11 Airbnb India Experiences U.S. Travelers Are Booking Right Now

7. Kerala Backwater Houseboat Cruises and Homestays

A backwater cruise or family-run homestay in Kerala offers slow travel at its best. Traditional houseboats, called kettuvallams, provide overnight stays with meals cooked from local catch and produce, while homestays let travelers join morning chores and short village walks. Peak months are pleasantly cool and less rainy, which makes navigation easier and the scenery lush. When booking, check whether meals are included and whether the host follows hygienic food practices; many quality hosts highlight farm-to-table ingredients. Smaller homestays tend to offer more direct interaction with family life, while private houseboats emphasize comfort and scenic cruising. Responsible travelers should verify waste-management practices so their stay supports sustainable tourism in fragile backwater ecosystems. (Source: Kerala Tourism; Lonely Planet Kerala)