Great experience for a for price... Started at 1130am went around sight seeing on the house boat which was a 2 bed roomed ac boat with a nice sitting area in the front . After cruising for 2.5 hrs we halted in a narrow backwater and had lunch in the boat... We then cruised to another place where we took a small canoe (Indian) and went through narrow backwaters. Then after the nice experience returned to our boat for a cruise and halt in the evening for dinner. Got up in the morning and returned to the drop location with breakfast on the way. The crew members were also very courteous and helpful.

Our experience with Southern Backwaters Houseboats was excellent. The experience right from booking the boat with Shyju, to the food and the hospitality of the staff was excellent. Murali, besides being an amazing cook was an avid traveller with very interesting anecdotes. I did a booking for day trip morning to evening round trip including lunch, tea and snacks. I made a last minute plan to go on this trip the next day. I googled a couple of house boat operators one of them was Shyju from Southern Backwaters. Shyju immediately sent photos of the boat the trip details and was very responsive to all queries. Boat ride started right on time. There was some delicious Tapioca with chicken with welcome drinks after boarding. The rooms were very neat and clean. The toilets were clean and well maintained. Most of our time we spent enjoying the view of the backwaters and it's beauty. Our captain was very friendly and told us about all the various landmarks we passed by. For the most part we were lazing on the couch on the deck enjoying cool Breeze and the scenic view. At lunch the food was homely and delicious. There was fish fry, chicken curry and 3 types of sabji, dal and fruits. There was payasam for dessert. The lunch was ample for the four of us. We had been travelling around kerala for 4 days and were a bit tiered eating hotel food. The delicious homely food by Murali based on local recipes was a welcome change. His anecdotes of his travells around India and other countries was very interesting. Overall this was a very relaxing and enjoyable experience.

We went on a two day cruise from Alleppey to Kollam. It was truly magical. My 8 year old son had a great time and was never bored. This is a great way to experience India. There are really no words to describe the adventure. The boat was comfy and the crew was very accommodating. Out chef was so nice to stand in a long line for us so we could have beverages as we traveled (The government had recently started to regulate the sale of alcohol so only a few liquor stores were open causing very very long lines). The food was very good Kerala style food and each meal was 6 to 10 choices. I would say that it was actually a bit too much food at times. I would recommend this to anyone!

We had a wonderful and memorable boating trip with Southern Backwaters House Boat on 28/07/2022 . Their customer service was awesome, their boat staffs Mr. Joseph, Mr. Michael, and chef Mr. Salam were so cordial and the food was awesome. Special thanks to Mr. Shyju, the tour executive.

We had a wonderful and memorable trip . We 4 families had gone for one day house boat trip i.e on 30th Sep 2022 . Every one enjoyed a lot . The manager Mr. Shyju was a very nice guy and all crew members were also very co-operative . Food was very delicious . My wife and son liked the fish curry a lot . I specially requested the chef not to put onion and garlic in the veg items bcoz I eat JAIN food only on Friday . As per my request , the chef had prepared the veg items so tasty that to without onion & garlic . It was awesome !!! Definitely will plan again to taste the nonveg food again in house boat !! Really miss the house boat journey and Kerla . Thank you Mr.Shyju for making our day memorable !!

We chose this team for a get-together. Their service is good, and they provided the service as promised.

I recently had an incredible houseboat trip at Astamudy Lake! The serene waters and picturesque surroundings provided a perfect escape. The houseboat was not only comfortable but also offered stunning views from its deck. The friendly crew ensured a delightful experience, and the delicious local cuisine served on board added a flavorful touch to the journey. Astamudy Lake's tranquil charm, combined with the unique houseboat adventure, made this trip truly unforgettable. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a peaceful and scenic getaway

It was an awesome trip. People in the boat was made the journey so lively. And we should say, the food that we got was really delicious.

Its a very plesent and warm experience, our group enjoyed the Ashttamudi lake cruize with Southern Back Waters -House boat journey. The main attraction is the Chef's cookng variety. He made excellent veg & non veg foods with authentic kerala style recipies. Good in hospitality and service. *But frankly speaking the out look and cleanness can improve more, there was no musical entertainment system.and the safety measures in the house boat must improve .*

It was a wonderful experience for me having stayed at this houseboat. We were served with delicious food in timely manner. The staff members were also very professional. all over is superb. Thank You

It was a nice backwater experience given by Southern Backwaters, Kollam. The staffs were kind enough, very cordial and supportive. Food served especially Kappa fish curry and Karimeen have awesome taste and quality. A good memorable moments for the entire family. Neat and clean rooms, washrooms etc.

Bv

The best experience in life. We have booked a shikara boat only for 2 person and the boat operator was so kind and humble. Overall best experience.

Staff on the boat were great, food was lovely especially the pineapple pickle, and the tour was just what we wanted too. Stayed for 1 night and toured munroe island in small canoe visiting a coir making home. The men on the boat helped my children fish with a bambo rod and line but we didnt catch anything!

Tasty food. Friendly staff. Beautiful scenery. It was a memorable and hassle free experience.

Shaiju and his team are definitely the best to book a houseboat trip with for Ashtamudi. Can’t recommend them enough, so attentive and the captain of the boat had so much knowledge of the area. Spoiled with food and great ambience! Definitely ask them for the Munroe island canoe tour as well when you book. 100% recommend 😊

Boat is not at all recommendebl... neatness is pathetic, Don't book extra food items, they will cheat. Because I have ordered kallummekkaya 2kg, but they served very less quantity of kakka Irachi, I think 1 kg only it was, for 18 people. So don't go for this boat .

Service and scenery during cruise was very nice. But the food served was very less. It was not at all sufficient. So less rated.

Overall it was a great experience. Both operators, staff and coordinator were really friendly and welcoming. They arranged a very special cake for us through Supreme Bakery and price was reasonable. Trip price is a bit expensive compared to Alappuzha. Cleanliness and maintenance of the boat is poor and could be improved a lot.

Nice location and friendly staffs.Served good food with enough quantity and quality for 25 persons. I would recommend this houseboat package headed by Mr.Shyju.Hoping that such standards will be maintained in future as well.Thankyou for all the services offered and reminder calls before the trip.

Superb, My experience was outstanding. Food was awesome.,,. The service was very good 🥰

It was great, the food was delicious, the service was wonderful everything was good. I would recommend the place for a family trip during summer. Overall, great.

We took a day package with Southern Backwaters. I went with my family and we got to spent some quality time together. It was very quiet and the staff were very friendly. We loved the food and the hospitality. Everything was so tasty. 6 hours went by so quickly. I recommend you try out Southern Backwaters.

Southern Backwaters at Kollam, Memorial Experience in my life .. The food at this houseboat was homely and really tasty, Lovely staff so Very very Good Hospitality....

A tour worth taking. Staff is very good and food was fresh. Nothing to write about backwaters that any way are superb.

This was one of those last minute hurried up plan with my family and Mr.Shyju at Southern backwaters made the whole experience a cake walk. It started from the first phone call and lasted till the trip was complete.The crew was very polite and helpful. Food was awesome, delicious and filling. It was an experience as promised and a beautiful holiday enjoyed stress free. Everything was planned carefully and executed flawlessly, Thanks to Mr.Shyju and his crew. We're looking forward to another holiday at Southern Backwaters. Highly recommended.

Excellent service from the reservation till the end of cruise. Very cordial staff. Food was amazing. Very much family friendly. Highly recommended to anybody who wish to explore backwater cruises.

Shyju the Manager in charge explained the rate, trip route, food etc in detail and reminded the date and time to make sure we don't miss the trip. Last minute I requested for air conditioners which was done. The crew Peter & Jose were extremely courteous. They took extra care of my grandson and entertained him. The chef/cook made delicious food and the 4 Americans in our group thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Thanks for your efforts.

The service were good but the food served was very less in quantity. We 24 members team travelled on 17.1.21. The morning kappa was not sufficient to meet all the members requirement. Since it was morning, we left it as such. During lunch, it was found that the കരിമീൻ(fish) was just reaching most of the members. The shellfish was not even sufficient for serving 15 people. Veg curry, salad etc. was just sufficient for even serving less than 20 people. Only Rice and chicken curry was there. Due to lunch time and unknown place, we were forced to have it. Hence the rating is reduced.

Very nice experience using Southern Backwaters Kollam! Boat was comfortable and the views were beautiful! Food was good, and the Karimeen was especially delicious! Thank you Mr. Shaiju and your staff for a great time! Definitely would recommend and will come again next time we are in the Kollam area!

It has been a terrible experience, the boat is old and is super poorly maintained. super dirty. I do not recommend at all that you do your cruise with them. In addition, the price is exorbitant for what they offer, from what I have seen (in hindsight) there are much better and cheaper boats.