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The songs of exotic birds and the sun dipping into the azure water make the perfect setting for a romantic getaway.
Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is rightly hailed as the Venice of the East for a good reason. This stunning city on the shores of the Laccadive Sea is renowned for its intricate network of canals, backwaters, lagoons, and beaches. Nestled on the west coast of India, neighbouring Kochi, Kollam, and Kovalam, Alappuzha offers a truly unique and enchanting experience. As I navigated the town, I was captivated by the charm of its backwaters. The rustic wooden canoes gliding through the winding canals, framed by swaying palm trees and vibrant houses, create an idyllic scene that is simply mesmerising. Cruising through the meandering waterways, witnessing the breathtaking sunsets, or simply basking in the serenity of the surroundings, Alappuzha offers an unforgettable experience. The rhythmic flow of the water, the gentle breeze, and the stunning vistas create an atmosphere that is a must for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the magic of the Venice of the East.
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What’s a good time to visit? The tropical weather of Kerala makes afternoons sultry for a better part of the year. Please note that houseboats will not be operational during the monsoons. Most houseboats do not have air conditioning services during the day. Plan a trip between December and February for a soothing experience. Luckily, Valentine’s Day falls during the peak season in Alappuzha. How do I reach Alappuzha? Alappuzha is well connected with other cities. I flew down to Cochin International Airport when I visited Alappuzha with my partner. We explored Fort Kochi for three days and then rented a car to go further. We visited Alappuzha, Vagamon, and Varkala during our trip. We rented a car from the main market of Fort Kochi. It cost us around Rs. 1200 a day when we visited in 2021. Alappuzha is an hour’s drive from Kochi. You can also reach Alappuzha by rail, local buses or by taxi. There's a train to Alappuzha every couple of hours. The route is an hour to an hour and a half long, depending on the train. You’ll find Volvo buses too. In all, it’s quite easy to reach Alappuzha. How much time should I spend in Alappuzha? This depends on your travel preferences. Take at least two days to explore the backwaters of Alappuzha. This will give you enough time to explore its cuisine, lifestyle and landscape. I would also recommend extending your trip by one more day. You can enjoy birdwatching, Ayurvedic spas, and more in this exotic location.
As we arrived in Alappuzha, the initial impression was that of a typical South Indian city. The bustling city centre, busy streets, food joints, and auto stands created a vibrant and noisy atmosphere. It seemed like any other urban hub. However, as we ventured further towards the backwaters, a whole new world unfolded before my eyes. Alappuzha revealed its hidden charm and serenity. The scenery transformed dramatically as the clamour of the city faded away. I found myself surrounded by vast stretches of unending paddy fields, their vibrant green hues stretching as far as the eye could see. Quaint canals weaved their way through the landscape, adding a touch of tranquillity to the surroundings. Towering coconut trees stood tall, casting long shadows and providing respite from the sun's rays. It was in this serene setting that I truly began to appreciate the allure of Alappuzha.
You can rent a bicycle and pedal through Vembanad with your beloved. Ride through the muddy streets, chase sunsets and enjoy the events unfolding on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Did I tell you this lake houses the famed houseboats of Kerala? There are about 900 km of waterways in Kerala, with the Vembanad Lake at the heart of them all. The canals pretty much begin from the lake and scurry towards the ocean. They cross all the land that forms Kochi, Alappuzha and other umpteen coastal towns of Kerala.
As I ventured into Kuttanad, I was captivated by its unique setting. Kuttanad has the lowest altitude in India. It is about 4 ft to 10 ft below sea level. It is another floating village that borders the districts of Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta. What’s so unique about this village? Well, it is built to sustain the villagers at heights below sea level. Many houses in this village do not have a ground floor to combat flooding during monsoons. Kuttanad is one of the very few places on Earth where locals conduct farming below sea level. Exploring the canals of Kuttanad by canoe provided us with a direct glimpse into the everyday lives of the villagers. Their houses border waters, and their common mode of transport is boating. It was awe-inspiring to witness floating ambulances, bustling markets, and even schools on the water. To fully embrace the wonders of Kuttanad, I recommend spending a day and night immersing yourself in the region. Opt for a homestay to experience the local culture or stay in a houseboat for an unforgettable adventure in this extraordinary floating village.
Large wooden boats painted in black and pointed at the edges line the canals—think of handwoven bamboo and coir encasings on the boats. They house a tiny kitchen, bedroom, and even a makeshift hallway. Imagine small families of two, three, or four residing here. Extraordinary, isn’t it? This is the kind of experience that awaits you in the houseboats of Alappuzha. You’ll find hundreds of them anchored at the edges of Vembanad Lake. These are the houseboats that will host tourists and travellers like yourself. Ready to pick a houseboat for a romantic stay? What should you keep in mind while selecting one?
Make sure you book your houseboat in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit during peak season like Valentine’s Day. You generally get two options while booking. You can spend the night at the houseboat or book the houseboat for the whole day and return after sunset. Please note that the full-day package is for 7 hours. The 7-hour houseboat experience covers your transfer to and from the boat, a traditional lunch and a sunset boating tour. The 2-day houseboat experience includes a night stay at the houseboat, all meals included. Based on your package, you can enjoy birdwatching, an Ayurvedic spa session, kayaking, and more. Pricing for houseboats starts from Rs. 5,000 and goes up to Rs. 50,000. The packages depend on the category of the houseboat, experiences included, and overnight stay. Houseboats in this region are generally categorised as standard, deluxe, and luxury or premium. Go for a premium houseboat experience if you’re looking for an extravagant Valentine’s getaway. This will give you a traditional but finely decorated houseboat. It includes the pleasures of guided birdwatching and village tours. Don't miss the hearty meals with traditional and semi-continental spreads. Parties on the deck are amazing experiences altogether! When you book a houseboat, you will mostly have the entire boat to yourselves. Limited space means that families get to host only one set of guests at a time. This way, you can enjoy a private and serene escape into the backwaters.
Hire a canoe to enjoy the backwaters at your own pace. The emerald canals make way for serene lagoons, coconut groves, and tiny streams. You’ll find islands crammed with red and blue coloured houses, paddy fields, and the occasional boat taxis. A boat ride for 2 or 3 hours will help you make the most of these unreal surroundings. Finish the rowing session with a beautiful view of the sunset. As the sun set over the emerald backwaters, its warm hues painted the sky above, creating a breathtaking spectacle. We sat in silence, enjoying the breathtaking beauty of nature in its glory. We took a guided kayaking tour of the backwaters in the morning. My partner and I rowed from one waterway to another. Tentgram was kind enough to let us explore the waterway for about two hours. Patharimanal Island is a great place to greet migrating birds. The island has about 90 species of birds, of which only 50 are local. While we did not visit the island, the stories from fellow travellers were captivating. We made a mental note not to miss it the next time. Another experience to look forward to is the local food. Most houseboats serve delectable food. We loved the puttu and kadala curry we had for breakfast. Lunch and dinner usually consist of rice meals. You can also ask your hosts if they provide an Ayurvedic spa session on the boat. Locals typically offer several sessions to relax and rejuvenate your body.
Few places in India can match Alappuzha's extravagance, romanticism, and hospitality. Don’t forget to stop at one of the tiny toddy shops while strolling the alleys of Alappuzha. It was an unforgettable experience as I sipped on a large cup! Remember to pack your camera to capture Instagram-worthy shots of the serene backwaters, vibrant markets, and picturesque streets.
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