Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Xandari Riverscapes, luxury traditional houseboats in Alleppey backwaters. Life on the backwaters has a different set of rules. First, since there are no roads we depend on canals, rivers and lakes for our travel routes. Most families have a boat of their own. Children often learn to swim at least as early as they learn to walk-you are likely to see kids splashing in the local equivalent of a playground. Their school buses float, as do the postal vessels delivering to homes here. Even the supermarket floats!River Escapes provides an experience of the backwaters of Kerala in a vessel whose history harkens back to the ancient rice trade of this region while also providing modern comforts. These vessels are designed to balance authenticity and innovation. They are engineered to balance comfort and environmental responsibility - we pioneered the technology now considered the gold standard of emissions reduction. Most importantly they are staffed by members of the local community who are proud to showcase their corner of God's Own Country to visitors.A unique set of waterways in our state's central region allows us to showcase three districts that represent the "rice bowl" of Kerala - all by boat. We started operating our houseboats in 2006 and are now the respected leader on the backwaters in terms of environmental responsibility, commitment to the communities where we bring visitors and in terms of guest satisfaction.
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Xandari Riverscapes is lauded for its comfortable and luxurious amenities, with a particular emphasis on its attentive staff. While generally deemed good value, some guests note an unjustified holiday surcharge. The hotel's atmosphere is celebrated for its tranquility and romantic vibe, complemented by modern, air-conditioned rooms that don't skimp on cleanliness or comfort.
Reviewers consistently applaud the pristine nature of the accommodations, with special mention of the superior showers. The service receives high marks for friendliness and professionalism, ensuring a welcoming stay for all guests.
Atmosphere
Tranquil
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Satisfactory
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Well-appointed
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Even before we arrived, the lady at the office called our travel agent to confirm a particular dietary sensitivity, so we knew they pay good attention to detail.
From the moment we stepped aboard the “Chaliyar”, the crew (Sonny, Sujith, Aneesh) couldn’t do enough for us and served up a wonderful lunch, dinner and breakfast.
The boat is amazing - very authentic, but also well equipped with nice bedroom room (with A/C and fan) good hot shower, private dining area and lovely viewing deck.
We also enjoyed the transfer to a powered canoe to tour the narrow canals and see how important the waterway is to all the people who live and work there.
In the evening we moored up and the crew guided us through the nearby village before serving us a real feast of a meal in the dining room.
The bedroom was nice and cool, comfortable and quiet.
If you like birds, you will see numerous cormorants, egrets and fish eagles and kingfishers all the way.
It was a really nice way to spend a day & night, and we were sad to leave our great hosts behind.
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Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Vinoob V, General Manager at Xandari Riverscapes
Responded 9 Feb 2024
Thank you for taking the time to post your review. We are so happy that you had a great time with us
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The houseboat cruise is a must do experience if you’re travelling to Kerala. We booked a private boat which took us around the backwaters for a day and also included a one hour tour by canoe. The boat was modern, extremely clean and well maintained. It has a ‘living room’ space with comfortable seats, a small bedroom with bathroom (with air conditioning by night), and a small dining room. The tour starts at 12 pm and finishes the day after at 9 am, it includes lunch, dinner and breakfast. The food was freshly prepared by our chef Sujith, his service was great and all the food very good (a combination of various dishes including chicken curry, rice, vegetables and grilled fish). The rest of the crew, Romeo and Praveen, were also really nice and attentive. This tour is a unique experience, highly recommended to anyone visiting Kerala.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, Owner at Xandari Riverscapes
Responded 9 Sept 2021
Hi Sir, Thank you for taking time out to review our Xandari Riverscapes & guest feedback's are essential to enhancing the Xandari Riverscapes experience. We at Xandari Riverscapes, are commited to ensure the guest staying with us on the traditional Kettuvallams leave with an memorable experience to cherish with. Watching birds and paddy fields and life on backwaters is one of the unique experience. Look forward to your stay with us for more days and assure you of our best services and attention at all times. Regards
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We were the only guests on board this houseboat and felt somewhat like royalty, with every whim being attended to.
The three-man crew were welcoming and efficient. We had a big cabin with a king-sized double bed, and a large bathroom with flush toilet and running hot and cold water. Aircon was activated when the boat moored for the night at around 1830. The accommodation far exceeded our expectations. It was quiet and sleep quality was good.
We were content with maritime safety (we have years of experience sailing these types of waters). There were plenty of lifejackets available, though some gaps in the rails that could allow the unwary to fall overboard. The boat engine was quiet and there were no fumes.
There were very few insects and, though we dined outdoors in dim light, the lights in our cabin were big and bright.
We had an interesting cruise around the backwaters, seeing how the local people live, fish and travel in this area. One night was not really enough. We had a trip through a local village by “canoe”, which had an outboard. We had to stay in the canoe but would have preferred to walk around the villages.
The food wasn't outstanding but certainly very acceptable.
We would be happy to recommend a two-night stay on this houseboat: one night was not really enough.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, Owner at Xandari Riverscapes
Responded 9 Sept 2021
Hi Sir, Thank you for taking time out to review our Xandari Riverscapes & guest feedback's are essential to enhancing the Xandari Riverscapes experience. We at Xandari Riverscapes, are commited to ensure the guest staying with us on the traditional Kettuvallams leave with an memorable experience to cherish with. Watching birds and paddy fields and life on backwaters is one of the unique experience. Look forward to your stay with us for more days and assure you of our best services and attention at all times. Regards
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We were a party of 4 (2 couples) and had a boat to ourselves for a 1 night backwaters cruise, with a 3 man crew (captain, chef and engineer). The accommodation was very comfortable with reasonably sized bedrooms with private bathrooms and a/c. The food was the highlight with our chef preprating delicious chicken, fish and vegetable dishes. The main canal is a little crowded at times with other riceboats, but we did have some periods of tranquility to watch the birds and see the fascinating canalside villages. We tied up for the night in a quiet mooring in a branch of the main canal, had a magnificent cooked-to-order breakfast before arriving back at the disembarkation point.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from GM_Xandari, Manager at Xandari Riverscapes
Responded 28 Jan 2020
HI Sir Thank you for taking time out to review our Xandari Riverscapes & guest feedback's are essential to enhancing the Xandari Riverscapes experience. Staying on board traditional Kettuvallams as orginally known is one fo the best way to relax and enjoy the scenic backwaters move by and traditional cuisine prepared by our experienced chef on board. Look forward to your stay with us for more days and assure you of our best services and attention at all times. Regards
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Our group of 7 persons stayed on two houseboats and it was truly a wonderful experience! I have sailed with 2 other houseboat companies on the backwaters and I am happy to note that my experience with Xandari counts as the best so far. I personally think that houseboats on the Keralan backwaters should retain some old-world charm. Television, glass enclosed houseboats with AC are an unfortunate addition to the business, most probably to cater to a particular segment of clients, but I think houseboat companies have to draw the line somewhere. Xandari Riverscapes has found middle ground in this respect. The floors of the houseboats are wooden, and air-conditioning is limited to the bedrooms. I find AC unnecessary, but am willing to give in on this addition. Thankfully, the whole boat is not a glass encased monstrosity.
Xandari Riverscapes cruises on the backwaters, not the Vembanad Lake, and this makes for a more picturesque trip! You begin to notice and appreciate the meandering waterways.
The crew on both boats were excellent! This in itself makes it worthy of 5 stars. Food was excellent. Our boat was newly renovated, like many others in their fleet. The interiors were beautifully done up! The upper deck is a fantastic addition to the experience. All in all, my reservations about a double deckerboat with AC are put to rest. I would return to the Xandari experience again!
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Date of stay: February 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from GM_Xandari, Manager at Xandari Riverscapes
Responded 25 Feb 2020
Hi Sir Thank you for taking time out to review our Xandari Riverscapes & guest feedback's are essential to enhancing the Xandari Riverscapes experience. We are extremely happd to have the group stay with and giving us the chance to serve you. Feel overwhelmed by the feedback that the stay & experience was much better than your previous stay with other company. ALl our boats are still with the traditional kettuvallam concepts with little modern touch. All our staff are professionally trained to ensure the best of the service and guest leave with moct cherishing experience We Look forward to your stay with us for more days and assure you of our best services and attention at all times. Regards
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To finish our holiday in Kerala we had 2 nights on the backwaters. We boarded our rice barge "Chaliyar" and were introduced to our crew. We were also encouraged to look around the accommodation and especially the kitchen, which was spotlessly clean. Within minutes we were handed refreshment and set sail. The crew - Romeo, Sasikuttan and Sujith were so attentive and made us feel at home immediately. Our bedroom with en-suite was lovely and comfortable. We had our own dining room, were asked what time we wanted to eat and were served the most amazing meals. Nothing was too much trouble..It was so relaxing. As we were sailing they were pleased to point out things of interest. We cant thank this crew enough as it made the end of our holiday very special. Thank you.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:We had a one bedroom rice boat, which was lovely for 2 people.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from GM_Xandari, Manager at Xandari Riverscapes
Responded 8 Mar 2020
HI Sir Thank you for taking time out to review our Xandari Riverscapes & guest feedback's are essential to enhancing the Xandari Riverscapes experience. We, Xandarians are committed to ensure the guest staying with us leave with the best of the experience and memories to cherish with and their personalised service give you homely feeling. Look forward to your stay with us for more days and assure you of our best services and attention at all times. Regards
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This is an impressive, well organised set up. The boats are incredibly comfortable and spotlessly clean. The crew are friendly, engaging, professional and well trained. You only need 1 night as ‘once you’ve seen the backwaters, you’ve seen it’. They also organise a short canoe trip so you get to see the narrow canals and the surrounding environment. I have dropped it one star as we had to pay a £30 per head supplement in cash on arrival as it was Christmas Eve (noting the staff were Hindu) - and I don’t think we got anything extra for it…. The food was clean, tasty, plentiful - but basic chicken and fish curried dishes (there was no elaborate prawn/lobster special occasion type food). I would definitely recommend and it was worth £500 (but £620 was pushing the VFM envelope).
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are about to disembark after a memorable night on the Chaliyar (name of the boat) from Xandari Riverscapes. This company and the team of Xandarians as they refer to themselves exemplify customer service. Starting with an Uber efficient check in process, to a beautifully appointed, clean, spacious houseboat, every hour was a stamp on the memory. There was a team of 3 (Sujith, Sony and Prince) who accompanied us on the boat. Service is Uber efficient, warm and cordial without being intrusive. They almost seem to have a 6th sense for our needs. On board you get basic toiletries, good quality linen, etc For backup, in case you forget to bring something, they also have phone chargers, wine bottle opener and god knows what else! You name it, they have it! In terms of experiences, the serenity of the area gives you goosebumps. My Som absolutely loved the idea of being able to steer the boat with the Captain in the Mornjng. Also we had a trip around the area in a canoe which was fun as was the experience to buy seafood ourselves which we could eat later. They also stop next to a home stay from the same ownership group and has a swimming pool (if somebody wants a modcon next to the experience of being close to nature). The good news is that this is also the night parking (and not under some bridge with 200 other boards!). Food was at the level of any 5 star hotel (and better). They prepare it fresh on board. For lunch it was a 2 x vegetable, sambhar dal, fresh fried fish, salad and payasam for dessert. Dinner starters was lobsters and crab which we bought fresh from the fisherman and they cooked on board. This was followed by chicken biryani (chef had asked us what we want in the afternoon) and Raita with fresh fruits for dessert. Breakfast was egg curry, appams and fresh fruits (you can also opt for the usual fare of toast, eggs etc but we opted for traditional). All in all, despite being a fussy traveler who does quite some flyer miles every year for work and pleasure, I have to say that Xandari ticks all the boxes.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Call the office as the last 20 mts to arrive is a tricky turn next to the bridge.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Pravin Joby, Guest Services / Front Office at Xandari Riverscapes
Responded 21 Aug 2023
Dear Guest. Namaskaram!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for choosing to stay with us and for taking the time to write the review about Xandari Riverscapes . We are happy to know that you had a great time with us and mesmerized by the detailed review about Xandari Riverscapes. We always strive to provide our guests with the highest level of service and create fond memories. It brings us immense joy to know that you were impressed with the services rendered by our team and they exceeded your expectations. Our team members are truly dedicated professionals who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional services, and we're delighted to hear that their efforts made a positive impact on your stay with us. The team with us are our strength as they are with us more than a decade or two. Your kind words will serve as a great motivation for the team to continue delivering exceptional hospitality to all our guests. Being operational close to 25 years we have gone through the process of guest's likes and dislikes and with the constant support from our management we are evolving ourselves to make sure our guests enjoy every moment with us. As rightly mentioned by you our chef's culinary talents are always appreciated by our guests. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back again soon. Warmest Regards Pravin Joby C T 9446406005
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As part of our holiday in Kerala we had booked 2 nights aboard Xandari Riverscapes’ beautiful Rice Barge “ACHANKOVILAR”. We were travelling as 2 couples. After a warm welcome we quickly settled in to our new surroundings: a very comfortable and well equipped cabin complete with A.C, and en suite facilities-all spotlessly clean. There was a great seating and dining area which was an ideal spot from which to watch the fascinating world of the Backwaters as we glided by. The engine was very quiet and so we were able to enjoy the peace as well as the rich bird life that this area has to offer. Our crew really made the trip for us! The captain, Arun, Driver Shibumon and the brilliant chef Ajesh all made a terrific team to ensure our trip surpassed our expectations. The food was some of the best we have had in India, Ajesh coped really well with one of our group who has an onion allergy and he provided us with delicious meals during our stay. Having the 2 nights on board was fabulous. It meant we could travel further and reach more remote parts of the waterways where we could enjoy the tranquil surroundings away from the busier stretches of water. The knowledgable crew were able to point out the bird life, explain the activities of the local people and took us to see some interesting spots along the way-even stopping for us to view the harvesting of the rice in the paddy fields! Thank you Arun, Shibumon and Ajesh for a memorable experience on the Backwaters aboard Achankovilar!
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Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from GM_Xandari, Manager at Xandari Riverscapes
Responded 8 Mar 2020
HI Sir/Madam Thank you for taking time out to review our Xandari Riverscapes & guest feedback's are essential to enhancing the Xandari Riverscapes experience. Staying on the traditional Houseboats knows as Kettuvallams for 2 nights is one of the best way to experience the backwaters witnessing local life passing by, watching various birds, enjoying local traditionla cuisine on bard prepared by our experienced Chef..All our staff are professio ally trained to ensure best of the service and ensure guest staying leave with memorable experience and moments to cherish with. Look forward to your stay with us for more days and assure you of our best services and attention at all times. Regards
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What a great trip through the backwaters we made, two of us on the boat with a cozy upperdeck and 3 staff. Superfriendly staff, delicious meals, a boat with all luxury but still original in the way the boat looks and is built. Although it is quite crowdy in the backwaters it is a peaceful atmosphere when boating. AC available. At night you dock where power is available so also at night the ac runs without the noisy use of a generator It is a truly great experience, we loved it!
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from GM_Xandari, Manager at Xandari Riverscapes
Responded 19 Feb 2020
Hi Sir Thank you for taking time out to review our Xandari Riverscapes & guest feedback's are essential to enhancing the Xandari Riverscapes experience. All our boats are made with the traditional Kettuvallam concept with all modern facilties to esnure guest stay is made memorable. and boats are connected to shore suppply for back up in tne night time to reduce the use of generator there by minimising the pollution as well as noise level...Staff are all trained and professional to ensure the guest leaves with experience to cehris with Look forward to your stay with us for more days and assure you of our best services and attention at all times. Regards
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The living space is open so I would definitely recommend insect repellant, particularly if you are prone to insect bites. Our bedroom came with a plug in repellent but perhaps sensible to check with them before you go or carry one just in case.
Dear Bolton,
Yes, the rooms are available on the dates you have mentioned.
Please let us know the category of room you prefer. The details of the rooms and tariffs are available on Xandari website.
Thank You
Bribie Island, Australia922 contributions227 helpful votes
I am not sure whether rates change with the season? May is not a premium time, so may accrue a cheaper rate. Again if you have made a booking you should have a contact phone number or email address. There is very limited parking on site, and I'm not sure you can leave a vehicle there. I was one of 5 people but we were doing a tour, and so our driver dropped us off and picked us up next day on our return. It truly is a magical experience.
There are more places to choose from in the Alappuzha area.
PRICE RANGE
₹32,724 - ₹57,917 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
River Escapes
LOCATION
IndiaKeralaAlappuzha DistrictAlappuzha
NUMBER OF ROOMS
21
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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