A trip to Kerala is always incomplete without a visit to the backwaters, for it is one of the most remarkable locations for you to visit. Two of the most famous locations for this impressive experience in Kerala lead you to the stunning streams of Alleppey and Kumarakom. Both the destinations give you a stunning view of the backwaters, however they differ from each other in terms of its ambience, activities and types of accommodations offered. While planning a trip to Kerala, it is important that you understand the difference between the Alleppey and Kumarakom backwaters so you can choose the best route for your next adventure!
What to Expect on a Kerala Houseboat in Alleppey? Alleppey, also known as the “Venice of the East” is known for its diverse network of canals, beautiful rivers and enchanting lagoons, most famous for its picturesque and enjoyable houseboat rides along the expanse of water lined with rich greenery and traditional villages along the banks. Alleppey is a prime and popular destination for any tourists in Kerala.
Kumarakom, on the other hand, is quieter and serene, located near the gorgeous Vembanad Lake. Kumarakom is known for its tranquility, also sharing its charm with Alleppey. Being the largest lake in Kerala, the Vembanad Lake provides a picturesque backdrop for cruises along this route. It is also known for its serene atmosphere, luxurious amenities and less commercialized environment.
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One of the stark differences between Alleppey and Kumarakom is the overall vibe and atmosphere it possesses.
Alleppey is a more commercialized environment, with a busy harbor, bustling boat traffic at times, and a large number of houseboats floating along the scenic villages. While the Alleppey route offers you a lively and an immersive experience, it can sometimes feel bustling because of its popularity. If you’re looking for a more vibrant and bustling atmosphere where you can interact with locals, see more Alleppey houseboats, and experience the heart of Kerala’s backwater culture, Alleppey will be your ideal choice. Next time you are booking a trip to Kerala, consider visiting Alleppey.
Kumarakom, however, is much quieter and less commercial when compared to Alleppey. This route is ideal for those looking for a more peaceful and intimate backwater experience, rather than a lively one. This area is known for its upscale and luxurious resorts and boutique hotels, often found on the edges of the lake, which provides a calm, intimate and luxurious experience. If you’re looking to run away from the crowds and enjoy life at a slower pace, Kumarakom is the perfect destination for you.
Both Alleppey and Kumarakom offer houseboat cruises with similar itinerary, but the experience can change based on the location and route taken.
Alleppey Houseboat Packages are globally famous. The backwaters in Alleppey are known to have a vast network of interconnected and stunning canals, and a houseboat tour here gives you the opportunity to glide through villages, live the traditional life, and enjoy the vibrant and deeply rooted culture of Kerala. The Alleppey houseboats differ in luxury, and you can find anything from wooden houseboats to premium and luxurious ones with modern amenities, tailored to your taste and budget.
Kumarakom houseboats are considered a bit more luxurious, with a more intimate and personalized experience for you. The cruise often takes you through the quieter, serene and intimate parts of the backwaters, with fewer boats around, allowing for an exclusive experience. The houseboats here may also be larger and equipped with more modern facilities, reflecting the more luxurious nature of Kumarakom itself.
When it comes to nature and its scenic beauty, both destinations are blessed with stunning natural beauty, but the landscapes vary slightly depending on the location.
Alleppey gives an expansive view of the backwaters with its narrow canals effortlessly gliding through the stunning, green paddy fields, and local villages where you can often spot the locals doing their everyday activities. The fishermen out in the waters throwing nets, children playing by the riverbanks and people running errands. This rare sight of traditional Kerala village life is always a memorable part of your journey to Alleppey. If you are someone who loves Capturing the Beauty of Alleppey in a Houseboat, Alleppey offers you the opportunity to capture candids that stay true to your trip. You can also capture stunning sights that you can’t find anywhere else!
Kumarakom is also rich in its natural beauty. It is however known and defined for the Vembanad lake where the waters are more tranquil with an expansive view of the lake. The bird sanctuary nearby provides you the perfect opportunity to capture pictures of exotic birds while adding a unique dimension to the beauty of Kumarakom, making it the best choice for animal and bird lovers who are seeking for a calm and tranquil retreat.
Accommodation facilities also vary when it comes to Alleppey and Kumarakom.
Alleppey boat house options caters to all types of travelers, whether you are travelling on a budget or if you’re seeking for a luxurious retreat, Alleppey has it all. You may wonder, How Many Days Are Enough For The Houseboat Tour In Alleppey? Well, Alleppey offers you various packages that cater to your needs. It has a variety of houseboat options that range from simple budget to luxury options. Most packages offer you an all-inclusive stay experience that offers food, drinks, activities, guide and performances. Those who are looking for a more authentic experience can definitely opt for the Alleppey houseboat packages as it provides you with everything you would expect, while having minimal distractions from outside tourism.
Kumarakom leans towards luxury resorts and boutique accommodation facilities. The resorts and experiences here offer you world-class amenities overlooking the beautiful Vembanad lake and the backwaters. If you are looking for a more tranquil and luxurious retreat away from all the bustling rush, you can opt for Kumarakom services. Depending on where you stay, you will be provided personalized services such as indulgent cuisines, ayurvedic spa treatments and an exclusive experience.
Both Kumarakom and Alleppey offer you stunning sights for sightseeing and activities. However the experiences can differ based on the locations.
Alleppey offers you a lively experience, thanks to its lively and bustling atmosphere. You get to interact with the locals, try the local cuisine and also take part in activities like fishing and boat racing (ideally during the festive season), and also visit the local temples and markets. The route to Alleppey sometimes passes Kuttanad which is an ideal place for you to visit for its stunning agricultural landscape.
In Kumarakom, it’s a lot calmer. The main attraction of Kumarakom is the stunning Vembanad lake which is often praised for its tranquility. You can enjoy a peaceful boat ride and go visit the bird sanctuaries nearby or simply just take some time off and relax You can enjoy the all inclusive ayurvedic treatments and other activities that won’t disappoint.nature walks, and the area’s peaceful vibe makes it perfect for unwinding in luxury.
Between Alleppey and Kumarakom, both the destinations offer their own unique experience of Kerala’s stunning backwaters. Alleppey is perfect for travelers who want a more lively and traditional Kerala backwater experience with its intricate network of canals, vibrant village life, and a wide selection of houseboat packages. On the other hand, Kumarakom is ideal for those who are in search of a peaceful, luxurious experience, with serene landscapes and best accommodations. Whether you’re looking for the lively charm of Alleppey or the peaceful luxury presented by Kumarakom, both destinations promise you unforgettable moments on the water to carry with you outside the waters.This is the difference between Alleppey and Kumarakom backwaters, each special in their own way.
