One of the best ways of exploring God’s Own Country is via cruises. Backwater cruises let you get pampered in a comfy houseboat. Plenty of these are available in Alappuzha.

As you sail towards Kumarakom, the enchanting Vembanad Lake is a treat for the eyes. The lush green coast emanating both beauty and vigor will keep you transfixed.

Then you reach Q S T and R Block Kayal. It is located at Kuttanad, famously called the rice bowl of Kerala. You will cruise gently across the canals, lined with palm orchards and fields of paddy.

Once you reach Kumarakom, you step foot in a land of wonders. This little backwater rural area, which is actually a bunch of islands, throbs with life in a slow and serene rhythm.

As you proceed towards Vaikom, you again get to enjoy the serenity of Vembanad Lake. En route, you will pass by a tiny island, Pathiramanal, which somehow seems to float in the backwater’s center.

The next stop is Thanneermukkom, which is a village famous for the Salt Water Barrier found there. Here you can relish some utterly delicious Keralan snacks. 

The next destination, Vaikom, is a very interesting place. The famous temple here for the worshippers of Lord Shiva attracts many tourists.

After that comes Kumbalangi. The first thing to welcomes you here is the sight of imposing fishing nets that line the backwaters’ faces.

As you reach Fort Kochi, a place famous for the plethora of historical sites and fishing nets, you won’t be able to resist a walk.

After this, we reach Bolghatty Island, which is the end of the cruise. En route, there are loads of interesting sights in store.

How to Reach

There are plenty of ways to reach Alappuzha. The airport which can be accessed easily is Kochi. The Trivandrum airport is also preferred by tourists. A national highway connects it to most south Indian cities.

Climatic Conditions and Best time to Visit

Alappuzha is humid most of the year. Winters witness a fairly more comfortable weather. Temperature varies between 22 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius in summers and 20 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius in winters. For a pleasant visit, it is appropriate to plan your travel between August and March.

Cruises from Alappuzha

Alappuzha to Alappuzhacruise is perfect for a gentle sail across the Legendary Punnamada Lake in the span of just a night. It is recommended if all you want is a placid romantic slither towards Vattakayal Lake.

Alappuzha to Kumarakomis one more all-night cruise. You will be surprised by the magical night you will be signed up for, surrounded by a variety of birds and lilies. Surpassing your expectations, you will find fishermen fishing in extraordinary techniques. The stars decorating the sky are the icing on the cake.

Alappuzha to Kottayamis a mind-blowing cruise. For those who crave serenity and harmony, this is the best cruise to invest in. You will be greeted with sights of local women and men farming at lower levels than even the sea and occupied in making or bringing together toddy from palm.

Alappuzha to Thottapallyis the cruise that sails through the past important areas of the place. Tourists take this cruise to view the likes of Champakulam Church, Ambalupuzha temple and many other prominent locations. When the cruise is between Aluppuzha and Kidangara, you will be surprised by glimpses of Pathiramanal Island and the mystical Vembanad Lake.

Alappuzha to Mankottawill glide over the Punnamada Lake, gifting you the occasion to stroll through the village where the livelihood is making coir. You will also see many significant areas of previous eras.

Prime Attractions

Punnamada Kayal

When on a visit to Alappuzha, Punnamada Kayalshul should be on the top of your itinerary. It is here that the Nehru Trophy boat racing competition takes place every year amid August and September. The boats, known to look like snakes, are powerful enough of carrying up to 120 participants, 60 seated on each side.

Krishnapuram Temple

Consisting of two levels, the noteworthy temple symbolizes Keralan architectural talents. A museum which can be found inside preserves Gajendra Miksham, a mural painting bigger than all others.

Ambalapuzha Temple

The temple is a very significant place for followers of Lord Krishna. The architecture here cannot be easily forgotten. You even get to revel in the mouthwatering dish of Kerala, the payasam.

Bishop’s House

About five centuries old, the dwelling is said to have housed the Portuguese Governor. It is positioned on a miniature hillock in the locality of Parade Ground. It is immensely popular for its giant Gothic hollows, along with the round garden path that coils up to the entry gate. You will find a number of important relics when you step into the museum.