There is no houseboat in Munnar, and none in Thekkady either: both are hill areas in the Western Ghats, and the Kerala backwaters lie down on the coastal plain. The nearest houseboats are at Alleppey (Alappuzha) and Kumarakom, a drive of roughly four to five hours from Munnar and three to four hours from Thekkady. The good news is that hills and backwaters combine easily in one trip.
Quick facts
Houseboats in Munnar
None; only small pedal and rowing boats on dam lakes.Houseboats in Thekkady
None; the Periyar lake boat ride is a forest cruise, not a stay.Munnar to Alleppey
About 170 km, usually four to five hours by road.Thekkady to Kumarakom
About 120 km, usually three to four hours.Best order
Hills first, backwaters last, then fly out of Kochi.
Why there is no houseboat in Munnar
Houseboats need long, connected stretches of calm, shallow water, which Kerala has only near the coast, in the lakes and canals around Vembanad and Ashtamudi. Munnar sits high in tea country, and Thekkady is on the edge of the Periyar forest. Any listing that promises a Munnar houseboat booking is either a package that includes a drive to Alleppey or a misleading advert, so read the itinerary carefully.
Boat rides you can do in the hills
| Place | What is on offer | Is it a houseboat? |
|---|---|---|
| Mattupetty dam, Munnar | Pedal boats and speedboats on the reservoir | No |
| Kundala lake, Munnar | Pedal and rowing boats | No |
| Periyar lake, Thekkady | A boat cruise inside the reserve to spot animals at the water's edge | No, it is a day ride run by the authorities |
These are pleasant hour long outings, but nothing like a night on the backwaters.
Munnar to Alleppey: distance and drive
The road distance is about 170 km, and most drivers allow four to five hours through Adimali and the plains, longer in monsoon or with stops. Roads wind steeply for the first part, so anyone prone to motion sickness should eat light and sit in front.
- Leave Munnar by about 7 am to reach an Alleppey jetty around boarding time.
- Book the houseboat for that same afternoon so the drive does not waste a day.
- After check out the next morning, Kochi airport is about two hours away.
Thekkady to Kumarakom or Alleppey
From Thekkady, Kumarakom is the natural choice, about 120 km and three to four hours via Kottayam. Alleppey adds roughly another hour. Kumarakom also has open lake views and a calmer feel after the bustle of the spice town; our Kumarakom guide explains the routes.
Sample routes that combine hills and a houseboat
| Trip length | Suggested order |
|---|---|
| Four nights | Kochi, two nights Munnar, one night houseboat in Alleppey, fly out of Kochi |
| Five nights | Kochi, two nights Munnar, one night Thekkady, one night houseboat in Kumarakom |
| Six nights | Kochi, two nights Munnar, two nights Thekkady, one night houseboat, then an Alleppey beach day |
Putting the houseboat last means you end the trip relaxed and close to the airport. For how that night on board unfolds, read the overnight stay guide.
Short on time? Try Kochi
If you cannot fit Alleppey in, a short Kochi cruise gives a fair taste of the backwaters on your way to or from the airport. See Kochi options. For the bigger picture of every base, the Kerala houseboat hub compares them side by side.
Questions travellers ask
Is there any houseboat in Munnar?
No. Munnar is a hill station with tea estates and dam lakes, and the only boats are small pedal and rowing boats. The nearest houseboats are in Alleppey and Kumarakom.
Is there a houseboat in Thekkady?
No. The boat ride on Periyar lake is a short wildlife cruise, not a houseboat stay. Kumarakom is the closest houseboat base, about three to four hours away.
What is the Munnar to Alleppey houseboat distance?
About 170 km by road, usually four to five hours. Plan to leave early so you reach the jetty around midday.
Can I book a Munnar houseboat package?
You can book a package that includes Munnar and a houseboat, but the boat will be in Alleppey or Kumarakom. Check the itinerary to see the drive and boarding time.
Should I do the houseboat before or after Munnar?
After is usually better. You end the trip relaxed, and Alleppey and Kumarakom are closer to Kochi airport than the hills are.