Alleppey the land of back waters, luscious green paddy fields, picturesque village views and also known as the Venice Of the East located around 90 km from Cochin International Airport and 180 km from Trivandrum International Airport.The trip to Alleppey is not complete without a houseboat cruise along the backwaters of Alleppey.
We already booked a beautiful houseboat before reaching there. We had planned for a day trip, so we booked a one-bedroom houseboat with balcony for 7 hours. Myself and my family members reached Alleppey by 10.30 in the morning and a crew member was there to take us inside the houseboat.
The interiors of the boat were better than what we expected. It was very clean, well designed and furnished. Also the staffs were very friendly. First, we were welcomed with fresh juice to begin with and we were taken to fully air conditioned bedroom where we kept all our belongings. Living area cum dining, and a kitchen and one attached bathroom also there.
Then we started our sail at 11.00 AM in the largest lake of India, the Vembanad Lake which covers 2033 square km and located in three different districts of Kerala. Minimum 6 hours you need to spend in houseboat to experience the backwaters. Lake is so huge that we could feel as if we are in a sea with picturesque view of islands, trees on the banks of lake, especially the coconut trees.
You can also try Kerala palm wine, also known as toddy. Lots of toddy shops are available along the banks of lake. We asked captain ,he moved boat towards shop and bought one.
The boat halted near a luscious green paddy fields we sat down for a traditional feast which had rice, sambar, thoran, mezhukkupuratty, delicious local Fish fry, Banana Kalan, Pappadam, Salad, Pickle and Fruits. Food is cooked inside the boat by a chef.
After lunch we moved to upper deck of the houseboat.We sat there relaxed, enjoyed breeze and beautiful view. The boat started to sail through narrow streams, where we enjoyed village life on the banks of lake and bird watching.The boat started to sail through narrow inlets, where we enjoyed village life on the banks of lake and bird watching .
By evening we got our tea and banana fry, enjoyed hot tea and cool breeze. We started sailing back to the starting point. We left the boat by 5.30 PM and our incredible journey came to an end.
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