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Alleppey houseboat

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ATTRACTION GUIDE · KERALA

Alleppey houseboat

Cruise Kerala's palm-lined backwaters on a traditional kettuvallam rice barge, with meals cooked on board.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
1 day
Entry
Paid
Best time
September to March
Area
Alappuzha

Cruise the backwaters on a traditional rice barge.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Alappuzha, Kerala

  • From Kochi: About 1h30 by car or train to Alappuzha.
  • Boats: Day cruises or overnight trips with bedrooms, a crew and a cook.
  • Booking: Choose licensed operators; government rules require boats to anchor at night.

The story of the backwaters

Kettuvallams were once used to carry rice and spices along the canals. Today many have been converted into floating homes with bedrooms and sun decks.

The backwaters are a network of lakes, rivers and canals over 900 km long. You pass villages, churches, paddy fields below water level and people washing and fishing by the banks.

Best time to visit

Best season

September to March.

Best time of day

Early morning and sunset on deck.

Monsoon

Lush and quiet; boats still run.

Tips before you go

  • Overnight trips are the most relaxing.
  • Ask for traditional Kerala dishes like karimeen fish.
  • Take a small canoe for narrow village canals.

Best hotels near the backwaters

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Kumarakom Lake Resort

Heritage resort on Vembanad Lake.

See prices

Brunton Boatyard

Heritage hotel in Fort Kochi.

See prices

Houseboats in Alleppey

Sleep on the backwaters.

See prices
All hotels near the backwaters

What's around the backwaters

  • Vembanad LakeKerala's largest lake.
  • KumarakomBird sanctuary and resorts.
  • Alappuzha BeachOld pier and lighthouse.
  • Village canalsBy small canoe.

Questions travellers ask

How long should a houseboat trip be?

An overnight trip is ideal.

Are meals included?

Usually yes, cooked on board.

When is the best time?

September to March.

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Travel Plan · Alleppey houseboat Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure · Contact us