About the Kerla House Boat
Alleppey, known for its scenic backwaters, is a town in the southern Indian state of Kerala.
No amount words can describe the swaying coconut trees, the green paddy fields, blue skies, flocks of ducks floating on the surface, cormorants, the fish-eating birds exposing only their long necks above water, and those beautiful water lilies. You have to see it to believe it.
To call Alleppey the “Venice of East” maybe a cliché, but there is truth in it. There are narrow canals which connect the larger water bodies. There are canals – narrow canals – snake like canals – crawling through the paddy fields.
And you are brought to this romance by the cupid itself – the houseboats. These houseboats are, actually, resorts-on-float. Cruising the backwaters of Kerala is one of the most serene, beautiful and peaceful things to experience.
One such floating resort is _Banlekhi’s Prakkadan_ , situation in __Avalookunnu, alleppy_.
The backwaters of Alleppey could be described as a mirage of what heaven must look like on a tranquil day; only, it’s not a mirage but very real. Alleppey is blessed with a rather peculiar geographical feature of having the water at level with the land.
Houseboat Experience
The houseboat will have a small and well-appointed bedroom, a neat bathroom and a open deck cum living cum dining room in the front. One can check-in around 10 in the morning. There will be a driver and a cook available on the boat throughout your stay. Post checking-in, you will be taken for a scenic cruise through the interwinding backwater canals, all across to the point where the backwater widespread its arms to become a huge lake leading into the sea.
You might wonder what is there to do on a houseboat other than just relaxing and, well, being stay put on the boat. Actually, there is so much more to do. Here is the list of things to do when on a houseboat on the backwaters of Alleppey (Alappuzha).
Have a ride on the canals
Alleppey (Alappuzha) consists of a unique set of interlinked canals across the backwaters. While some are narrow, others are wider. And at some points, they get as wide as a big lake. You will almost feel like you are cruising over the sea. Make sure to ask your houseboat driver to take you across as many canals as possible. You will pass several scenic spots on the shore while cruising through the backwaters.
Halt in the middle of nowhere
Once you are in the middle of the biggest canal, which is actually more of a lake, halt. And relax. It is quite an experience in itself to stand still atop an equally still waterbody in the middle of nowhere. You will feel the mild breeze across the backwaters and might occasionally spot other houseboats passing by. But overall, it is so calm and relaxing. Actually, a perfect spot in case you would like to meditate. We would suggest, halt at lunchtime and have your lunch in the middle of nowhere.
Eat fresh sea food right on the houseboats
Well, one of the best advantages of being on the houseboat on the backwaters of Alleppey (Alappuzha) is that you get fresh sea food in your platter. Even the vegetarian dishes right in the middle of the backwaters would be quite an experience.
Hop on and off a resort or cafe
While on the houseboat, you will cross through several canals. There are different establishments on the banks including hotels, resorts, cafes etc. It will be really nice if you can get off the boat, to a resort or cafe on the banks. Have a coffee or a quick bite. And then hop back onto your houseboat for your forward journey.
Visit along the paddy fields
Many a times, the canals that you take over the backwaters of Alleppey (Alappuzha) pass right in between paddy fields. You can also spot narrow stretches of land being cultivated amidst the surrounding backwaters.
Observe the life of the locals
The life of the locals go on these canals every single day. Of course, it cannot be same as the one we lead in the towns, cities, or, for the matter of fact, even in general villages where you walk on land, stay on land rather than surrounded by water all the time. It is really interesting to watch how the locals have developed a system wherein they are able to get around the water so easily with their daily chores. There are private boats and public boats that you can share with others like buses. Children go to school on boats, adults go to work on boats. And of course, like bus stops, there are boat stops at regular interval. Based on the capacity of an individual, he may own anything from a small hand rowed boat to a steamer. Even farmers cruise to their fields and bring back harvest on boats.
Capture the beautiful sunset and sunrise over the backwaters
Sunsets and sunrises are one of the most beautiful phenomenon on the backwaters that you will come across. No words can describe it, you got to experience it to understand it. As the evening approaches, the sky changes colour several times. And finally, you can see the sun setting over the horizon, and its beautiful reflections in the water, waving a little now and then as a boat passes by. Equally mesmerizing is the sunrise phenomena.
Spend a night in the houseboat over the waves of the backwater
There are both day trip options and overnight stay options available for the backwaters stay in Alleppey (Alappuzha). We would recommend go for an overnight stay. As the night approaches, the houseboat will row back to the banks of the backwater. You can have your dinner on the houseboat before it reaches back the banks. Amidst numerous candles, their reflections casting in the dark water. One of the most romantic dinners one can have – beats any luxury hotel dinners.
