No trip or any trip to Kerala, India, is complete without experiencing their houseboat cruise. It’s a must. Those who’ve done it will vouch it's one of the best things Kerala offers for your things to do in Kerala list or sightseeing in Kerala (COLOMBO SRI LANKA SIGHTSEEING).
As for the three of us, this backwater tour in Kerala was already part of our Kerala travel itinerary, all necessary payment included. We opted for an overnight stay in a houseboat, which also included all meals. Ours was a two-room private houseboat, just for the three of us.
Boarding the Houseboat
From Kochi,
where we landed the previous day, after hotel breakfast, our driver - also our
tour guide—picked us up and brought us to Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey,
globally known as the Venice of the East.
He was done for the day, and our houseboat in Alleppey was docked near Vazhicherry Bridge on VCNB Road. From the moment we stepped into the boat till the next morning, the three crew members on board would be in charge of navigating, cleaning, and preparing all our meals (THINGS TO DO IN NEGOMBO SRI LANKA).
A
quintessential Kerala Kettuvallam, blending traditional charm with basic
comforts. Originally cargo vessels for rice and spices, these boats are made
from bamboo, coconut fiber, and palm leaves.
Our eco-friendly AC deluxe houseboat had an open lounge, two bedrooms with attached bathrooms, and a small kitchenette. There was also a TV, though it didn’t work despite the crew trying to fix it.
As we glided
through narrow canals, paddy fields, swaying coconut trees, and glimpses of
local life floated by small boats, riverside homes, and children waving. In
between, we stopped by a shack to buy fresh catch from the locals, which would
be cooked for our lunch.
This backwater
cruise in Kerala is simply nature, water, and doing nothing much - just resting
back, soaking in the calm, away from the chaos of city life.
By evening, the
boat anchored and we stepped onto dry land for a short walk along the edge of
the water. A mini nature walk, listening to the soft sound of the backwaters
and an occasional bird call, before returning to the boat.
The boat gently glided on the Kerala backwaters, running parallel to the Malabar Coast. It was peaceful, calming, and a quiet moment of stillness in our trip.
Just minutes
after boarding, we were served fresh coconut water. It did wonders cooling us
down, considering the sun was blazing.
Lunch was local and spicy- Kerala-style fish curry using what we bought, spiced rice, yogurt, stir-fried vegetables, and papadum.
Breakfast the next morning was light but satisfying - puttu, chickpea curry, and bananas.
Insect
repellent: A must. Mosquitoes appear in full force after sunset.
Own bedding
(optional): For hygiene peace of mind, bring a light bedsheet or pillowcase.
Toiletries:
Bring your own towel, toothpaste, and other basics.
Tipping: Not
expected, but appreciated. Sometimes, subtle hints may come your way.
Check
belongings: Before disembarking, double-check your stuff.
Kerala, India, houseboat experience is not about ticking off touristy highlights. It’s about going with the flow - literally. You cruise the Alleppey backwaters, admire the unfiltered nature, eat local food, breathe easy, and leave feeling quietly refreshed.
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