Introduction

Alleppey is the pivotal start point for trips into Kerala’s famed backwaters and the state’s rice bowl, Kuttanad. Set out on a houseboat, and sail up to Quilon (Kollam) to the south, and Kottayam to the east. It is a lovely day long ride on the backwaters from the Alleppey backwater jetty to Quilon, past some of the most entrancing scenery of palm-fringed banks, quaint islands, quiet fishermen villages, Chinese fishing nets and little rice boats carrying locals around the village and across it. You will cross several quaint islands. One such island has a rustic shack selling an array of oddball antique silver jewelry. Majorly popular with tourists, the place sees an occasional steamer or houseboat stopping by to pick up armloads of silver junk such as anklets, earrings, necklace and bands among other counts.

An interesting way to explore this green backwater getaway is by renting a houseboat (locally called Kettuvalloms) and drifting on the lazy backwaters through a wealth of mangrove forests, emerald paddy fields and swaying coconut groves. Typically kettuvalloms measure 80 feet (24 meters), and provide you luxurious accommodation and modern facility coupled with traditional hospitality. The boat is made out of huge planks of jack wood tied together with rope, without using a single nail. Room options in the houseboats vary across one, two and three bedroom, air-conditioned and non air-conditioned categories. The rooms are aesthetically done up and elegantly furnished with amenities such as satellite television, comfortable double bed, coffee table and an attached bath complete with toiletries.

Spend leisurely hours soaking up the calm and the languid pace of backwater life. A cruise on these enchanting waterways opens up endless views of the canals, the fishermen hamlets on either side, and an open blue sky. Sit out on the deck of your houseboat as you soak up the sun, and capture in your lens the emerald green backwaters spattered with white lilies in some places, kids being rowed to school in a traditional rice boat, beautifully brown women draped in colorful saris on their way to the paddy field, and farmers enjoying a chat over a cup of tea… Life seems so peaceful on these waterways that you can reflect at leisure, take time to fill up your diary, and sip a few cups of freshly brewed tea - all the while listening to bird songs, the rise and drop of wind and the soft swishing of water.

Savor the nuances of Kuttanadan delicacies complemented by traditional coconut beer or toddy. As night falls, twinkling lights from the surrounding backwater villages illuminate the waterway. Simply sit-out on your deck, enjoy the sea breeze and listen to night noises.

Special Attributes

Sailing on the serene waterway while taking in the verdant greenery, is extremely de-stressing. It rejuvenates you for the rest of your journey, and offers some truly unique sights and sounds.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Carry a lot of light cotton clothing for summer, and in winter a layer of woolen suffices.

Connectivity

The jetty is very close to the city centre and you can take an auto-rickshaw to reach it

Enjoyed by

Families, Senior Citizens, Backpackers, Kids, Honeymooners

Exposure

You will mostly be in the cool shade of your thatched houseboat. It is, however, advisable to carry along your sunshades, sunscreen lotion and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

April, May, June, July

Facilities

Arrangement of accommodation and food

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Begin your cruise early in the day so that you can see how a day begins in the backwaters, and the routine locals go through till sunset.

Type of site

Cruise on Alleppey backwaters