Backwaters of Kerala - please advise

Tiny Bubbles

I will be in Kerala in a few days & really wanna do a boat trip (there are four of us).
Do you need to book or are there plenty of boats in Alappuzha?
What is the average cost per day or per journey?
How long does it take from Alappuzha to Kollam?
Have been on the kerala tourism website but it only lists a few boats.
Thanks in advance.

SitaParityaga

I believe at this time of year you will have no trouble going down to the side of the lake in Alleppey (Alappuzha), pick out a boat that looks good to you. They vary alot in size and quality. Make sure you get one with a not too loud motor on the back. I've heard some bad reviews of people who have tried to reserve boats over the internet, and it really isn't necessary this time of year.

Tell them exactly what you want too...what kind of meals, where you want to go, etc. You can do an overnight trip from Alleppey to Kollam....the prettiest trips are in this direction.

I did my trip two winters ago....around $100 US a night. Had I gone to Alleppey myself instead of going through an agent in Cochin, it would have been cheaper. I believe at this time of year you'll do well to bargain hard and look for what you want. Its alot of fun.

john.sw

There are only about 140 houseboats on the backwaters. They range in size from a one bedroom to an eight bedroom.

Most of the boats are converted rice barges (kettuvallam). I have only seen one eight bedroom boat, and it is very ugly and looks like something you would find in a caravan site (trailer park). I hope they don’t allow any more of these monsters or it could ruin charm of this wonderful part of the world!

For a one bedroom boat with 2 people, with all meals, you can pay anything from Rs.3000/- for a 24 hour trip (March 2005.)

For this you get a cook, an engine man and a guy to steer the boat. If you want an English-speaking guide you can also get one, but there’s not much to say about the Backwaters, apart from that they are beautiful, stunning, and a must-do experience!

Beer is extra – but you can take your own. A large bottle of Kingfisher costs Rs.39/- from the government booze shop.

When booking your boat, I would recommend that you insist that the boat be anchored in the middle of the lake at night.

On one trip to God’s Own Country, my boat was moored at the side of a canal on the edge of a village. It was noisy, and we had tourists as neighbours! When you spend the night in the middle of the lake it is pure peace and quiet – until the fishermen start work early in the morning, which is all part of the charm of the place.

You can find some houseboat operators at http://www.keralatourism.org/index.j...30&view=second

lonelyaztec

Hi,
I have been to Allepy and have been on the back water cruise, the place is awesome and the experience.

U can take a kettuvellam or house boat from Allepy tourism development corporation or from any of the private operators.

The cost can be Rs. 3000 for a 24 hrs cruise for a boat with 1 room that can accomodate 2 people. There are larger boats also for larger groups, and the cost is also more.

I have put a travelogue on Indiamike on my experiences at Allepy, u must go thru it. The information that is there, will be useful for u. Pls go thru it.


http://www.indiamike.com/india/article.php?a=11

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steven_ber

Sorry, I have no time at the moment to read the replies so far, but our member Beach done a great thread a while ago that should also be helpful.

Kerala Backwaters - A cruise on budgets!

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Wanderer22

Did three nights aboard one of the smaller boats in February. Cost was 3000 Rp./day booked from Fort Cochin. Had a great time. Asked for Kerala style food, either vegetarian or fish, and the cook produced top notch stuff. Was even able to obtain a supply of tody. Would rather drink Kingfisher, but the crew liked it and did not show any sign of hangover the following day.
All three nights were spent tied to the bank. Rather than being cut off and quiet, we were in the middle of the backwaters community. There was music from the temples, frogs, crickets, and locals saying "hello". Fortunately we tied up well away from other tourist boats. There seem to be several places where tourist boats group. The crew avoided these without my having to ask. There appeared to be a lot of boats available, and many more are being built as fast as they can crank them out. Hope the place does not go crazy too soon. Here's a photo fron the trip... Tied to the bank

Cheers, Wanderer22

getgopi1

You mean something like this:

I had Toddy too and no hangover

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K53

Gorgeous photo Wanderer!

haritha

Tree houses in back waters that is surprising --- miskeading.

The do not have a address also

Surprising

TracyB

Can't wait!! Your picture looks awesome Wanderer. Will be going there in a few months....

Storkplay

Tiny Bubbles,
Did you make your trip finally and how was it.