A Guide for New Explorers to Cruise in Alleppey’s Backwaters

Would you like to cruise in Kerala’s backwaters? Read this guide and get insights on how to plan a trip to Alleppey and book a perfect houseboat.

Visit Alleppey or Alappuzha in Kerala to enjoy the serene beauty of the backwaters. Alleppey is a top tourist spot that is known for its peaceful houseboat cruises, stunning paddy fields, and local craftsmanship. Earlier, Alappuzha was a commercial center under the Travancore kingdom.

Today, Alleppey is a popular tourist destination in Kerala that showcases the state’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From relaxing on luxurious houseboats to savoring local cuisine, you can experience plenty of things in Alleppey.

If you have no idea how to plan for cruising in Alleeppey’s Backwaters, read this travel guide. Here, you will learn when, where, and how to visit Alleppey. Also, we have shared some essential houseboat booking tips for a peaceful stay.

Must-Visit Places in Alleppey

While you travel to Kerala, stop by Alleppey and gain fresh and memorable experiences. In Alleppey, you can explore nature and wildlife, visit temples and churches, or engage in adventurous activities. These are some must-visit tourist spots in Alleppey that you should include in your itinerary

Houseboats in Alleppey: To have a relaxed vacation, book a luxurious houseboat in Alleppey. While cruising in houseboats, you can explore the town’s unique canal network and witness the local life and wildlife.

Alleppey Beach: It is a popular beach that is famous for its 150-year-old pier and festivals like the Sand Art festival. To get a thrilling experience, you can spend your time in water sports.

Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple: It is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. This temple is famous for its delicious rice pudding.

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple: This temple is dedicated to the snake god Nagaraja. In this temple, you will get to see over 30,000 snake paintings.

Other Top Attractions in Alleppey

The following are a few other popular places in Alleppey that will amaze first-time travelers

• Alappuzha Lighthouse
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
• St. Andrews Basilica, Arthunkal
• Marari Beach
• Kaloorkad St.Mary’s Basilica
• Pathiramanal
• Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum
• International Coir Museum

Activities to Enjoy in Alleppey

Alleppey offers several exciting experiences for families, friends, kids, and honeymooners. Especially, while you are in Alleppey, you can cruise on a luxurious houseboat or relax on the beaches and enjoy the view of turquoise blue waters, coconut trees, and shimmering sand.

To get a thrill feeling, paddle through tranquil waters by kayak, go fishing, or try parasailing at Marari Beach. If you visit Kerala during the Onam festival, then you must watch thrilling snake boat races that happen on Punnamada Lake.

Where to Stay in Alleppey

In Alleppey, you will have plenty of accommodation options, including luxurious resorts, budget-friendly hotels, and homestays. Some popular areas in Alleppey you can consider for accommodation booking are Punnamada, Marari Beach, and Mullakkal.

Wherever you choose to stay in Alleppey, you will find comfortable accommodations with modern amenities and good food. However, we recommend you stay on a houseboat and enjoy the scenic views.

Tips for Choosing the Best Houseboat in Alleppey

Plenty of houseboat operators are offering services in Alleppey. Among them all, you should make sure to select the right houseboat by considering certain things suggested here

Set a budget: Houseboat prices vary from ₹3,500 to ₹35,000 per night. So, fix a budget and search accordingly.

Pick a suitable houseboat type: Alleppey’s houseboats are classified based on amenities provided, type of meals, and the level of luxury offered, their size, and capacity. Deluxe, premium, and luxury are the three common types of houseboats in Alleppey. Based on your preferences, you can choose any houseboat type.

Check the size: Houseboats in Alleppey can accommodate from 2 to 40 people. Therefore, pick a houseboat that can accommodate your group comfortably.

Look for Amenities: When choosing a houseboat, look for amenities like a dining area, AC, and lighting for comfort. Also, consider safety features like life jackets and fire extinguishers, as well as entertainment options like TV and Wi-Fi. This will make your stay more enjoyable and safe.

Research operators: Get to know about the different houseboat operators in Alleppey and choose a reputable operator that has a package meeting your needs.

Book early: The ideal time to visit Alleppey Backwaters is from October to February. During this period, the weather will be pleasant with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 30°C.  To avoid last-minute hassles, book a houseboat online earlier.

Enjoy the Taste of Alleppey on Your Houseboat Cruise

While houseboat cruising in Alleppey, you can enjoy meals prepared onboard or at nearby restaurants that offer pickup and drop-off services. The houseboat’s chef will prepare traditional Kerala food using fresh ingredients. You can even customize the menu to suit your taste buds. Fish curry, prawn masala, and karimeen are some must-try local seafood dishes in Alleppey. If you prefer to eat at a restaurant, some houseboats may pick you up from places that serve tasty seafood and local dishes.

How to Visit Alleppey

To visit Alleppey, fly to Cochin International Airport and take a taxi or bus, or reach Alappuzha Railway Station by train. You can also drive from nearby cities like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. Once you reach there, use taxis, auto-rickshaws, or bicycles to get around. Don’t miss out on the scenic houseboat cruises.

If it is challenging for you to plan your travel to Alleppey, get customized guidance from Plane Pockets. We will simplify your travel planning process and help you easily book affordable hotels and flights online. Also, we provide budget-friendly Kerala backwaters houseboat tour packages.