As we all know that Alleppey is famous for its criss-cross canals and rivers, lagoons, green paddy fields, small country boats selling ethnic items – a verity of birds from Kingfisher, Sea Grate etc. All these can be experienced when we make a trip through these canals. Though there are many big and small canal, some are very beautiful, some canals flow through thickly populated villages, some canals flow through calm and quite remote area where one can hardly find any persons. These canals are more attractive due to their narrowness, native people residing on the banks of these canals, traditional Kerala homes, paddy fields etc.

Alleppey backwaters are one of the most popular attractions in Kerala tourism. Many tourists from India and abroad come here to enjoy a peaceful and scenic ride through these narrow canals and lakes. Whether you are a family, honeymoon couple, birdwatcher or someone who wants to see rural Kerala life – there is a perfect houseboat package for you.

Eco-Conscious and Modern Houseboats:

Today, many Alleppey houseboats offer eco-conscious upgrades such as solar panels, bio-toilets, and locally-sourced meals, making the cruise not only beautiful but sustainable. You can now choose from private luxury houseboats, shared budget options, or themed cruises like honeymoon specials and birdwatching tours.

Now eco-tourism is becoming important for many travellers. Alleppey houseboats offer eco-friendly features like solar energy, waste management and use of local organic ingredients. This is good for the environment and also supports local people.

When the main Alleppey canals are fully packed with houseboat, motor boat, speed boat etc. there are some rivers and canals on the south end of Alleppey – Thakazhi – Thottapally route. It is very calm, quiet and less crowded. In case some guests want to have a peaceful atmosphere and less crowded backwater trip, this route is ideal then. To know more about good rivers canals in Alleppey and nearby places, we have already published an article.

Tip: Thakazhi and Thottapally canals are highly recommended for those who want a slow, quiet, and relaxing journey without the crowd. You can see more birds, greenery and real village life here.

Considering all the above aspects, we have short listed best 4 houseboat route or itinerary in and around Alleppey backwaters.

• 1 Night 2 Days (21hrs) Overnight Houseboat Package: This programme covers best canals in and around Alleppey. This programme covers calm and quite backwaters at Thakazhi and Thottapally which are not regularly covered by Houseboats.
• 2 Night 3 Days (45hrs) Overnight Houseboat Package: This programme covers best canals, more interior villages in Alleppey and part of Vembanadu Lake. Most travel experts recommend 2 nights to explore Alleppey’s interior canals deeply, as it allows guests to enjoy village life, traditional toddy shops, and sunrise over the paddy fields.
• 3 Night 4 Days (69hrs) Overnight Houseboat Package: This programme covers best canals, more interior villages and calm quite backwaters at Thakazhi and Thottapally.

Here’s a simple table to help compare the options:

Since Alleppey is connected with north and south part of Kerala by inland water ways, there are many routes available for the guest to choose according to their tour itinerary in Kerala or they can themselves plan the houseboat trip as per their itinerary. Srees Tours can offer free travel advice in case anyone required. Below are some of these routes.

Read Also: 12 Best Places to Visit in Alleppey with Family for 1-2 Days

Alleppey to Kumarakom or Vice Versa:

This route is ideal for those who want to see Alleppey and Kumarakom backwaters. One can board from Alleppey and deboard at Kumarakom. Those who are coming from Kovalam and want to go to Kochi or Munnar (or vice versa), this itinerary is suitable. This itinerary gives a glimpse of Alleppey backwaters and Kumarakom Vembanadu Lake. When a trip is planned like this, the cost will go up as the boat needs to go back to its original place.

• 1 Night 2 Days (21hrs) Overnight Houseboat Package: This programme covers part of Alleppey and Kumarakom.

This point-to-point journey offers a deeper travel experience, often preferred by photographers and couples for its unspoiled scenic variety and fewer anchored boats in the evening.

If you are planning a Kerala tour from South to North (Trivandrum to Kochi/Munnar), this route saves time and gives you two unique backwater experiences in one trip.

Read Also: Kumarakom History, Tourism and Local Information

Houseboat Trip from Quilon (Kollam) to Alleppey or Vice Versa:

This is one of the best route with many narrow canals, villages, no man land areas with lots of birds, paddy fields etc. which one can experience during the trip. This route is more scenic, peaceful and comfortable remote villages, and best narrow canal experience. This route is ideal for those who are coming from Kovalam/Quilon to Alleppey or vice versa. Below are the important points for those who are looking for this trip.

• Minimum 2 nights 3 days required to cover this place. Some operators do this trip on 2 days also without any stop in between beautiful landscape or villages.
• This trip is more expensive as the boat needs to come back to its original destination after the trip, which needs to pay by the guest. For example, if the boat originates from Quilon, this particular boat needs to come back to Quilon after dropping the guest at Alleppey.
• Pick up from Matha Amrithanandamyi Jetty is possible.
• Houseboats have 3 or more rooms with top floor or upper deck cannot make a trip through this route due to many over bridges and power lines.
• During monsoon in Kerala i.e. June to July – August, houseboat cannot operate on these routes due to high tide.
• This trip is ideal for those looking for a traveling from Trivandrum / Kovalam to Alleppey.

Those who do not want to book a houseboat, but want to experience this route, Kerala Govt. Water Transport authority run a motor boat in this sector.

• 2 Night 3 Days (45hrs) Quilon to Alleppey overnight Houseboat Package: This programme covers from Quilon to Alleppey backwaters.

This route is highly recommended for off-the-beaten-path travelers seeking the most untouched, narrow canal experience—ideal for birdwatchers, nature lovers, and slow travelers. This route is best for travellers who love nature, photography, birds and remote countryside. It is one of the most peaceful water routes in Kerala.

Houseboat Trip From Kochi To Alleppey:

Houseboats are not operating in this sector as there are many bridges, low laying power lines; many unknown submerged hurdles in Vembanadu Lake etc. prevent this route. In case someone wants to come from Kochi to Kumarakom or Alleppey, a speed boat or motor boat is the best option available. By a speed boat it takes almost 4hrs to reach Alleppey from Kochi harbor.

Due to bridge restrictions, overnight houseboats are not allowed. However, luxury speedboats and small day cruisers are available and offer a scenic 4-hour ride through the Vembanadu Lake.

Tip: This route is best enjoyed as a scenic day cruise. Ideal for people who are staying in Kochi and want a short experience of Kerala backwaters.

Read Also: 18 Best Places to Visit in Kochi for One-Two Day Trips – Picnic Spots, Beaches, Churches and Temples

Why Choose Srees Tours for Your Alleppey Houseboat Experience?

• Eco-Friendly Fleet: Solar-powered systems, bio-toilets, and filtered wastewater solutions
• Custom Themes: Honeymoon, family-friendly, birding, and private sunset cruises
• Authentic Cuisine: Onboard chef prepares fresh Kerala meals (veg/non-veg, Jain, or seafood on request)
• Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees, clear AC timing policies, and crew-inclusive service
• Safety First: All boats equipped with life jackets, fire extinguishers, and trained staff
• Local Expertise: Free route planning advice tailored to your Kerala tour itinerary

Srees Tours also gives live support and guidance while booking. If you’re confused about which route or package is best for your family, they will help you decide.

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