Lake Ripple

Nestled amidst the tranquil scenery of backwaters, paddy fields, and undiscovered countryside, Alleppey attracts tourists throughout the year. While houseboat cruises are available year-round, here’s a month-by-month breakdown of Alleppey’s weather to assist you in planning your vacation:

Summer:
Alleppey experiences hot and humid summers from March to May, with temperatures ranging between 28-37 degrees Celsius. As this period sees fewer tourists, it offers a less crowded environment, allowing you to savor the tranquility of the waters. Remember to pack sunscreen and light cotton clothes.

Monsoon:
The monsoon season begins in June and lasts until September. Despite occasional heavy downpours, houseboat cruises continue during the monsoons. This time presents Alleppey in its rain-soaked charm, making it a great opportunity to experience the town in a unique way.

Winter:
The best time for a boat cruise in Alleppey is during winter, from October to February. With temperatures ranging from 17-32 degrees Celsius, the weather is mild and pleasant. Exploring the backwaters during this time promises a delightful and enjoyable experience.

Several backwater routes are available in Alleppey, with some of the most popular ones being:

1. Alleppey Round Backwater Route:
   The Alleppey Round is a bustling backwater route, meandering through the Kuttanadan paddy fields and passing by the 11th-century Buddha statue known as Karumadikkuttan. This cruise explores picturesque villages such as Champakulam and Nedumudi.
2. Alleppey to Kumarakom Backwater Route:
   Preferred for weekend getaways and often chosen by honeymooners, the Alleppey-Kumarakom route is highly popular among tourists. Highlights of this route include the scenic Pathiramanal island and the renowned Kumarakom bird sanctuary.
3. Alleppey to Thottappalley Backwater Route:
   Another well-known backwater cruise route, Alleppey-Thottappalley, features attractions like the Karumadikkuttan statue and the Champakkulam church.
4. Alleppey to Alumkadavu Backwater Route:
   One of the lengthier backwater cruise routes, Alleppey-Alumkadavu is perfect for weekend escapades. This journey covers a significant portion of Kerala’s enchanting backwaters.

The houseboat comes equipped with an in-house chef, ensuring the provision of lunch, evening tea and snacks, dinner, and breakfast during a night cruise. For day cruises, lunch and evening snacks are served on board.

The culinary offerings predominantly feature traditional Kerala cuisine, catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences. The menu may undergo slight variations based on the houseboat’s category, whether deluxe, premium, or luxury. Guests are encouraged to communicate any dietary restrictions in advance.

A typical buffet lunch for a night cruise might include a selection of dishes such as fried Pearl Spot, Kerala Chicken curry, and assorted vegetable dishes. Evening tea or coffee is complemented by the delightful accompaniment of piping hot banana fritters. Dinner consists of Cappathi, dal curry, various vegetable dishes, and a chicken dish. The morning begins with a Kerala-style breakfast featuring options like Idli, appam, Poori, or Puttu, with additional choices of bread, butter, jam, and eggs.

For those with an appetite for seafood, the chef is happy to prepare crab, prawns, etc., sourced from floating or local markets, upon payment of an additional fee.

While it’s possible to secure houseboats directly in Alleppey, it is recommended to make advance reservations online. Due to the consistently high demand for houseboats, finding quality options that meet your specific requirements at the last minute can be challenging.