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Luxury houseboat floating peacefully through Kerala backwaters at golden hour
Welcome to UBJ Houseboats

Slow Living on the
Waters of Alappuzha

Private houseboat experiences rooted in family tradition, where the serene rhythm of the Kerala backwaters becomes your own.

Traditional Kerala houseboat floating on serene backwaters surrounded by palm trees, the family home of UBJ Houseboats

“Our waters, our home, your sanctuary.”

Rooted in
Kerala Tradition.

For generations, the backwaters of Alappuzha have been our home. UBJ Houseboats isn't just a business—it's a deeply personal invitation into the slow, quiet rhythm of our family's heritage.

Founded by Unni, Biju, and Jayan, our approach to hospitality is rooted in authenticity and warmth. We believe in curated routes that avoid the crowds, handcrafted meals cooked by our family chefs using generational recipes, and the kind of peaceful luxury that only true locals can provide.

When you step aboard, you aren't just a guest. You are experiencing Kerala exactly as we do—slowly, genuinely, and memorably.

Family Run, Since Always
The Journey

A Day on the Water

From misty dawn to starlit night, every moment is curated for stillness and discovery.

Morning mist rising over Kerala backwaters with traditional houseboat anchored near palm trees
07:00 AM

Sunrise Mist & Tea

Wake up to the soft call of kingfishers echoing across still waters. Sip freshly brewed Kerala tea on the deck as the morning mist lifts off the emerald backwaters, revealing a world untouched by time.

Houseboat cruising through narrow palm-fringed canal in Alleppey backwaters
12:30 PM

Cruising the Palms

Drift silently past lush paddy fields and centuries-old village settlements. Our captain navigates the hidden, quiet canals away from the tourist boats, where life moves at the pace of oars dipping into dark water.

Traditional Kerala fish curry meal served on a banana leaf aboard a houseboat
02:00 PM

Authentic Sadhya Lunch

A feast of local flavors served on a banana leaf. Freshly caught Karimeen (Pearl Spot) fry, aromatic curries simmered in coconut milk, and steaming red rice, all prepared by our onboard family chef using recipes passed down through generations.

Sunset view from houseboat deck with golden sky reflected on calm Kerala backwaters
06:30 PM

Golden Hour Anchor

As the sun melts into the coconut groves, painting the sky in amber and rose, we anchor for the night in a quiet channel. Enjoy the absolute stillness broken only by the rustle of palm fronds, and a starlit dinner on the upper deck.

Sanctuaries on Water

Two vessels, each crafted for a distinct experience of Kerala backwater luxury.

Vinayaka premium houseboat with traditional Kerala architecture floating on sunset backwaters
Up to 6 GuestsFamily Hosted
Premium

Vinayaka

Premium 3-Bedroom

Intimate luxury for families or small groups of up to six. Features spacious air-conditioned bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a sun-drenched upper viewing deck with panoramic backwater views, and exquisite teakwood interiors handcrafted by local artisans.

AC BedroomsPrivate ChefViewing DeckEn-suite Bathrooms
Plan Your Stay
Mahadeva luxury houseboat perfectly reflected in still Alappuzha backwater
Up to 8 GuestsFamily Hosted
Luxury

Mahadeva

Luxury 4-Bedroom

Our flagship vessel offering expansive living spaces for up to eight guests. Designed for larger gatherings seeking an uncompromised floating boutique hotel experience with a premium lounge, upper deck dining, and panoramic water views from every room.

AC BedroomsPremium LoungeUpper Deck DiningPrivate Chef
Plan Your Stay
Why Us

The UBJ Difference

Personally hosted by our Kerala family. We don't just rent boats — we welcome you to our floating home.

Family Operated

Hosted directly by Unni, Biju, and Jayan. No middlemen, no third-party agents — just authentic care, immediate service, and true local hospitality.

Curated Routes

We skip crowded tourist channels for peaceful, hidden village waterways where kingfishers dive and life moves at the rhythm of the tide.

Culinary Heritage

Every meal is prepared fresh onboard using generational family recipes and locally sourced ingredients — from freshly caught Karimeen to organic Kerala spices.

Pristine Standards

Meticulously maintained vessels with daily deep-cleaning, high-quality linens, and rigorous safety checks. Your wellbeing is our quiet commitment.

Response time: typically within 15 minutes via WhatsApp

Frequent Inquiries

Everything you need to know before your backwater journey.

Standard check-in is at 12:00 PM and check-out is at 09:00 AM the following day. We welcome you with traditional Kerala refreshments upon arrival and serve a hearty breakfast before departure. Flexible timings can be arranged with prior notice.

Plan Your
Escape.

Speak directly with our family to curate your perfect Kerala backwater itinerary. No forms, no bots — just genuine conversation.

Direct Line

+91 97782 4819

Boarding Point

Finishing Point Road, Alappuzha,
Kerala 688013

Best Time to Visit

October to March (pleasant), June to September (monsoon magic)

Instant Concierge

Connect with Unni, Biju, or Jayan directly on WhatsApp for personalized assistance, availability, and pricing.

Chat on WhatsApp

Typically responds within 15 minutes