Explore Kerala’s Backwaters: 24-Hour Alleppey Houseboat Adventure

Alleppey Houseboat Tour of the Kerala Backwaters

We had read that visiting the Kerala backwaters was a must when visiting Alleppey in India. According to The Lonely Planet, an Alleppey houseboat tour may be one of the most expensive things that you do in India, but it is worth every penny.

After spending 2 1/2 hours on the train, a driver met us at the station to transfer us to the jetty, where our houseboat awaited for the next 24 hours. We had heard that booking on arrival could lead to unpleasant surprises, but we took a chance booking in Varkala. This choice spared us the hassle of haggling over prices, and much to our delight, we found ourselves on a beautiful houseboat, which featured a spacious layout adorned with bamboo and wicker furniture.

About Alleppey Houseboats

The traditional houseboats, known as ‘Kettuvellam’ in Malayalam, are not only elegant but steeped in history. Originally old cargo vessels, these have been transformed into charming houseboats, showcasing beautiful designs utilizing twine, wicker, and bamboo.

The famous houseboats of Alleppey glide gracefully through the rivers and backwaters, maintaining a timeless elegance that captivates visitors.

Inside our Houseboat in Alleppey

The interior of our houseboat was inviting, with cushions arranged for optimal comfort. A wooden table in the center welcomed us with fresh fruit and refreshing coconut juice. We enjoyed the shade provided by the bamboo cover, luxuriating as we observed life along the river.

About the Kerala Backwaters

The Kerala Backwaters consist of a complex network of lagoons, rivers, canals, and lakes that stretch parallel to the Arabian Sea. Covering approximately 900 km of waterways, the vast Vembanad Lake serves as its centerpiece. Dubbed the Venice of the East or the Land of Canals, these backwaters are vital for the transportation and livelihood of locals.

Alleppey Backwaters – The Symbol of Kerala

As we embarked on our journey, we were immediately enchanted by the symbol of Kerala. Lined with swaying palm trees and dotted with riverside homes, it felt as if we had stepped back in time. Along the riverbanks, schools could be seen, and we glimpsed children studying in their classrooms.

Regular water taxis operated like public buses, with villages flourishing along the canals, complemented by shops and markets along the banks. It seemed that the charm of the Kerala backwaters made it unnecessary for anyone to venture far from this idyllic setting.

Private Houseboat

Our houseboat tour commenced from Alleppey (or Allappuzha), a primary hub for houseboat tourism in Kerala. Another notable boarding point is Kumarakom, but with 900 km of waterways, houseboats are accessible from various cities, including Kochi, Kottayam, and Kollam. Our onboard journey started at 12:00 noon, offering us a full day to explore the enchanting backwaters.

Life on the Houseboat

Saji, our chef, immediately began preparing a delicious lunch while our captain, “Captain Kudappe”, navigated us through the narrow canals and expansive lakes. With our one-bedroom boat all to ourselves, we enjoyed an extravagant tour of the backwaters.

Sipping fruits while basking under the sun, we turned on the fan when temperatures soared, securing our spots under the bamboo canopy to relish the refreshing breeze.

Feasts and Relaxation

The views in the Kerala Backwaters were breathtaking, and the meals prepared by our chef were exceptional. Over our overnight trip, we enjoyed three sumptuous meals: lunch upon arrival, dinner, and breakfast. Each meal featured an extensive selection of Indian dishes, with a focus on vegetarian options and mouthwatering lake fish.

Fishermen and Vendors

Throughout our journey, vendors approached us to sell fresh prawns, which we ultimately declined, sticking to our budget. The fishermen work hard, diving to depths of 20 feet in murky waters to catch shellfish. Although it appeared costly, the labor involved made it justified.

Reflecting on our experience, we wished we had brought a bottle of wine or beer aboard to enjoy while taking in the mesmerizing scenery.

It’s A Long Time on a Houseboat

Various houseboat options are available in Alleppey, including short excursions, overnight stays, and multi-day journeys. The boats range in size, and our one-bedroom houseboat suited us perfectly. However, after a few hours, the repetitive scenery could become monotonous, making it an ideal time for some leisure activities like reading or playing games.

While it’s romantic to sleep in the Kerala backwaters, a few hours’ experience often suffices to appreciate the beauty of this destination.

Nighttime on the Houseboat

As dusk fell around 5:00 PM, we secured our boat for the night and had dinner at 7:00 PM. The serenity of this nighttime experience was remarkable, as it allowed us to observe the local life more intimately, away from the daytime crowd.

As the evening progressed, however, the pesky bugs made it difficult to enjoy the outdoors for long after our meal, prompting us to tuck under the safety of our mosquito net by 8:00 PM.

Impression of Kerala Backwaters Tours

The Kerala Backwaters stand out as a must-see destination in India. Observing the daily lives of locals offered us insight and perspective, complemented by the stunning landscape.

Was the Alleppey houseboat tour worth the money?

Absolutely. With a private chef and captain, our all-day exploration through the backwaters was accompanied by delicious meals, providing substantial value for the experience.

Was the Alleppey Houseboat Tour an unforgettable experience?

While it was not entirely memorable for us, we are nonetheless glad we participated. We had hoped for opportunities to disembark and explore the villages along the backwaters.

Similar to our trip in Vietnam to the Mekong Delta, where stops allowed us to visit rice paper factories, we found ourselves wishing for similar excursions in Kerala for a more immersive experience.

As we docked for the night, while the sunset was lovely, the aftermath left little to do as we awaited dinner, leading us to bed early to escape the relentless mosquitoes.

Get an Air conditioned Houseboat

For a more comfortable experience, we recommend choosing an air-conditioned houseboat. The nighttime heat combined with a lack of breeze and abundant bugs can make for an uncomfortable stay. We ended up sleeping with windows open and fans at full speed, which wasn’t ideal.

When to do a Backwaters Tour in Alleppey

We visited Alleppey in November, which proved to be the perfect time for exploring the Kerala backwaters. With the busy season still a couple of weeks away, the area was relatively peaceful.

Although peak season occurs between September and February, it doesn’t really surge until December. Our November visit allowed us to enjoy a tranquil atmosphere.

Other Times to Tour the Kerala Backwaters

For a quieter experience, consider visiting during the monsoon season from June to August when tourist numbers decrease and the rains moderate temperatures. Conversely, from March to May, the heat can be oppressive, making air-conditioned boats a necessity, a comfort we found even in November.

How to Get to Alleppey

• The closest airport to Alleppey is the Cochin airport.
• It is prudent to arrange transport to your hotel or houseboat in advance.
• Most houseboat tours depart from Alleppey and Kumarakom.
• Additional popular ports include Kochi, Kottayam, and Kollam.
• Kumarakom lies approximately 70 km from Cochin airport.
• We made a two-hour train journey from Varkala to Alleppey.

Cost of Our Alleppey Houseboat Tour

We prepaid for our tour in Varkala with Om Shanthi Tours beside Cafe Italiano at North Cliff Beach for $135.00. Considering we booked in India, it was quite reasonable. Our tour package included:

• Transfers from the Skylark Guest House to the train station
• Train from Varkala to Alleppey (2.5 hours)
• Transfers from the train to Kingfisher Tours
• Transfers from Kingfisher Tours to the boat
• 22 hours on the boat with three meals, personal chef, and captain.

Overnight houseboat tours from Varkala to Alleppey start at 7500 Rupees ($135 Canadian) for two people. Day trips offer a more affordable option, allowing travelers to hop on relevant boats when in Alleppey.