Backwaters as transport

lourdesblanket · Jan 25th, 2008, 21:08

Does anyone know if it's possible to take a backwater tour from Cochin with luggage and have it leave you in Kumarakom or Alleppey?

abhilashdas · Jan 26th, 2008, 16:51

You can travel between Kottayam-Alleppey, Kollam-Alleppey, Kumarakom-Muhamma etc by Boat. Note sure about Cochin service. I think, "No".

machadinha · Jan 26th, 2008, 17:10

To put it in another way, the backwater ferries are the (or a) traditional mode of transport in this watery area. The houseboat business is a relatively recent addition.

Cochin specifically I don't know about, it was never really a hub for it. I think some ferries may leave from there though. Just enquire on the ground; if not, get a bus or whatever to the next hub, which won't be far away.

For general inspiration, see (2003): Kerala Backwaters - A cruise on budgets!

Lord Average · Jan 26th, 2008, 17:21

I tried the same thing a year ago. The official answer was NO because there is a barrier on the lake between Cochin and Alleppy, and so houseboats are unable to cross between the two areas.

However there was a local "fixer" who promised that with a fee, the barrier could be opened and the trip made.

As we were short on time, I decided not to risk it.
It doesnt take long to get between Cochin and Alleppy by road, and so unless you are up for some unofficial adventure, I would recommend sticking to one area and then using normal methods to get to where you want to go next.

machadinha · Jan 26th, 2008, 17:45

Hm. I went (years ago) by ferry something like Kottayam-Alleppey-Kollam I think, a pretty standard and popular route I believe. The latter stretch is something like 8 hours (the first, around 2.5); some think it's boring, I really liked it. Depends if you like your boats and watery forests and hamlets I suppose. Could be very touristed today, I reckon there are more out-of-the-way destinations. I imagine ferries still ply these waters, again, it's just local transport.

There'll likely be (a lot of) pressure to get you on some more touristy tour affair, so it takes some persistence. I've also had it that the moment the overpacked ferry leaves, the competition is gone so you may suddenly get that tour boat all to yourself for a very reasonable price (and drop you at your destination like any ferry would, btw). Very nice really.

Jan 25th, 2008, 21:08	#1
lourdesblanket Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: New York City Posts: 2	Backwaters as transport Does anyone know if it's possible to take a backwater tour from Cochin with luggage and have it leave you in Kumarakom or Alleppey?

Jan 26th, 2008, 17:10	#3
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 11,089	To put it in another way, the backwater ferries are the (or a) traditional mode of transport in this watery area. The houseboat business is a relatively recent addition. Cochin specifically I don't know about, it was never really a hub for it. I think some ferries may leave from there though. Just enquire on the ground; if not, get a bus or whatever to the next hub, which won't be far away. For general inspiration, see (2003): Kerala Backwaters - A cruise on budgets! __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links Last edited by machadinha : Jan 26th, 2008 at 19:30.

Jan 26th, 2008, 17:21	#4
Lord Average Giant Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Glastonbury Posts: 156	I tried the same thing a year ago. The official answer was NO because there is a barrier on the lake between Cochin and Alleppy, and so houseboats are unable to cross between the two areas. However there was a local "fixer" who promised that with a fee, the barrier could be opened and the trip made. As we were short on time, I decided not to risk it. It doesnt take long to get between Cochin and Alleppy by road, and so unless you are up for some unofficial adventure, I would recommend sticking to one area and then using normal methods to get to where you want to go next. __________________ Live your life. Be Free

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Jan 26th, 2008, 16:51	#2
abhilashdas Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Kerala Posts: 22	You can travel between Kottayam-Alleppey, Kollam-Alleppey, Kumarakom-Muhamma etc by Boat. Note sure about Cochin service. I think, "No".

Jan 26th, 2008, 17:45	#5
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 11,089	Hm. I went (years ago) by ferry something like Kottayam-Alleppey-Kollam I think, a pretty standard and popular route I believe. The latter stretch is something like 8 hours (the first, around 2.5); some think it's boring, I really liked it. Depends if you like your boats and watery forests and hamlets I suppose. Could be very touristed today, I reckon there are more out-of-the-way destinations. I imagine ferries still ply these waters, again, it's just local transport. There'll likely be (a lot of) pressure to get you on some more touristy tour affair, so it takes some persistence. I've also had it that the moment the overpacked ferry leaves, the competition is gone so you may suddenly get that tour boat all to yourself for a very reasonable price (and drop you at your destination like any ferry would, btw). Very nice really.

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