Weekends In Alleppey

One destination that always comes to mind when someone asks for a recommendation to spend quality time with a group of friends is Alleppey. It reminds me of my trip to Alleppey with my school friends during my 3rd year of engineering.

After numerous group chats, calls, and suggestions, the trip finally came to life.

How to reach Alleppey?

If you're traveling from Chennai, the best option for reaching Alleppey is by train. Two trains with suitable timings are ALLEPPEY SF EXP (22639) and RAPTISAGAR EXP (12511).

You'll likely arrive between 11:00 AM - 11:30 PM.

Things to do in Alleppey:

When someone mentions Alleppey, the first thing that comes to mind is a Houseboat Cruise in the backwaters of the Arabian Sea. Additionally, there are two famous churches to visit: St. Mary's Forane Church and St. Andrew's Basilica Arthungal.

Temples worth exploring include Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, Chakkulathukavu Temple, and Mullakal Rajeshwari Temple.

Personally, I would recommend the Houseboat Cruise in the Backwaters.



Bookings:

Start by booking a private houseboat for you and your friends. Opt for a one-day package starting from 11 AM on Day 1 to 10 AM on Day 2. Houseboats can accommodate up to 25 members. Check-in time is between 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM.  The cost for more than 12 members is around 17K, and for 25 members, it comes to around 25K. The package includes a welcome drink, lunch (both non-veg and veg, typically Kerala-style fish meals), dinner, and breakfast on Day 2.

Here are some boat house contacts for bookings :

Oscar Cruise - 9947532527 - (House Boats, Shikara, Canoeing, Kayaking)
Mr. Vihesh - 9500097006
Udayakumar (House boat alappuzha) - 8606383252 

(These contacts are also available in WhatsApp)




  • The experience begins as soon as you land in Alleppey station. Upon reaching the station, take an auto outside and communicate with your houseboat contact to reach the suggested location, often the Alleppey boat house. 
  • Regarding alcohol, inform the boat person if you want them to arrange it, or ask the auto driver to take you to a liquor shop before boarding the boat.
  • During the cruise, the boat will dock at an island where you can purchase fresh seafood to supplement the provided dinner. If interested, ask them to stop at a toddy shop while cruising. 
  • You will navigate through the captivating Punnamada Lake, renowned for its divine beauty and as the venue for the famous Nehru Trophy boat race in Kerala. Subsequently, you'll venture into the enchanting waters of Vembanad Lake. The following day, your cruise will take you through the SNDP canal, the banks of Kuppapuram village, and Vilakkumaram Thodu. These places are just as captivating in reality as portrayed in Google and Instagram reels, showcasing scenic greenery and the experience of gliding through the water between islands.
  • By 6 PM, the boat will park at a preferred island for the night, as cruising is not allowed after this time. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, take photos, play board games or cards, and savor the night on the backwaters.
  • Enhancing your enjoyment further is the overnight halt in the backwaters, where you'll feel the boat gently dancing with the movements of the water. Indulge in the ambiance with a drink, relish the cool breeze, savor seafood with your friends, engage in lively chit-chat, laughter, and playful banter, making you lose track of time.


The next day, plan a trip to Cochin. Upon landing at the boat station, head to the Mullkal area, where various travel agencies offer tempo traveler packages for Cochin visits. 

  • The itinerary may include Cochin Harbour, Chinese fishing nets, Mattenchery Palace, a walk in the harbour road, and a private cruise around the harbour area.
  •  The trip will conclude with a visit to Jew Town, known for its rich history and a variety of artifacts for sale. 
  • The tempo traveler will then drop you at Asia's one of the largest malls, Lu Lu Mall, where you can spend half a day exploring. Arrange your return from Ernakulam station for convenience.




If a day stay in a houseboat doesn't pique your interest, consider renting a regular sightseeing houseboat. These boats charge based on the distance they cover and offer various sightseeing options. For a more adventurous experience, try kayaking in the backwaters. This activity allows you to explore diverse landscapes, from tree and shrub-covered areas to passing beneath numerous bridges along green canals, ultimately leading to an open sea.

Delve into the cultural richness of the area, visit temples and churches, such as the ones featured in the movie "Vinaithandi Varuvaiya." You can also rent a boat for a day to explore 18 islands. Indulge in local cuisine, particularly non-vegetarian dishes, for an authentic taste of Kerala's seafood delicacies.

For a change of pace, consider staying at either Sterling Lake Palace or floating resorts in Kumbalangi Island. These two distinct lodging options provide a daily retreat, allowing you to feel lighter and pressure-free. On the following day, you can stick to the Cochin itinerary.


Sterling Lake Palace - Alleppey


Aquatic Floating Resort - Kumbalangi

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