing with our onboard crew, who'll show you the time-tested local techniques used for generations along Vembanad Lake — from casting a net to handling a simple rod and line. It's relaxed, low-pressure fun for all ages, and if luck's on your side, your catch can be cleaned and prepared fresh by our chefs the same day, turning your afternoon activity into part of your dinner.

Kayaking

Kayaking is one of the most popular houseboat activities for guests who want to explore at their own pace, away from the main channels the houseboat travels. Paddle into the narrower canals, quiet paddy-field backwaters and village-lined stretches that a larger boat simply can't reach, whether you head out for an early morning glide or a slow, golden sunset paddle. No experience is needed — our crew will guide you through the basics before you set off, and life jackets are provided throughout.

Toddy Experience

Visit a local toddy shop and sample this naturally fermented palm drink, a Kerala classic best enjoyed fresh and chilled straight from the source. Served alongside spicy, home-style toddy shop snacks like fried fish or tapioca, it's one of the more authentic houseboat activities for guests keen to taste real backwater village life beyond the usual tourist trail. Our crew can walk you through the tradition behind it and help first-timers ease into the experience.

Live Cooking

Watch our onboard chefs prepare authentic Kerala dishes from scratch, using fresh, local ingredients sourced along the backwaters and recipes passed down through generations. It's a relaxed, hands-off activity for guests who enjoy watching a meal come together — ask questions, pick up a tip or two on spices and techniques, or simply enjoy the aromas as your next meal takes shape right in front of you on deck.

Village Walk

Step off the boat and stroll through a quiet Alleppey village, past coir-making units, paddy fields, small local shops and everyday backwater life that rarely makes it into a typical cruise itinerary. Guided by our local crew, it's an easy, unhurried addition to your houseboat activities list — a chance to stretch your legs, meet local residents, and see how communities along Vembanad Lake actually live, work and farm.

Vellamkali (Seasonal)

When in season, this is one of the most thrilling houseboat activities you can witness — Kerala's famous snake boat races, with long, narrow boats and teams of paddlers racing across the lake in perfect rhythm to traditional chanting and drumbeats. The energy, colour and teamwork on display make it a genuine cultural spectacle, and catching a race from your houseboat deck is a moment guests remember long after their trip ends.