A Kollam houseboat cruises Ashtamudi lake, a broad lake with many branching arms on the edge of the old port town, and it is also the starting point for the long canal journey north to Alleppey. Fewer boats operate here than in Alleppey, which means quieter water and a more local feel, but also less choice, so booking ahead matters.
Quick facts
Main water
Ashtamudi lake and the canal towards Kayamkulam and Alleppey.Feels like
Quieter, wider water, fewer houseboats.Cruise types
Short lake rides, day cruises, overnight stays, one way trips north.Good for
Travellers coming from Thiruvananthapuram or Varkala.Watch out for
Smaller fleet, so weekends fill early.
Ashtamudi lake by Kollam houseboat
The name Ashtamudi is usually explained as eight branches, after the arms of water that spread out across the land. Cruising here means wide stretches of lake, coconut covered islets, coir making villages along the banks and the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets near the shore. It is less crowded than Punnamada in Alleppey, and on weekdays you may see only a handful of other houseboats.
The water is broader and more open than the Alleppey canals, so the cruise is about space and light rather than village life at arm's length. Evening breezes off the lake make it pleasant even in the warmer months.
Kollam to Alleppey by water
The canal between Kollam and Alleppey is one of the longest continuous backwater journeys in Kerala, passing Ashtamudi, the Kayamkulam lake stretch and long narrow canals lined with villages. There are two ways to do it.
| Option | How it works | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist boat by day | A shared public tourist cruise of about eight hours, run on certain days; schedules have changed in the past | Backpackers and day travellers |
| Houseboat over two days | A private boat covering part of the route each day, mooring at night on the way | Couples and families who want privacy |
| Split trip | A Kollam day cruise, then road to Alleppey for an overnight stay | Short trips with less time on board |
The full route is long, so check which section a quote actually covers. Our cruise itinerary page describes the stretches near Alleppey in detail.
What changes Kollam houseboat rates
We never publish figures, but these are the levers that move a quote up or down, whether you search for rates per day or a family package:
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Route | A lake loop costs less than a one way run towards Alleppey, which needs fuel and a return trip for the crew |
| Bedrooms | Each extra room adds noticeably |
| Category and AC | Day long AC and premium fittings cost more than night only cooling |
| Dates | Weekends, Onam, Christmas and New Year are dearest; monsoon weekdays are usually lowest |
| Meals | Seafood and special requests add to the bill |
The price factors guide goes through each lever in detail.
Family trips from Kollam
Kollam suits families who are also visiting Varkala beach or Thiruvananthapuram, since it saves a long drive north. A day cruise with lunch is often enough for young children; an overnight stay works well if the boat has two bedrooms and full railings. Ask the cook to keep one curry mild, and carry snacks for the gap between lunch and tea.
Booking a Kollam houseboat without stress
- Decide between a lake loop and a one way trip towards Alleppey.
- Ask two or three operators for written quotes listing route, hours, meals and AC timing.
- Request the boat's Port Department licence and classification; you can read about the scheme on the state tourism department's site.
- Confirm the boarding jetty and parking, since some boats leave from outside the town.
- Pay a deposit only after you have seen photos of the actual boat.
More on spotting fake listings is in our booking guide.
Kollam or Alleppey for your stay
- Pick Kollam if you are coming from the south, want fewer boats around you, or like open lake views.
- Pick Alleppey if you want the widest choice of boats, close up village canals and an easy overnight circuit; start with the Alleppey guide.
- Consider Kumarakom if you are coming from Kottayam or the hills; see Kumarakom.
Poovar and Akalapuzha, often searched alongside Kollam
Poovar, near Thiruvananthapuram, is an estuary where the river meets the sea, best known for short boat rides through mangroves to a sand bar beach. Some resorts there have floating cottages, but it is not an overnight cruising area like Ashtamudi.
Akalapuzha is a different place altogether, a lake in Kozhikode district in north Kerala, near Payyoli. It has boating and occasional houseboat rides with tickets sold locally. If you are in the north, also read about Nileshwar and the Valiyaparamba backwaters.
Questions travellers ask
Is a Kollam houseboat better than one in Alleppey?
It is quieter and the lake is wider, but there are fewer boats and fewer village canals. Choose Kollam for calm and open water, Alleppey for choice and canal scenery.
How long is the boat trip from Kollam to Alleppey?
The shared tourist cruise takes about eight hours when it runs. A private houseboat usually splits the route over two days with a night moored along the way.
What decides Kollam Ashtamudi houseboat rates per day?
Route length, number of bedrooms, AC hours, meals and dates. A short lake loop on a monsoon weekday is at the low end, while a one way run north on a holiday weekend is at the top.
Are there Kollam houseboat packages for families?
Yes, most operators offer day cruises and overnight stays sized for families. Ask for a two bedroom boat with railings, a mild menu and child life jackets.
Where is Akalapuzha and does it have houseboats?
Akalapuzha is a lake in Kozhikode district in north Kerala, not near Kollam. It offers boat rides with locally sold tickets, but the overnight houseboat scene is small.