Cruising Through Paradise: My Unforgettable Backwater Adventure in Alappuzha, Kerala

Kerala's enchanting backwaters have always been a dream destination for traveler's seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Alappuzha, lovingly called the "Venice of the East," is a wonderland where most of the landscape is adorned by shimmering waterways. Few years back, I embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime houseboat stay in Alappuzha with my friends, courtesy of South India Tours and Travels Private Limited. It turned out to be an extraordinary experience that we will cherish forever.

Our journey began with an easy booking process through the South India Tours and Travels website. On the day of the cruise, at around 10 am, our amiable tourist guide greeted us near the Alappuzha houseboat jetty area. As we boarded the houseboat, a sailor and two kitchen helpers joined us to ensure a delightful and comfortable journey.

The houseboat was a sight to behold – a floating paradise. We had reserved a 3-room boat, and each room was impeccably clean and fully air-conditioned. The cozy beds promised a restful stay, and to conserve energy, the air-conditioning was turned on during the night when the boat anchored near the serene coastal area of the lake.

The houseboat's interior was nothing short of luxurious. It boasted a large living room area and a fully air-conditioned dining area, which was enclosed by glass to allow uninterrupted views of the captivating surroundings. To add to the entertainment, there was a TV and a radio, offering us the option to relax to music or indulge in a karaoke session.

With eager anticipation, we set sail around 11 am, and our journey took us to various picturesque corners of Alappuzha. To kickstart the voyage, the houseboat staff warmly welcomed us with a refreshing welcome drink and delightful snacks.

As lunchtime approached, we were treated to a sumptuous Kerala-style lunch that left us craving for more. The local flavors and traditional culinary delights were a feast for our taste buds.

Later in the day, around 4 pm, the houseboat halted near a vibrant market area, where we disembarked to explore. We were enticed by the variety of fish available but decided to try buying some unique Kerala fish known as 'selvan' in Tamil (a language spoken in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka). We generously handed over the catch to the houseboat kitchen helpers to be prepared for dinner.

Evening brought with it a delightful tea-time with Kerala-style snacks, known as "bhajji." We relished two variants – one sweet and the other spicy – a perfect accompaniment to our evening conversations and laughter.

As nightfall enveloped the backwaters, around 6 pm, the houseboat anchored at a tranquil coastal spot. It was time to connect the boat to the nearest house's electricity supply for the air-conditioning to function. The houseboat was equipped with generators, sufficient to power the TV, fan, and audio system, but not capable of running the air conditioners continuously.

Dinner was an absolute delight, featuring Kerala's signature dishes – pittu and rice, alongside the scrumptious Kerala-style fish fry prepared with our fresh catch from the market. The crispy fish tickled our taste buds and left us satisfied.

The night onboard was filled with merriment as we engaged in card games and shared stories with friends. The gentle rocking of the houseboat lulled us into a peaceful sleep, cocooned by the soothing sounds of nature.

As the golden rays of the morning sun graced the backwaters, we woke up to a delectable Kerala-style breakfast that made for a perfect start to the day.

Around 10 am, our houseboat journey came to an end as we arrived at the point where our tour guide from South India Tours and Travels warmly received us and escorted us back to the Kochi airport.

My experience with the houseboat stay in Alappuzha was nothing short of magical. It was a harmonious blend of nature's splendor, warm hospitality, and mouthwatering cuisine. The memories of this remarkable journey will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I cannot wait to return to the serene backwaters of Alappuzha once again.