A Guide to Selecting the Perfect Houseboat Route in Alleppey

Posted On September 30, 2024 by ATDC

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, and famously regarded as the “Venice of the East” is a dreamscape, known for its famous backwaters, beautiful scenery and stunning destinations. Alleppey Houseboat experiences are the highlight when it comes to a trip to Alleppey. If you are planning a trip to Alleppey, whether it is with your friends, family or your significant other, choosing the right route tailored for you, helps you make the most out of your visit. Ranging from waterways to villages, Alleppey has it all. Here is a guide to selecting the perfect houseboat route in Alleppey that suits your idea of a perfect getaway.

THE TYPES OF HOUSEBOAT CRUISES

There are different types of cruises when it comes to houseboats. There are typically three types of cruises in Alleppey- Day Cruises, Overnight Cruises and Extended Cruises. Discover the Best Way to Book a Houseboat in Alleppey designed for your budget and interests.

• Day Cruises: This is perfect for guests who want to experience the beauty of Alleppey in less time. These cruises generally last for about 4-6 hours and cover the popular spots that are close to Alleppey. Though you may not get the whole experience of sleeping on board, you can still experience the traditional meals, scenic views and performances.
• Overnight cruises: This is an immersive experience with the tranquility of Alleppey. These cruises typically begin in the afternoon and take a ride through the villages and canals before anchoring for the night. You will be provided a cozy cabin to sleep in and you get to wake up to beautiful sunrises and invigorating sounds of birds chirping- A pleasant experience indeed.
• Extended Cruises- This is recommended for a getaway if you have more time to spare. These last from two to five days and offer the ultimate houseboat experience. It has a longer route, taking you through the beautiful backwaters of Kerala, giving you the chance to explore lesser known villages, get to know the local culture and experience all the activities with no time constraint.

Getting to know Alleppey’s Network of Backwaters

Alleppey has one of the best backwater networks for you to explore. It has a vast network of interconnected canals, lakes and rivers, stretching along the coast of Kerala, becoming home to a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna. Kettuvallams, or houseboats, cruise through these waters, giving the guests on board a taste of the life of villages, with scenic views like waterfalls, lush green paddy fields, small villages, with plenty of activities to enjoy onboard. 

 

Alleppey is the starting point for several houseboat cruises. What to Expect on a Kerala Houseboat in Alleppey? You get to take control of the routes you want to go by choosing it. From day trips to extended cruises, you can tailor your houseboat cruise according to your time constraints and needs. For that, you will need to know the routes of houseboats in Alleppey.

Top Houseboat Routes in Alleppey

1. Alleppey to Kumarakom: This is one of the most popular routes for a houseboat cruise in Alleppey, perfect for guests who want to enjoy nature and the luxury of Kerala. Kumarakom is a village along the shores of the Vembanad Lake, providing you a perfect retreat with its beautiful bird sanctuaries and rich scenery. You get to go through wide lakes and beautiful canals lined by lush paddy fields and coconut groves. A journey through this route typically lasts for around 5 hours, and it is the perfect getaway for those who want to experience the stunning beauty of Alleppey.
2. Alleppey to Thottappally: This route is famously known for its coastal route. Thottappally is a stunning coastal village 22 kilometres from Alleppey, lined with coconut groves, fishing sites and beautiful beaches. This route gives an insight into Kerala’s coastal areas.
3. Alleppey to Kuttanad: Kuttanad, famously known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala” is known for its lush green paddy fields below the sea level. This route from Alleppey to Kuttanad gives you a glimpse into the agricultural life of Kerala, where farmers work in fields, fishermen cast their nets and villagers do their everyday routine. This route is recommended for guests who want to immerse themselves into the culture of Kerala and its traditions.
4. Circular Route: It gives you an immersive experience in Alleppey with a full experience. The circular route allows you to see everything, making it the best route for first-time guests.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Route

There are several factors to consider when choosing a route to make it the best route for you with everything you need in it. Before choosing a particular route, take these pointers into consideration.

1. Duration: The duration of the trip plays a vital role in deciding your route. Certain routes take days to cover while others only take hours to cover. Hence, you can choose the best route that suits the amount of time you would like to spend onboard. 
2. Budget: Cruises in houseboats vary in price depending on the route taken, type of boat- Luxury or traditional, and meals available. You can always choose the best packages that cater to your budget and offer exactly what you expect. 
3. Interests: Each route caters to a different audience when it comes to interest. If you are interested in fishing, you can take the Thottappally route. If you are an avid bird watcher, you can take up the Kumarakom route. Each route has a special significance and you can choose it depending on yours. There are plenty of Cultural Experiences to Enjoy on a Houseboat in Alleppey catering to your interests. 
4. Season: Season is the most important factor while visiting Alleppey. Typically, the monsoon season isn’t recommended to stay in houseboats. Mainly because the services may be limited and navigation would be difficult. October to April is the best time to visit Alleppey and cruise on houseboats. 

Alleppey is one of the hearts of tourism in Kerala. Houseboat is the best way to savor the immaculate beauty of Alleppey and Kerala. Choosing the best route ensures that your trip is personalized to you, for you. This guide to selecting the perfect houseboat route in Alleppey will help you decide your trip and also guarantees you the best experience.