Why should you experience a Houseboat Stay in Alleppey?

Dear Readers, Alleppey in Kerala has always been a center of commerce. It’s a Silk Road of stars, guiding all fishermen home. Here, the bowl of rice fields is fed by beautiful canals, pulsing with the quiet toil of generations. It’s a place where boatbuilding (Kettuvallam) is an ancestral legacy. Today, we bow down to this tradition and weave words to capture the rich tourism experience of a houseboat stay in Alleppey. 

Best Time to enjoy the Alleppey Houseboat Tour

Month	Details
June to September	Frequent downpours make backwaters worth capturing. It is ideal for budget travelers and nature lovers.
November to February	Peak tourism season. It is the best time to spot migratory birds.

Why choose Alleppey for a Houseboat Stay?

Of all the 29 states, Kerala’s Alleppey is the one to offer the best houseboat stays to tourists. The reason is simple: only Kerala offers pristine emerald backwaters. While Goa too has numerous beautiful backwaters, those are not as extensive as Kerala’s. In Kerala, especially in Alleppey, houseboats glide like floating temples. A houseboat stay in Alleppey is like a pilgrimage to understand the soul of the land.

Soul of the Land; Alleppey in a Houseboat (Scenic Countryside)

A houseboat stay in Alleppey is a visual spectacle, and one of the main reasons to enjoy a houseboat stay in Alleppey is to see the beauty of the mundane life of Kerala. Amidst the backwaters, you will witness beauty even in a simple play of light in water. The everyday routines of the riverside life will take your breath away. The life of the people of Alleppey surrenders to the pristine backwaters’ quiet reign.

• When you glide through the backwaters in Alleppey in a traditional houseboat called Kettuvallam, the wide-eyed travelers like you will see scenic villages.
• You might encounter kingfishers or herons and see farmers working in the fields that grow below sea level.
• From dawn to dusk, the water mirrors the colors of the sky. From golden sunrise to pink sunset, you will see all the colors.
• You will see many women washing clothes by the water’s edge
• Men are climbing trees for coconuts, offering you a glimpse into their unique way of life.

The slow pace of the houseboats in Alleppey will show you the natural and quiet rhythms of the day. If only you match your pace with the slow pace of the houseboat, you will rediscover the art of seeing.

Alleppey Houseboat Journey Major Stops (Touristy Places)

Kuttanad– Witness the enchanting Rice Paddy fields and how farming occurs below sea level.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Pathiramanal–  These two places are a birdwatcher’s paradise. Spot beautiful kingfishers, herons, Large egrets, White Ibis, darters, etc.
Vembanad Lake– Embrace the shores fringed with coconut palm trees and lush mangrove forests, where countless species of birds hide. Don’t miss the legendary snake boat race of Kerala in these waters.
Toddy Tasting – Fresh palm wine from the riverside vendors is a must-have experience.

Note– Always remember, the magic of Kerala Houseboat Tour will be best enjoyed when you choose the right vessel. You need to choose the right houseboat to wake up to see waterlilies, not mosquito bites.

Before you lose yourself in the poetry of the scenic villages and swaying palms, here’s a gentle reality check.

A Few Truths for Enjoying the Best Houseboat Experience in Alleppey

The uninvited Trouble– Mosquitoes and insects hum their tune in the world of Backwaters. So, it is essential to book a glass-covered or netted boat to protect yourself. It is non-negotiable to enjoy the best of Alleppey Tourism.

The Illusion of Luxury– In most of the deluxe houseboat segments, quality is often ignored in terms of facilities. Always check the facilities before booking your houseboat. Don’t fall for the fancy names (Deluxe and Premium). Thin mattresses, dubious linens, and towels have seen too many monsoons. Only a handful of the professional operators will offer you good-quality houseboats where hygiene isn’t compromised.

The Woolen Scam– Most boats drape their beds in musty woolen shawls, which have touched the soul of one too many guests. These shared blankets are the Backwater’s dirtiest secret. If you book houseboats with reputed tour agents, you will ensure to wrap yourself in clean linen, not someone else’s memories.

Are Houseboats in Alleppey Safe?

While the backwaters don’t rush in showing their beauty, neither should your preparations to ensure your safety. Here are the tips;

Magic of Price: You need to understand that the only thing that can disrupt your safety is falling for the magic of price. The cut-rate options of suspiciously cheap boats often hide apathetic staff and expired safety certificates. Always book houseboats through reputable agents.
Myth of Crocodiles; Curious travelers might think – “Do crocodiles lurk beneath?” A fair question. But don’t worry, the only jaws you will witness belong to overexcited kingfishers diving for their meal.
Solo Women Travelers; Alleppey Houseboats are quite safe for solo women travelers, but remember safety isn’t shouted; it is in the details. Ladies who are sailing alone must book houseboats through Kerala Tourism’s official kiosks. The vibe in the right boat will become your armored chariot. The crew will respect your boundaries, and fellow travelers will become temporary kin.

Tips for Booking Houseboats

A Thoughtful Note on Kettuvallam Boats

The best houseboat isn’t about luxury; it’s about how deeply you want to dive into the beauty of backwaters. Do you know even the grandest houseboats stay experience feels incomplete when you miss the side quest into the tiny canals of Alleppey?

Expert Tips for the Best Houseboat Experience

Kettuvallams are majestic but have limited scope. Originally, these were traditional rice barges, reborn as Kettuvallams. It is perfect for lazy afternoons on Vembanad Lake, but it is boring for narrower, hidden canals where the beautiful village life unfolds.

What you gain: Sprawling decks, a private bedroom, and sunset dinner under the starlit sky.
What you Miss- The hidden beauty of Kerala, where you will witness beautiful village scenery like a scene of countryside in Ghibli movies.
Tip- You have to pair your houseboat stay with a Shikara or Canoe detour.

The Shikara Rides and Motorized Canoe

A shikara is a wider motorized Gondola with a thatched roof. It is nimble enough to slip into slender waterways where the majestic Kettuvallams cannot reach. It is perfect for groups and families for luxury as well as local immersions. You can book a private shikara for 2 to 4 hours to navigate the private narrow canals where big boats cannot go.

The Motorized Canoe is also capable of showing you the backwaters’ hidden heartbeat. It slides into skinny canals where large houseboats can’t go. You don’t need to paddle (just sit back and relax).  This ride is perfect for photographers and adventurers, and anyone who wants more than just beautiful views. You have to pay around INR1000 for a whole day (Snacks included).

Day Trip or Overnight Stay- Which One to Choose?

Time in backwaters isn’t measured in hours. For a traveler, time flows.  It is measured in sunset hues, backwater’s slow-paced life, and starry silences. Yes, practicalities remain especially for the wallets. Let’s weigh the cost of transcendence –
Overnight Stay in Alleppey Houseboat
If you have opted for an overnight stay in an Alleppey houseboat, the cost would be around 11,500 INR for 2 adults (1 Room) and INR 16,000 for 4 adults (2 rooms). The boat anchors around 5:30 pm.
Best For- Leisure Travelers, Couples
The overnight stay includes-

• Dinner and Next Day Mini Cruise
• Fresh Kerala Meal with beautiful backwater views.

Day Trip on an Alleppey Houseboat

A day Trip in an Alleppey Houseboat is best for time-crunched travellers and families with kids. If you have opted for a day trip in an Alleppey houseboat, then the price would be around INR 8000. You will get one bedroom without AC.

Alleppey Houseboat Day Trip includes only Lunch and Snacks
Catch?

• No sunset magic, starlit sky
• You have to pay extra for a hotel stay.

Note-

• These are the estimated price ranges for the Alleppey Houseboat Tour to help you prepare your budget. Always confirm the actual price before booking with your chosen operator.
• If you want to enjoy the best Alleppey backwater trip, then book an overnight stay, but if you are on a tight budget, then prefer a day trip

Traditional Cuisine in the Houseboats of Alleppey

Amidst the beautiful waterways, the sizzle and aroma of spices rise from the tiny houseboat kitchens. Kerala’s cuisine is a love letter to every traveler.
In most Kerala tours and travel packages, you will be offered traditional Kerala cuisine.

The Grand Houseboat Feast

Welcome Drink- As your day unfolds, you will be served a delightful welcome drink of tender coconut, which will remind you of palm-shaded shores.
Breakfast- For breakfast, you will get tasty Idlis, Dosa with Sambhar, Iddiyappam, Green Peas Curry, and Chutney or Puttu and Black Gram Curry.
Lunch- Lunch will be a symphony of tradition on a plate.

• Vegetarian- You will get to taste authentic Kerala Sambhar, Aviyal, Vegetable Fry, Thoran, etc.
• Non-Vegetarian-  You will taste delicious Karimeen Fish Fry (1 piece each). It’s a pearl spot fish crisped golden brown in coconut oil.

Evening- Steaming Tea with delicious Banana Chips.
Dinner-Wholesome Chicken curry tossed with black pepper and other Kerala spices for non-vegetarians. Dal Fry, white rice, Chapati, Veg Korma will be served for Vegetarians.

Note- If you book with elite operators, the menu will extend to continental food. So, always check the menu before booking your houseboat.

What to Bring while staying on a Houseboat?

• Entertainment- Most houseboats will have USB-compatible players. So, carry a pen drive with your favorite movies.
• Mosquito Repellent Cream- Bring Mosquito Repellent cream as most boats have open fronts. Open decks attract mosquitoes.
• Avoid Luggage- Avoid excess luggage for comfortable movement on the houseboat.
• Baby Cot – If you have an infant, pack a baby cot. Many houseboats don’t offer such facilities.

Conclusion

In the end, we advise you to

• Seek the reflections beneath the horizon, capture how time moves to the melody of soothing waves.
• Make the houseboat your floating monastery, smell the coconut-scented breeze.
• Here, every ripple chants age-old traditions. Try to learn the ecosystem of canals, paddy fields, and lagoons.
• Be a responsible tourist. Plastic pollutes backwaters. Avoid plastic items and choose eco-friendly houseboats.

So, book a wonderful Alleppey Houseboat package. Go now, leave all your worries and distractions. Be a part of the backwater’s eternal song.  Embrace tiny treasures like-

The beauty of eternal emerald streams.
Golden nets at first sunrise
Toddy Tappers’ benevolent grace
Alleppey’s delightful cooked meals 
Scenic countryside, simple village life

True delights are not in the grand things but in the small pleasures in Alleppey.