If you are cherishing the idea of spending some good time, amidst the sights and sounds of the hydrosphere, then step into a country boat and wind through the labyrinth of canals in Alappuzha. While cruising through these canals, one would come across many interesting aspects of day-to-day life on the land as well as on water.

Here, at Alappuzha, one can easily find boats according to one’s requirement, starting from small country boats to luxury houseboats and small speedboats to big passenger motorboats. Small boats are preferred for cruise through the canals. Once you have the transport ready, pick one of the canal systems in and around Alappuzha for your cruise.

Let the canal network be at any part of the Vembanad Lake, the chances of one coming across some of the inspiring and interesting vistas on and along the canals are very high. This could come in the form of panoramic paddy fields; coconut lagoons; pied King Fishers hurtling down to catch fish etc. Among other common sights that one would come across during the cruise are isolated islands; men on country boats engaged in fishing and shepherding their ducks to new pastures, cargo being moved in huge boats called rice barges or Kettu Vallams and school children being ferried across the canal.

During the cruise, one would also be able to drop in at some villages to check out the techniques and procedure involved in coir making. Also, if interested, one may try any of the wayside eateries serving ethnic food, especially fish delicacies, and also toddy, the natural beverage produced from coconut trees.

So get set for a memorable cruise through the canals of Alappuzha. Because this could be just the beginning of your many cruises on the canals and backwaters of Kerala. Boats can be hired from the jetty, close to the KSRTC bus station.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station:Alappuzha, a few kilometres away.

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 85 Kms