Alleppey: Private Houseboat Cruise with Village Canal Ride

Summary

Alappuzha backwater cruise with local lunch & narrow canal ride

You’ll float through Alleppey’s lush backwaters on your own private houseboat, sharing laughs over Kerala meals and glimpsing daily life in riverside villages. Paddle into narrow canals by country boat where only locals go, then unwind as dusk settles over quiet waters — it’s peaceful in a way that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We were already gliding past the first cluster of coconut palms when I realized how quiet it was out here — just the soft slap of water against the hull and a distant call from someone on the bank. Our guide, Arun, pointed out Kainakari village as we drifted by. He waved at a woman in a bright sari who was rinsing something at the edge; she grinned back and shouted something I definitely didn’t catch. The air smelled faintly of wood smoke and cardamom, which made me hungry even though it wasn’t lunchtime yet.

I didn’t expect to feel so nosy peering into daily life from our Alleppey houseboat — kids in uniforms walking along the canal, an old man fixing his fishing net, two goats tied under a jackfruit tree. When we stopped for lunch at Meenappalli Kayal (it’s this small lake right in the middle of everything), they served us fish curry on banana leaves. I tried eating with my hands like Arun showed me. Not sure I did it right but he laughed and said “practice makes perfect.” The rice stuck to my fingers for ages.

The best part? That hour-long country boat ride through Kuttamangalam canal. The main houseboat can’t fit down those tiny waterways, so you switch to this smaller wooden boat — no engine, just paddles and silence except for birds and the occasional splash. Paddy fields on both sides, water hyacinths floating by. There was a moment where we passed a schoolyard and all these kids waved at us like we were celebrities or something. It felt weirdly special.

By evening, we moored somewhere quiet between villages. Dinner was simple but good — more Kerala flavors, lots of coconut. The A/C kicked in around 8pm (thank god), and I sat outside for a while listening to frogs before heading in. Still think about that slow drift under the last bit of sun — you know when you’re not sure if you’re dreaming or just really relaxed? Anyway, if you want to see Alleppey’s backwaters without rushing or crowds, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Houseboat trip through Alleppey backwaters

• Visit ancient St. Mary Church
• Pass Vembanadu Lake
• Travel narrow canal in Kainakari village
• Lunch at Meenappalli Kayal lake
• Pass famous 75 ft wide river
• Pass canal with local homes and temples
• Take 1-hour country boat trip in Kuttamangalam canal
• Houseboat halts for overnight stay

Top questions

Is food included on the Alleppey houseboat trip?

Yes, all meals are included: lunch, dinner, evening tea/coffee with snacks, and breakfast.

How long does the private houseboat cruise last?

The cruise starts midday and continues until overnight halt between 5:30pm-6pm; A/C runs from 8pm to 6am.

Do I need to book the country boat ride in advance?

Yes, let them know ahead if you want the 1-hour country boat ride through Kuttamangalam canal.

Are there stops at villages during the tour?

You’ll pass through villages like Kainakari and Kuttithod; there are views of daily life along canals.

Is WiFi available on board?

Yes, WiFi is provided on the houseboat during your stay.

Are infant seats available for families?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request for families traveling with young children.

What’s included

Your day includes all meals from lunch to breakfast (with tea or coffee and snacks), WiFi onboard your private houseboat, mineral water throughout the journey, an optional one-hour country boat ride through narrow canals if requested ahead of time, plus an overnight stay with air conditioning provided from 8pm to 6am before you wake up surrounded by Kerala’s calm backwaters.