A trip to Alleppey Backwater Houseboat at Lake Vembanad, Allapuzha Kerala

"The houseboat trip at the Vembanad lake at Alleppey is like a perfect gift for your loved ones for lifetime." - Quote about Houseboat trip to Alleppey in "God's own country - Kerala" - By Sachin Kumar Gupta.

Alappuzha also known as Alleppey, is a town in Alappuzha District of Kerala state of southern India. Alleppey is situated 62 KM to the south of Kochi and 155 KM north of Trivandrum. Backwaters of Alleppey are world famous and is the most popular tourist attraction in Kerala.  A town with picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons, it was described as the one of the places known as "Venice of the East" by Lord Curzon.

 

The backwaters in Alleppey of Kerala is just another reason why thousands of people (both natives, and tourists) flock to this beautiful destination the whole year round. Kettuvalloms or Houseboats (Riceboats) are country boats that were used in the early days for the transport of goods from the isolated interior villages to the towns. Now these kettuvalloms are back again as a major tourist attraction.

 

A ride on a Kettuvallom is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters. If you are planning for the wedding gift or on your honeymoon, This could be one of best places in India. You have to book a houseboat in advance since they are always in high demand. There are single-bedroom and even four to five-bedroom houseboats available, with living rooms, bathrooms, an equipped kitchenette and air-conditioning too. A well trained crew of a cook and a bearer along with two oarsmen will be at your service all through.

 

We had booked for overnight stay on Gokul houseboat in the Allepey backwaters. We booked for 2 bedroom Deluxe houseboat, which was upgraded to 4 bedroom houseboat by UdayaKumar (Gokul Cruise contact person). Two rooms were locked though, but bigger houseboat with sundeck terrace was simply cool. The houseboat was quite luxurious and equipped with all of the modern amenities we need.

 

The full packages includes with approx. below timings:
Cruise time 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM (45 - 60 minutes break during lunch)
All meals inclusive (welcome drink, lunch, evening snacks, dinner, next morning breakfast)
Kerala traditional dishes including pre-booked veg food & Fruit Basket
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM tea and snacks
5:30 PM - 8:00 AM houseboat halting at riverside with overnight stay
AC Switch on in bedrooms only during 9:00 PM - 6:00 AM (If full time AC require, inform in advance with additional cost.)
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM cruise back to checkout point
Note: Non-veg can also have fresh meal direct from the Vembanad Lake on prior booking. Flower Decoration, Candle light dinner, Wedding Cake on board are also available on prior demand.

 

Feeling from the top of the terrace was just soothing. The gentle breeze from the Vembanad Lake has made us refreshing. We experience the serenity and calm of this alluring lake, famous for its backwater tourism. With coconut trees lining the pellucid lake waters for kilometers at a stretch.

 

The backwaters of Alleppey offer one of the most enchanting sights to tourists. There were paddy fields, few churches also along the backwaters route. After 5:30 PM you can also enjoy Shikkara cruise or small boat trip including lake side village walk. The most exciting feature of a shikkara is that it can go even into very small canals and inner areas of village, where houseboat and motorboat cannot travel. Though we opted for closer village walk and buy fresh coconut water and snacks.

 

We saw the rural life of the water borne villages of Kerala including men fishing in canoes. After that we relaxed at houseboat, had music, fun and food during night. Early in the morning it started drizzling, It was very nice to enjoy rain from the houseboat window.

 

We can say that if you are really looking for the perfect gift for your loved ones, gift your loved ones House boating experience, it's the most memorable experience one can receive. For a wonderful wedding or an anniversary gift to share together, charming backwaters combined with backwater ripples, really makes for an unforgettable experience. After breakfast, next morning, we moved to Alleppey beach and lighthouse trip.

Read More

Morning Walk to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Boat Trip to Lake Vembanad, Kottayam, Kerala

"Whatever the occasion be, honeymoon, wedding, birthday, anniversary, leisure, or just a big 'Thank You', a truly memorable holiday destination that makes the perfect gift for any occasion." - Quote about Kumarakom, Kottayam in "God's own country - Kerala" - By Sachin Kumar Gupta.

Kumarakom Kottayam Sightseeing

Kumarakom is a serene, emerald green peninsula set in the backdrop of Vembanad Lake which is dotted with numerous traditional houseboats, rice boats, rafts and canoes. This backwater spot is abundant with flora and fauna, being especially rich in marine life. It took us 2 hours to reach Kumarakom after Kochi sightseeing. A wide variety of places to visit in Kumarakom spanning genres as diverse as nature, religious, and historic attractions make Kumarakom tourist places really memorable. Popular well known attractions include Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall, and Juma Masjid, Vembanad Lake and Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple.

We had our amazing stay at Vivanta by Taj for 2 days, which was the small world in itself with lots of events and activities. We also enjoyed Thiruvathira and Bharathanatyam dances and instrumental Karnatic music on the Baker's house lagoon front. During our stay we also had short houseboat trip next day. Boating through Vembanad lake is the main sightseeing activity for a tourist to kumarakom. Vembanad lake ( Kayal/Kol) is the longest lakes in India and the largest in Kerala. It is connected to Arabian sea. This lake is known in many names according to its location, In Alleppey area it is known as Punnamada lake in Alleppey-Kuttanad, Kochi lake in Kochi. Pathiramanal Island is a small island in Vembanad Lake, easily reachable through boat.

 

At Kumarakom Government Jetty point, People can book a houseboat for a day cruise from 11am to 5 pm which includes a welcome drink, lunch and evening tea and snacks. Day cruise is better for the family, groups & those who don't like to stay in the houseboat compared to overnight stay package at less cost. We booked a overnight stay at backwaters of Alleppey for next day. Different types of boats offers different services at Kumarakom Government Jetty and nearby places.

Houseboats are good for a relaxing vacation for a day or two.
Motor boats are fast, cheaper, and can accommodate up to 80 persons.
Shikkara boats are traditional open canoe like country boat, the maximum capacity is 6 prersons.
Speed boats are for short faster trip but little expensive as per trip-time.

 

Kumarakom Bird Santuary: sometimes referred as Vembanad Bird Sanctuary.

Entry fee: 50 INR per person for Indian, 100 INR for foreigners.
Timings: All days of the week 6:30 AM - 5:00 PM

We had morning walk to this place which was just next to Taj Kumarakom, Kottayam. This sanctuary is situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake. It is a heavenly place for the travelling birds like Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. We were welcomed by many beautiful butterfly at entry garden. During the time when we visited, there were only few types of birds specially sea-crows and few other unknown. The overall walk is approx 2 KM one way.

 

You have to reach the watch towers for bird watching before you drop the plan to move further. As from watch towers only you would be able to watch the adobe of birds. It takes 2-3 hours to visit this place. Beyond the sanctuary, one can take a boat ride in Vembanad Lake or along the Kavanar River. Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, (KTDC) which owns the largest chain of hotels in Kerala, including a resort in the middle of the bird sanctuary at Kumarakom, has opened an interpretation center in the bird sanctuary for the visitors.

Read More

Kerala - A day at Kochi Sightseeing

"A smart city, mix of ancient culture and modern setup in the lap of beautiful nature." - Quote about Kochi (Cochin) in "God's own country - Kerala" - By Sachin Kumar Gupta.

We were planning for a trip to God's own country - Kerala, since long and finally we were there on our way with Ashish, Smriti and Meenal. We arrived at Cochin airport in the afternoon and were welcomed by clear sky and hot sun. We were really blessed to have a good driver, who was also an excellent guide. While on our way from Kochi to Taj-Kumarakom, we went for Kochi sightseeing as planned.

If you are looking for information about where to go and what to see in Kochi, here are a few well-known tourist destinations and some not-so-popular but beautiful places in the list. I have traversed and map them from airport to cover in minimum time. Skip the place(s) as per your choice.

Bolgatty Palace is a former palace built by the Dutch in India, located on the island popularly known as Bolghatty Island in Kochi. It is one of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside Holland.

Cochin Marine Drive: Marine Drive is a beautiful waterfront promenade in Kochi. Pedestrians can stroll along the Marine Drive. It is a popular hangout for the local people as well as the tourists. Short boat trip in the evening would definitely be a lovely experience. It is built facing the backwaters. It is the most visited attraction in Cochin.

Rainbow Bridge and The Chinese Fishing Net Bridge: These fishing nets are fixed land installations, which are used for a very unique and unusual method of fishing. We found these across Kochi backwaters.

Willington Island: Willingdon Island is a man-made island which we covered by car only. There are beautiful walkways and jetty’s on this island. This Island contains the modern port serving Cochin city.

Paradesi Synagogue/Jewish Synagogue: It is the oldest existing synagogue located in the old part of Mattenchery Town in Kochi, also known as Jew Town. It lists at the topmost slot in the itinerary of the tourists visiting Kochi city. Many Jewish festivals are celebrated here throughout the year.

MattanCherry Palace or Dutch Palace: The Mattancherry Palace is a Portuguese palace popularly known as the Dutch Palace. It is quite near to Jew town. It has a huge collection of Kerala Temple murals, portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi. Sad part...we couldn't capture these lovely pieces of art as photography is not allowed.

Beach: Fort Kochi beach and Cherai beach are famous beaches here.

Fort Kochi is at a beautiful location in the city of Kochi, Kerala. This is famous for Chinese fishing nets, picturesque beaches and architectural style of the buildings. We couldn't visit this, as we had to reach our destination Taj Kumarakom.

Hill Palace Museum: Hill palace museum is the Kerala’s first heritage museum and is also the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. It is situated near Tripunithura, Kochi.

Churches: Cochin city has a number of Beautiful Churches which you would be seeing on the way. e.g. Santa Cruz Basillica Cathedral, St Francis Church, St. Mary's Church etc.

Shopping at LuLu Mall (Optional), if you have time and money. :)

Sep - April is the best time to visit Kochi (Cochin). Cochin Carnival: A massive procession of caparisoned elephants, games and partying happens during last week of December. Fort Kochi is decked up like a bride during this time. You can find easy marking of all these places and ask locals for the nearby routes. 

Overall we enjoyed lush mangroves, coconut tress reflected in the translucent waters of backwaters, ancient churches, cathedrals and palaces on sightseeing tours of Cochin. After that we visited below places on subsequent days: Kumarakom at Vembanad Lake side

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Alleppey (Alappuzha) houseboat trip

Alleyppey Lighthouse and beach

Read More