At times, destinations just rush back to my memory as if admonishing me, “You’ve forgotten about us, haven’t you?” This has happened today to me with Alappuzha (or also called Alleppey), the backwaters town of Kerala.
I first visited Alappuzha in 2010 when I was in Kerala for a friend’s wedding and the second time in 2015, with N. So, I guess, I am equipped to write a comprehensive guide on this!
Alappuzha Backwaters
You search for an Indian nature-filled escape on the internet; bang, Alappuzha is bound to come up. And there is more than adequate reason for that. Come, let’s jet to the backwaters of Kerala together.
The Kerala Backwaters
Kerala is famed for a lot of things like its beaches, fresh seafood, calm beauty & Ayurvedic treatments but when I imagine ‘God’s Own Country’, I think of the backwaters. That’s great but what are the backwaters?
‘God’s Own Country’
The backwaters are a network of canals and lakes. I had always thought them to be the backflow of the Arabian Sea but after visiting, I tumbled to the fact that they are mainly freshwater from the canals etc, but they do meet the saltwater at points.
Venice of the East – Alappuzha
Alappuzha is one of the many towns that have a broad network of the backwaters. Here, Lake Vembanad branches off into canals and lakes. Such is the series of these canals that it is called the ‘Venice of the East’.
Bright Colors Abound
Words are inadequate to describe the beauty of the Alappuzha backwaters. They are bounded by gorgeous coconut plantations, paddy fields, and palm foliage. Many stretches appear to be pristine and untouched.
Birdwatchers are in for a treat what with the myriad kinds of aquatic birds that can be seen in the Alappuzha backwaters. People’s lives revolve around the backwaters completely with boats forming the main transport mode.
In fact, for many of the tiny island hamlets in Alappuzha, small boats are the only mode of connectivity. In this collection of boats, the houseboats stand mighty. Initially meant for goods and people’s movement, they are now the backbone of tourism.
The Shades of Green
Houseboats plying on the Alappuzha backwaters make for a complete overnight experience. The backwaters are a great place to relax, away from the usual chaos of life. The houseboat cruise is a tranquil surprise compared to other parts of Kerala that can be hectic!
So, if you are traveling to the other parts, visit here at the end because this is where you can truly unplug.
How To Reach Alappuzha
Houseboats Galore
Alappuzha is ~53 kms south of Kochi. Once you reach Kochi, take a rail/ road transport here. From the train station, either grab a taxi or have the houseboat company pick you up. The first time I visited, four of us took a train from Thiruvananthapuram; the second time, we drove down from Munnar.
Best Time To Visit Alappuzha
The best time to visit Alappuzha is from September to February. In the other months, the conditions will be hot and full of downpour. I visited in October & September respectively; it was warm but nice and no precipitation thankfully!
Cloudy but No Rain
Alappuzha Houseboats
The houseboats in Alappuzha come in all varieties. From modest with basic amenities to luxury with jacuzzi! All of them are equipped with electricity and running water. An overnight houseboat fare includes room, meals, captain and cook. So, depending on your budget, you can choose.
On my first visit to Alappuzha, we just walked up, negotiated and rented a modest houseboat. On my second visit, we booked a slightly luxurious one, in advance, belonging to the Spice Routes company. Spice Routes extended us an experience of the backwater sail with five-star hospitality.
Comfortable Bedroom
With the increase in tourism all over, I advise booking your overnight Alappuzha houseboat stay in advance so that you are guaranteed availability. Depending on the size of your group, you can choose the number of bedrooms you need and book the houseboat that has 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 bedrooms onboard.
How Many Days Are Enough For An Alappuzha Houseboat Experience?
Spending one night on an Alappuzha houseboat is enough to capture the essence of the backwaters. If, for any reason, you cannot or do not opt for a houseboat, you must experience the backwater canals at least by a boat.
A Good-Humored Me!
My Alappuzha Houseboat Cruise Experience
Both my Alappuzha Houseboat Cruise experiences, in terms of the sequence of events, were identical. Upon boarding, we were greeted with fresh coconut water and garlands made of pink flowers.
We were then given a tour of the houseboat and given a few minutes to freshen up. We were served our lunch on our Alappuzha Houseboat Cruise. Pleasantly delighted with the meal and shocked at how much food they gave!
Kerala Cuisine Lunch
The dishes were centered around Kerala cuisine, with seafood and curry options and the star being Karimeen Fry Kerala Style! Once lunch wrapped up, we began the Alappuzha Houseboat Cruise, floating along the canals and lakes.
During the initial hours, we stopped to get fresh seafood from a local fisherman that the cook would rustle up for us for dinner; they turned out to be delectable! Alcohol is not available onboard the Alappuzha Houseboat Cruise; so, if you want, you must bring your drink with you.
When we moored, my friend enthusiastically jumped into the water but rushed out as quickly exclaiming that the water did not ‘seem right’. So, if you want to go swimming in the Alappuzha backwaters, please do so at your own risk!
Our Fellow Passengers
On the Alappuzha Houseboat Cruise, we spent our time sitting, gazing out at the natives’ lives, children playing, ladies washing clothes etc. We saw decorated churches, banana trees, rice paddy fields, and plenteous palms.
We also saw the finishing point for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. The captain gave N a chance to steer the houseboat for a few minutes, guiding him on the right techniques. You will be relaxing and just clicking photographs. So, wear casual clothes.
Till dusk, we cruised through the Alappuzha backwaters. As the Sun set, we saw a charming blue and pink sky. At night, the houseboat was anchored along the banks. Carry mosquito spray as once darkness falls, mosquitos will swarm.
A Blue & Pink Sky
The next morning, we enjoyed the low temperatures of the morning hours. Alappuzha backwaters locals were up and about, beginning their day. We unmoored and started our way back to the embarkation/ disembarkation point.
By the time we finished our breakfast, we had reached the end of our Alappuzha Houseboat Cruise.
To Close…
Nice!
Living overnight on an Alappuzha houseboat was a perfect experience. One that I cannot forget. I am fortunate I got to do it twice! I then sent my and N’s parents too for a Houseboat Cruise & stay but it turned out to be ‘too relaxing’ for them!
The Alappuzha houseboat was an outstanding place for a mates’ getaway. And it was also wonderful for a romantic setting with N. Experience a visit to the Kerala backwaters and tell me how it went.
