Most backwater houseboat operators in Alleppey run boats. Some run businesses. Very few build legacies. Spice Routes started in 2008 as a pioneer of ultra-luxury houseboats in Kerala. Sixteen years later, they’ve hosted Dutch royalty, earned Kerala’s highest tourism classification, … Read More
Luxury Houseboat Cruises in Kerala with Spice Routes
Luxury houseboat cruises through the tranquil backwaters of Alappuzha/Alleppey, offering unforgettable Kerala boating experiences with Spice Routes.
Unwind & Explore Kerala’s Best Houseboats
Cruise the scenic backwater canals of Kerala aboard our luxurious kettuvalam (houseboat). Experience peaceful rides through Alappuzha’s lush paddy fields, traditional rice barges, and vibrant village life along the waterways.















The Spice Routes Experience
Enjoy a private backwater cruise on an ultra-luxury houseboat blending rustic charm with modern comforts. Delight in exclusive check-in, premium onboard dining, and authentic local interactions around Alleppey for a memorable Kerala backwater holiday.
Our Houseboats
Choose from our plush fleet of premium 1 to 5-bedroom houseboats in Kerala, featuring luxurious amenities and additional conference facilities for a perfect blend of comfort and business.
Alleppey & Around
Discover the enchanting coastal strip of Alleppey, woven with shimmering canals, pristine beaches, ancient temples, churches, and rich cultural sites. Explore Kerala’s vibrant heritage on an ultra-luxury houseboat tour, enjoying breathtaking views and authentic local experiences.
Our Distinguished Guests

Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa
The Spice Routes experience on the houseboat was extremely comfortable and memorable. It opened my eyes to the stunning backwater landscape.

Ms.Sheila Dixit
We spent a very enjoyable and memorable few hours on the Spice Routes cruise in the stunning backwaters of Alleppey. It is heartening to be up close to one of the best experiences that Kerala has to offer.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of The Netherlands
We'd like to thank the crew for the excellent assistance and tour of the beautiful backwaters of Alleppey during the State visit of the King & Queen .
Stories from the Backwaters
Why Kerala Backwaters are Called the Venice of the East
The “Venice of the East” label gets thrown around. Bangkok claims it. Udaipur uses it. Several Chinese cities apply it. Even some parts of Kerala itself compete for the title. But the Kerala backwaters around Alleppey have the strongest claim. … Read More
Summer Vacation in Kerala: Why Kids Love Houseboat Trips
Family trips usually mean managing kid boredom. Museums where they can’t touch anything. Restaurants where they need to sit still. Activities that adults find interesting but children tolerate. Houseboats on Kerala’s backwaters work differently. Kids actually enjoy this. It’s a … Read More