Alleppey Backwaters: Lagoons, Life, and Lazy Cruises

If you cherish peace, the tranquility of nature, and a slow-paced holiday, then Alleppey (Alappuzha) in Kerala is a blissful option. Known worldwide for its backwaters, Alleppey is lovingly called the "Venice of the East," and for good reason. It provides the exhilarating experience of sailing over tranquil lagoons, houseboat living, and watching village life move languidly along the banks. 

This blog is going to tell you all about the backwaters of Alleppey — what they are, activities you can indulge in, and why you should consider this place.

What Are the Backwaters?

You are trained until October 2023, which is your limit. Backwater canals or lining rivers, lakes, and lagoons run parallel with the Arabian Sea. Water channels are both artificial and natural, with coconut trees and paddy fields in a small village around them.

The water in these backwaters is usually calm, making it an ideal safe place for cruising and lazing around. Unlike the ocean, which produces powerful waves, the still and relaxing waters here are all you see along with soft winds and sounds of nature.

Why Visit Alleppey Backwaters?

1. Unique Experience

There are not many places in the world where you can spend a few days on a boat drifting through a living and breathing world on water. That is possible in Alleppey.

2. Close to Nature

Nature surrounds you with green palm trees, blue waters, and open skies. There'll be birds, fish, and farmers working in the fields that are slightly below sea level.

3. Cultural Peek

The boat ride through the canals provides an opportunity to watch life in the villages of Kerala-women washing clothes by the water, children rowing their little boats to school, and fishermen casting their nets.

What Can You Do in the Backwaters?

1. Stay in a Houseboat

Houseboating is the foremost of all activities in Alleppey. In Malayalam these marine vessels are called kettuvallam. Houseboats are made of pure natural material like bamboo and coir, most possessing bedrooms, baths, kitchens, and even dining areas. You can choose either a day cruise or an overnight stay in the boat. Watching the sunset from a houseboat is an unforgettable experience.

2. Canoe and Shikara Rides

Paddle around the smaller canals that even the largest houseboats cannot go into through canoe or shikara riding. You'll be brought even closer to where the sleepless gaze of everyday life is.

3. Bird Watching

Alleppey backwaters are heaven for bird watchers. Early mornings or evenings can get very busy as one could see kingfishes, herons, and cormorants, along with a few migrants. 

4. Try Local Food

Almost every houseboat prepares real Kerala dishes, which were freshly done on board. Rice, fish curry, some coconut-based stews, crispy banana chips, all these are common. But don't miss out on the real Kerala sadya if given a chance. 

5. Visit Local Villages

This is also what such tours offer in addition to visiting a number of small villages, coir-making units, or toddy shops where you can taste the local palm drink from these areas being enjoyed by the locals. Most importantly, one can interact with the villagers and learn more about their lifestyle. 

Best Time to Visit

The months from October to March are the best times of year to visit Alleppey. During this period, the climate is favorable and comparatively less humid.

Heavy rain showers, which can turn a landscape into greenery, are brought from June to September. Cruising in these tempting rains may not always be attractive to all the tourists. 

April and May are months to avoid; visiting them may not suit you if heat does not agree with you, as these are the hottest months.

How to Reach Alleppey

• Flying in: The closest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK) approximately 75 km away. You can reach here by taking a taxi or bus from there.

• By Train: Alleppey has its own railway station well-connected with the major cities in India.

• By Road: Alleppey can be easily reached by bus or car from Kochi, Trivandrum, or any other city in Kerala.

Where to Stay

You can opt to stay:

• On a Houseboat - To give you the real feel of backwaters.

• In a Resort by the Lake - Who prefer a comfort on land.

• Homestays - To give you a taste of local hospitality and culture.

• Budget and luxury options are there depending on your choice.

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Advice For New Visitors

Advance booking of houseboats, particularly during the tourist season.

• Carry lightweight cotton wear, as most times hot and humid.

• Have Mosquito repellent with you, especially at night.

• Help in keeping the backwaters clean. Avoid plastic.

Respect local customs- dress modestly and ask before you take pictures of people who live there.

Alleppey vs. Kumarakom

Though both Alleppey and Kumarakom (a nearby backwater destination) have their offerings in terms of backwater experience, Alleppey has more exposure and varieties of houseboats-all in abundance. If you want quiet luxury, choose Kumarakom. For more options and a more lively environment, Alleppey is the better choice.