8 independent reviews for Tailor made houseboat cruise in Kerala, India
Reviews for Tailor made houseboat cruise in Kerala, India
Kim Horrocks review 30 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Arriving to the houseboat tour in a different location than Allepey was very nice. It was a quiet turn in the river where no other houseboats were visible for an entire day. It felt very special. We REALLY loved the walk into Camp Footprint from above Munnar town. Again, this took you away from the crowded tourist trap of Munnar and brought you to a very secluded spot, totally surrounded by nature. We would have enjoyed 2 nights here instead of 1.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The standard houseboat tour is with loads of other boats and goes in a circle. You can request to explore different parts of the area or spend more time down a side channel and avoid the big crowd of boats. Spend 2 nights at Camp Footprint instead of only 1 to be able to have a longer day hike on the middle day. We were only able to do a shorter hike to the top station and would have loved to explore the area a bit more. As for the home stay near Cochin, the family and property were extra excellent!! What a beautiful spot and experience to include in an itinerary. We felt it was a bit rushed and felt embarrassed that we were just arriving in the early evening after a long day and then had to sleep early and depart at 5 am to head to the airport. It felt disruptive and did not give us the time to have meaningful interaction, which I think the family wanted as well. Despite this, we would highly recommend this home stay, but in a different itinerary where arrival time/departure time was more forgiving.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
No matter how you cut it, travel does not benefit the environment. However, weappreciated the efforts made by the tour operator to travel with a sense of connecting to people and not just flowing with the masses to the usual destinations.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We LOVED our section of travel with the tour operator. Everything was very well Organized and communicated. The driver, Anil, was on top of his game and the overall feeling is that we were very glad to have pursued this portion office trip with you.Philip Thomas review 20 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It was all great - very much surpassed what we were expecting, every one of the homestay hosts went over and above to provide a great experience for us.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We found it somewhat warm and humid in March - January or February might be less so (though there would be more tourists at this time!).3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We stayed with local families who employed locals so we knew our money was going where it was needed. The home/farm stay owners all seemed to have an awareness of the environment and reducing their impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The perfect getaway for someone who wants a relaxing vacation away from the hustle and bustle.Amanda Armes review 30 Dec 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Boat trip and beach2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Just enjoy!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Na4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
10/10Sara Denham review 16 Apr 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Just loved the peace of floating down the river, and watching life happen on the riverbanks.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
not sure4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Wonderful experienceMichael Smith review 3 Dec 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We have been able to totally relax and let the world go by due to the lovely boat, the brilliant crew who looked after our every wish and the unspoilt area.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I would suggest using Teak house on the first day/night when arriving in Kerala (we were so tired after the plane journey) then go to the boat for the relaxing part.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely our purchases helped local people and businesses I hope we had a minimal carbon footprint while on the boat.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely brilliant.Jan Broderick review 30 Nov 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The houseboats in Kerala2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take the upgrade options - the hotels and rooms we had were fantastic.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We used smaller local hotels and transport. They were all careful with their environmental impact - as much as they could.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Amazing. We enjoyed every part of it. Our tour operator built us a great tour which worked really well. There was lots to do and plenty of variety. Our driver, Sidgi (not sure about the spelling) was helpful and friendly. He was flexible and helped us to find what we most enjoyed on the trip.David Graham review 25 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Every aspect of our trip was memorable and it is impossible to select one particular feature that stands out. We particularly appreciated the houseboat in traditional style, unlike some of the more modern closed in boats with what we assume would be A/C and which were, as a result, not open to the surroundings. We didn't need A/C by day because of the style of the boat and the A/C at night was excellent. Our staff of 3 was excellent and non-intrusive and the food was spectacular.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take a waterproof or umbrella in case of rain and any alcohol you might wish to drink as alcohol is not available on board.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Unsure about this. Certainly, from the response of the local people, tourists are appreciated but are not hassled in any way. From the welcome received, one must assume that tourists are seen in a positive way as contributing to the local economy. As to the environmental impact, that is uncertain, but if to guarantee tourism conservation and eco projects are necessary then such vacations must have a positive impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The vacation, which was recommended to us as excellent, proved to be such and we have no hesitation in recommending it to others. Indeed, we already have, and specified this company. We have no criticisms, only the greatest praise.Fran Griffin review 25 Apr 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All of it. Every day was a new adventure. From the excellent food to the beautiful scenery and friendly helpful crew.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Travel light, relàx and enjoy. Take a good camera and binoculars.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our crew took us to various places where we could spend money but you get a real feel of local people when you have time to walk and talk to them which they are very keen to do. The crew buy fresh supplies from local sources. The boats themselves however pump out diesel fumes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was a thoroughly relaxing, enjoyable experience watching nature and dining on far too much food. However the bird sanctuary had no birds in it, the snake boats only race in August and the coir industry has moved out of the area. Six days was a little too long but it enabled us to travel further to more beautiful places and travel along some of the smaller canals.Holiday Reviews
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