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Alleppey – A Gentle Journey Through Kerala’s Water World
Some places don’t need tall buildings or flashy lights to amaze you. They speak through silence, nature, and simplicity. Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is one of those rare places. Tucked away in the heart of Kerala, this town is famous for its calm backwaters, friendly people, and of course—its beautiful, slow-moving houseboats.
I visited Alleppey in January, and it felt like entering a peaceful world where life moves with the flow of water, not clocks. The moment I stepped onto a boat, everything—noise, stress, rush—just drifted away.
Alleppey – The Venice of the East
Alleppey is often called the “Venice of the East” because of its long network of canals, lagoons, and rivers. Instead of highways, you’ll find watery routes surrounded by green paddy fields, tall coconut trees, and little villages. Boats are a way of life here. People use them for everything—from going to school to delivering groceries.
But for travelers like us, the best way to explore this water world is on a houseboat.
The Houseboat Experience – Floating Comfort and Calm
A houseboat in Alleppey isn’t just a boat. It’s a floating home built from eco-friendly materials like bamboo, wood, and coconut fiber. These boats are large and stable, so even if you’ve never been on water before, you’ll feel safe and relaxed.
What’s Inside a Houseboat ?
Houseboats come in different sizes—from cozy one-bedroom boats for couples to large ones with three or four bedrooms for families or groups. A standard houseboat includes:
- Bedrooms with clean beds, fans, and sometimes air conditioning (AC is often used in the evenings).
- Attached bathrooms with running water, showers, and western toilets.
- A living and dining area, often open to the water so you can enjoy the view while you relax or eat.
- A kitchen, where the boat staff cooks fresh Kerala-style meals.
- A crew that usually includes a captain (driver), a cook, and sometimes a helper—all friendly, helpful, and respectful.
The Food – Fresh, Local, and Delicious
One of the highlights of a houseboat trip is the food. It’s not restaurant-style—it’s home-style. Cooked fresh onboard, using local spices, vegetables, and fish. A typical lunch might include:
- Steamed rice
- Kerala fish curry
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Papad (crispy snacks)
- Pickles and chutney
- And maybe a simple dessert like banana fritters
Vegetarian food is also available if you prefer. If you’re lucky, the cook might even prepare a traditional Karimeen Pollichathu (a special local fish grilled in banana leaf).
A Day (and Night) on a Houseboat
Check-in usually starts around 12:00 noon.
- The boat sails slowly through the backwaters, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.
- You’ll pass by green paddy fields, water birds, temples, tiny village homes, and waving children.
- Around 1:30 PM, the boat stops for lunch.
- Sailing resumes until about 5:00 PM, when the boat is anchored for the night near a village or quiet spot.
- Dinner is served on the boat, and you can sit outside watching the stars or listening to the sounds of frogs and crickets.
- After a peaceful night’s sleep, breakfast is served, and you check out by 9:00 AM the next day.
It’s a perfect mix of privacy, comfort, and nature.
Types of Houseboats
There are different types of houseboats based on comfort and budget:
- Standard – Non-AC or basic AC, simple but comfortable
- Deluxe – AC rooms with better interiors
- Premium – Stylish decor, full-time AC, better food, and extra services
- Luxury – Hotel-like experience with modern furniture, private decks, jacuzzis, or even glass-bottom views in some
You can book private houseboats for a personal experience or shared houseboats if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option. For solo travelers or couples, a one-bedroom private boat is often perfect.
Other Things to Do in Alleppey
While houseboats are the main attraction, there’s more to explore:
- Alleppey Beach – A lovely spot with golden sand and an old pier. Great for a peaceful evening walk.
- Marari Beach – Just 11 km away, quieter and perfect if you want to enjoy the sea without crowds.
- Ambalapuzha Temple – A beautiful temple famous for its history and sweet “palpayasam.”
- Canoe Rides – Explore narrow village canals in a small boat and see life up close.
- Local Market – Great for buying handmade coir products, spices, and Kerala snacks.
Best Time to Visit
- October to March is the best season—cool weather and clear skies.
- August is a great time to visit if you want to see the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, where huge boats with over 100 rowers race in front of cheering crowds.
Getting to Alleppey
- By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (75 km away).
- By Train: Alappuzha Railway Station is well connected to cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, and beyond.
- By Road: Buses and taxis are available from Kochi, Munnar, and other major spots in Kerala.
My Story: Peace Found on Water
During my visit, I spent a night on a two-bedroom deluxe houseboat with a local crew who treated us like family. I watched the sky change color as the sun set over the water, ate freshly cooked fish while the boat gently rocked, and fell asleep to the sounds of nature instead of traffic.
The next morning, I woke up to birds singing and the soft light reflecting off the water. It’s hard to describe the peace I felt—but I think everyone should experience it once.
You can see photos and videos from my Alleppey trip on Instagram: @jaswantprajapatii. Feel free to DM if you need help planning your trip!
Final Thoughts
Alleppey isn’t loud. It doesn’t try to impress. It simply flows—calm, slow, and beautiful. A ride through its backwaters on a houseboat is not just a holiday; it’s a reminder to slow down and enjoy life’s little moments.
If you’re planning a trip to Kerala, don’t miss this quiet paradise. Whether it’s for one day or two, Alleppey will give you memories that float with you forever.
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