Thara's Houseboat

The staff is very friendly. Everyone was very attentive and helpful with our requests, specially the chef!

Although there was AC, the room felt quite warm and humid at night, making it difficult to sleep. I also felt that the price was a bit high considering the facilities, especially the rooms, on the houseboat.

This was the boat trip of my dreams. A gorgeous boat with every facility you could wish for. The captain jise and cook reji were always on hand to offer what ever you required but at the same time never overbearing. The meals were utterly delicious and cooked fresh all day everyday by Jose. The constant beauty of the backwaters navigated by shaji, the captain

We had a wonderful stay on the houseboat. The crew of three – the captain, the assistant and the cook – was warm, professional and always attentive to our needs. They made us feel very well taken care of throughout the entire trip. A special mention goes to the cook, who truly made the experience unforgettable. He prepared three delicious meals a day, full of local flavors, and even took us to a fish market where we picked fresh fish that he later cooked to perfection on board. He was not only an excellent chef but also genuinely caring, always making sure we were happy and comfortable. We also loved being taken into quieter parts of the backwaters, far away from the busy routes – peaceful, scenic, and relaxing. The room itself was small (limited space on board) but enoguh to spend 1-2 nights. Equipped with a shower, toilet and AC. All in all, an amazing and authentic experience that we’d happily do again!

The interior is a bit worn and could need some attention. Also, the mattress cover on the sun deck should be cleaned soon.

Staying on Thara’s houseboat was one of the highlights of our trip in India. The food was amazing on the boat and all home cooked by the chef who stays on board. The staff were so lovely, it really was such a relaxing and tranquil experience.

We loved everything about our stay on Thara’s boat. The only thing to note is that there is a part of the backwaters the bigger boats can’t get down and so you have the option to go on a little boat for an additional cost. I would have preferred this to be included in the overall cost however there was no pressure on us to take the smaller boat, it was our choice.

Everything. Traditional houseboat with lovely rooms, comfortable beds, air conditioning, working shower, dining room and comfortable seating areas. Leisurely cruise down the river with some optional stops. The food cooked by the chef was incredible. I was very well catered for as a vegetarian, as were my meat eating boat mates. The crew were lovely and I felt very comfortable as a solo traveller.

I liked everything

The boat was lovely felt authentic and was comfortable. The crew were exceptional, friendly, attentive, ready to please and just really nice. The captain was great, chatting about cricket- let me steer!! The cook worked so hard to produce really delicious food and plenty of it. Some snacks at tea time - no joke in that kitchen when it’s 35c! Overall the crew made a nice boat and setting really special, they’re the memories I’ll hold onto.

The shower was a bit old but frankly - get over it, first world problems… the good massively outweighs any little niggles.

Friendly staff, excellent fresh food, relaxing experience with the tour around backwaters. Made friends with a couple who shared the boat with us, and it became one of the highlights of our trip in India.

The shower didn’t work well and the door got stuck at one point. The bathroom facilities could be improved.

I’d highly recommend a trip on Thara’s Houseboat to anyone who is looking for a relaxing tour of the stunning Alleppey backwaters. The boat and the staff were lovely and so helpful, particularly the chef Rejikumar, who was a delight to speak with and whose cooking was fantastic (I’d love the recipe of the prawn roast!). We had a great time and were lucky to be paired with a really lovely couple.

The air conditioning in the rooms could have been turned on a little earlier so we could freshen up, but that was only a very minor issue.