FAQ's
+ Do houseboats cause pollution?
- Yes, it definitely does. Johnson’s boat is fitted with inboard engines & bio toilets. It’s as bio –friendly without the pretense as can be. Read more in “What’s eco on Johnson’s eco houseboats”?
+ What is the route that the houseboat takes? Where is it moored at night? Does it go to Kollam?
“The Pride eco houseboat takes it’s guests through the waterways in & around Alleppey (the most meaningful & scenic part of the backwaters is here). It goes into the large Vembanad lake for a small period of time (about an hour or so) before getting into the smaller canals.
The boat is moored in a quiet lagoon where there are hardly any other houseboats with the canal on one side and rice fields on the other – quiet, scenic & safe) It’s near the home of one of the staff on the boat.
No, it does not go to Kollam- even though the route is scenic, it’s also the most boring as it’s one straight canal without much variety, village life, etc. that makes the backwaters in & around Alleppey so meaningful, enchanting and beautiful.
+ How many days can guests take the houseboat for?
- The record on Johnson’s boat is 4 consecutive nights. The record for the longest stay on a rice barge in Alleppey (not on Johnson’s boat) is 29 nights -believe it or not.
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+ Does the crew speak English?
- Not very well. But an English speaking guide can be provided for a couple of hours on request. Not really necessary.
+ Is there beer for sale on the kettu vallom?
- No, but guests are welcome to buy as many as they want and bring it onboard. It’s kept in a cooler for use anytime.
+ Is the punted houseboat more eco-friendly?
- Yes, it definitely is. But there are hardly any in Alleppey. Of the few left, most are fitted with outboard engines anyway. That’s to take the boat out of the main jetty to the smaller canals where punting is possible. And there goes eco-friendliness. Also, it’s painfully slow. And hard labor for the staff. Because there’s not many left, if at all, it does not make it any cheaper, either.
+ Does the houseboat run during the monsoon?
- Yes, it does. The rain only enhances the beauty of the backwaters. It’s greener and cooler. Harvest season is just after June, July. Onam, Kerala’s main festival season is end August, beginning of September, when there’s still rain. Boat race season starts during the monsoon. If there was no rain, Kerala probably wouldn’t exist, the way it does now, leastways.
+ How about the mosquitoes?
Yes, there are mosquitoes. About the same as anywhere else in Kerala. On Johnson’s boat mosquitoes nets are provided. And coils lit in the evenings when its’ peak mozzie time. Add mosquito cream that most tourists carry along with them- and you’re safe enough. No malaria in Kerala anyhow.
+ Isn’t Johnson’s houseboat too big for a couple? And is it more expensive than other houseboats because of it’s size?
- No, it only makes it roomier. Most builders choke up space on their boats with as many rooms as possible. Here, there’s only one large room, and that too, is on the upper deck. And there’s more space on the lower level to lounge in on the wonderful swing chairs. Quite a few onboard guests have done yoga exercises on Johnson’s boat.
+ Are there off season discounts?
- Except for a peak season hike of 20% Johnson’s houseboat tariffs remain the same throughout the year. And in that, it’s probably the only houseboat that does not change. There are 3 tariff options anyway for customers to choose according to their budget.
+ Are the backwaters safe for swimming ?
- For the villagers who lives by the backwaters, yes. Foreign tourists are advised not to –since they are not used to the water here, they may develop rashes or skin problems later.
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