Alappuzha Kerala: Houseboat Stay, Marari Beach, Food & Cost Guide
🌴 Alappuzha: A Magical Backwater Escape in Kerala 🇮🇳:
Your Complete Guide with Costs, Stays, Food & Travel Tips
📷 Photo by Meric dagli on unplash
*Introduction:
Welcome to Alappuzha—also known as Alleppey—the heart of Kerala’s backwaters and often called the “Venice of the East.” From serene houseboat rides to golden beaches, lush paddy fields, and vibrant culture, Alappuzha offers the perfect mix of nature, tradition, and relaxation. If you're looking to experience authentic Kerala, this is the place to be.
✅ Houseboat cruises through the mesmerizing backwaters
✅ Stunning beaches like Marari and Alappuzha Beach
✅ Authentic Kerala cuisine, especially seafood
✅ Peaceful countryside experiences in Kuttanad
✅ Festivals like the Nehru Trophy Boat Race
*🗺️ Where is Alappuzha Located?
*Introduction:
Welcome to Alappuzha—also known as Alleppey—the heart of Kerala’s backwaters and often called the “Venice of the East.” From serene houseboat rides to golden beaches, lush paddy fields, and vibrant culture, Alappuzha offers the perfect mix of nature, tradition, and relaxation. If you're looking to experience authentic Kerala, this is the place to be.
✅ Houseboat cruises through the mesmerizing backwaters
✅ Stunning beaches like Marari and Alappuzha Beach
✅ Authentic Kerala cuisine, especially seafood
✅ Peaceful countryside experiences in Kuttanad
✅ Festivals like the Nehru Trophy Boat Race
Alappuzha (or Alleppey) is in the southern Indian state of Kerala, about 60 km south of Kochi and 155 km north of Trivandrum.
📍Google Maps: View Alappuzha Location
📷 Photo by Anantha krishnan on unplash
*🛏️ Best Places to Stay in Alappuzha (with Links & Price Range):
1. Luxury:
-
🛶 Xandari Riverscapes Houseboat – Premium houseboat experience.
₹14,000–₹20,000/night
👉 Book on Booking.com -
🏖️ Marari Beach Resort (CGH Earth) – Luxury eco-resort near Marari Beach.
₹12,000–₹18,000/night
👉 Book on Booking.com
2. Mid-Range:
-
🛶 Cosy Houseboats – Great value with local food and beautiful routes.
₹7,000–₹10,000/night
👉 Book on Agoda -
🌿 Heritage Villa Stay at Abad Turtle Beach Resort
₹6,000–₹8,000/night
👉 Book on Booking.com
3. Budget:
-
🏡 Green View Homestay – Friendly hosts, near backwaters.
₹1,200–₹2,000/night
👉 Book on Booking.com -
🛏️ Zostel Alleppey – For backpackers, near the beach.
₹600–₹1,500/night
👉 Book on Zostel
📷 Photo by Abhisek prasad on unplash
*🍲 Local Food to Try in Alappuzha (with Cost):
| Dish | Approx. Price | Where to Try |
|---|---|---|
| Karimeen Pollichathu 🐟 | ₹300–₹500 | Halais Restaurant, Kream Korner |
| Appam & Stew 🍛 | ₹120–₹180 | Thaff Delicacy, Brothers Restaurant |
| Kerala Sadya 🍽️ | ₹200–₹300 | Cassia, Vembanad Restaurant |
| Banana Chips & Pickles 🍌 | ₹50–₹150 | Local shops, Mahadeva Chips Center |
| Toddy (Local Palm Wine) 🍶 | ₹80–₹150/glass | Toddy Shops in Kuttanad region |
📷 Photo by Rahul chowdhary on unplash
*🏞️ Alappuzha Attractions (with Cost & Entry Info):
| Place | Entry Fee | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| *Houseboat Cruise 🚤 | ₹6,000–₹15,000/night | Scenic backwaters with meals included |
| *Alappuzha Beach & Lighthouse 🏖️ | ₹20 (Lighthouse) | Sunset views, camel rides, seafood cafes |
| *Marari Beach 🌴 | Free | Serene and less crowded |
| *Kuttanad Village Tour 🌾 | ₹300–₹800 | Paddy fields, coir units, local toddy |
| *Pathiramanal Island 🦜 | Free | Birdwatching, boat ride cost: ₹500–₹1,000 |
| *Ambalappuzha Krishna Temple 🛕 | Free | Historic temple & famous Palpayasam |
| *Nehru Trophy Boat Race 🚣 | ₹200–₹3,000 (stand to boat view) | 2nd Saturday of August |
📅 Best Time to Visit Alappuzha:
Season | Months | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|
Winter | Nov – Feb | Pleasant weather, ideal for houseboats |
| Monsoon | Jun – Sep | Lush greenery, great for Ayurveda |
| Summer | Mar – May | Hot but fewer tourists, beach stays |
✈️ How to Reach Alappuzha:
-
By Air: Cochin Int’l Airport – 85 km (2 hr by taxi, ₹1,800–₹2,500)
-
By Train: Alappuzha Station – Connected to major cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, Bangalore.
-
By Road: Buses and cabs available from Kochi, Trivandrum, and Kottayam.
-
By Water: Public ferries & private cruises from Kumarakom and Kollam.
✅ Travel Tips for Alappuzha:
-
Book houseboats early (especially Nov–Feb).
-
Carry mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
-
Hire a local guide for village tours.
-
Respect temple customs (modest clothing, remove footwear).
-
Combine with a Kochi or Munnar trip for a full Kerala experience.
📷 Photo by Godson bright on unplash
💰 Estimated Trip Budget (3 Days/2 Nights):
| Category | Cost (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Houseboat Stay | ₹8,000 – ₹14,000 |
| Meals | ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 |
| Sightseeing & Entry | ₹500 – ₹1,500 |
| Transport (local) | ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 |
| Souvenirs/Extras | ₹500 – ₹1,000 |
| Total | ₹12,000 – ₹20,000 |
🚣♀️ A Day in the Backwaters – Real Moments in Alappuzha:
It was early morning when I stepped onto the deck of the houseboat. The backwaters were calm, still reflecting the soft orange glow of the rising sun. Coconut palms stood tall on either side of the canal, gently swaying in the breeze. The silence was only broken by the distant call of birds and the soft chug of the boat’s engine.
My boat captain, Rajeev, handed me a cup of hot chai and smiled. “This is the real Kerala,” he said, pointing toward a fisherman casting his net from a wooden canoe. It was a moment I’ll never forget—simple, peaceful, and deeply local.
As the houseboat floated through narrow canals, I watched daily life unfold along the banks. Women washed clothes, kids waved from the steps of their homes, and an elderly man sat reading the newspaper under a thatched roof. Everything moved slowly here, and that’s the magic of Alappuzha.
By midday, the boat docked near a small village where I had a traditional Kerala lunch on a banana leaf—steamed rice, sambar, tangy mango pickle, crispy papad, and freshly fried fish. The food was simple but bursting with flavor. I ate with my hands, just like the locals, and it somehow tasted better.
Later, as the boat glided toward the Vembanad Lake, the largest in Kerala, the landscape opened wide. The lake shimmered under the afternoon sun, dotted with birds, lilies, and the occasional drifting canoe. A couple on another boat waved at me as they passed—fellow travelers enchanted by this quiet paradise.
At sunset, the sky turned golden pink. I sat back on the deck, the breeze in my hair, watching the reflection of the sky dance on the water. That evening, I slept on the houseboat with the windows open, lulled by the sound of crickets and rippling water.
Alappuzha isn't just a destination—it's an experience. It teaches you to slow down, observe more, and feel the rhythm of life that flows like its waters: calm, deep, and steady.
*5 Frequently Asked Questions about Alappuzha:
1. Is a houseboat stay in Alappuzha worth it?
Absolutely! It’s the signature experience of Kerala. You'll float on tranquil waters, enjoy authentic meals, and sleep under the stars.
2. What's the best time to visit Alappuzha?
From November to February. The weather is cooler and ideal for backwater cruising.
3. How many days should I stay in Alappuzha?
2–3 days is perfect for exploring the backwaters, beaches, and nearby villages.
4. Are there any budget-friendly stays in Alappuzha?
Yes, lots of homestays and budget hotels are available starting from ₹800 per night.
5. Is it safe for solo travelers or women?
Yes, Alappuzha is generally safe, especially in touristy areas. Always take usual precautions and book verified stays.
📷 Photo by Tony sabastian on unplash
🔚 Final Thoughts: Why You Must Visit Alappuzha:
Alappuzha is a perfect blend of nature, culture, and serenity. From gliding through quiet backwaters to tasting authentic Kerala cuisine, it's a destination that lingers in your heart. Whether it's your honeymoon, a family vacation, or a solo escape – Alleppey awaits with its timeless charm.
*ALSO VISIT:
Azores Islands Travel Guide
Konark Sun Temple Travel Guide
*WRITTEN BY:Team planmyroad.com!
Comments
Post a Comment