My family of 4 spent a night on a private houseboat in India for $300 — it was a unique, luxurious way to see such a beautiful place

Asia London PalombaFeb 6, 2024, 03:20 IST

Staying on a houseboat in India was incredible and fairly affordable. Asia London Palomba

My family paid $300 for a night on a private two-bedroom houseboat in southern India.
We spent the day sailing the backwaters of the river city of Alleppey, and were served three meals.

My family and I don't exchange birthday or Christmas gifts. Instead, we travel together to Asia or Africa for two weeks in December.

We've spent the holidays hiking volcanoes in Indonesia, traveling by train through Vietnam, and swimming in the Indian Ocean in Madagascar.

This past Christmas, my family and I spent two weeks traveling through the southern Indian region of Kerala.

The highlight of our trip was spending Christmas on a private houseboat for 25,000 rupees, or about $300.

We boarded our private, two-bedroom houseboat in an Alleppey canal.

Me and my family spent the night on a private, two-bedroom houseboat.Asia London Palomba

The main part of the boat was filled with natural light.

A dining table for six sat in the space. Asia London Palomba

After boarding, we checked out our living quarters for the night.

One of the two bedrooms aboard the houseboat.Asia London Palomba

Soon, we began cruising along the backwaters.

There were impressive views from most parts of the boat. Asia London Palomba

Cruising down the backwaters felt like sailing through liquid glass.

Locals driving long, low wooden boats waved as we passed each other. Asia London Palomba

An hour into sailing, we were served an authentic local lunch.

Lunch aboard the houseboat was filling.Asia London Palomba

After lunch, the boat stopped and we went on a walk.

The local stall sold crabs, king prawns, and an assortment of fish.Asia London Palomba

At around 5 p.m., we were served tea and a light snack.

I drank a lot of masala chai during my time in India. Asia London Palomba

We were served dinner an hour after sunset.

The meat of the red snapper was dark and flaky, and the king prawns were juicy and tender.Asia London Palomba

The next day, I woke up early to enjoy the quiet moments of the morning.

The morning light made the houseboat shine.Asia London Palomba

At around 8 a.m. we were served a hearty Indian breakfast.

Our breakfast on the houseboat tasted fresh. Asia London Palomba

As we ate, the houseboat went on one final sail.

The views from the houseboat were incredible.Asia London Palomba

The experience was the highlight of our two-week trip.

I'd definitely stay on a houseboat again. Asia London Palomba

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My family of 4 spent a night on a private houseboat in India for $300 &mdash; it was a unique, luxurious way to see such a beautiful place