Alleppey and Kumarakom are the popular backwater destinations in Kerala. These backwaters, decorated with calmness beauty, will surely tempt you. There are various backwater routes you can choose for your houseboat cruise in Alleppey and Kumarakom. Below is a list of the most popular routes.

House boats or Kettuvalllams as they are called locally in Kerala, were originally cargo boats, transporting rice and spice at a time when roadways were not well developed and boats and canoes were the only means of transport to and from the remote villages scattered throughout the backwaters of this wondrous state. These boats are now adapted enough to accommodate guests on boat and satisfactorily meet their comforts. These boats now have bedrooms with bathrooms attached, a living area, a kitchen, viewing decks. While these vessels cruise through the backwaters, guests stay on board and experience the beauty and tranquillity that their hurried lives in the urban cities are devoid of.

Alleppey Round Backwater Route

Alleppey Round: It is the Most Busy Houseboat Route, Preferred By Most of the called, Not More Than One Day Available to the Tourist. Mostly selected for the Alleppey day cruises also selected for the overnight cruise too. In this path there will always be a trail of houseboats. On the cruise, you will pass the 11th-century Buddha statue locally known as the Karumadikkuttan. One can also admire the shimmering fields of paddy that seem to roll green endlessly. Other major attractions of the cruise are the villages of Champakulam, Nedumudi etc. Located 3 km outside Alappuzha, Karumadikuttan is famous for a huge black granite statue of Lord Buddha in sitting position. This is one of the prominent Buddhist centers of Alleppey

Backwaters Route from Alleppey to Kumarakom

Alleppey- Kumarakom route is very popular amongst tourists, preferred mostly for weekend cruises and honeymooners. Also, the added advantage of covering both the destinations at one go. Tourists have the option to board from Alleppey and disembark at Kumarakom and vice-versa at a nominal rate. The highlights on this route are the Pathiramanal islands and the Kumarakom bird sanctuary.

Pathiramanal is a small island about 1.5 km from the Muhamma Jetty in Alleppey. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a meeting place for migratory birds, and it draws tourists and bird watchers from all over the world. And more… much, much more.

• Distance to Drive : 32 Kms and 565 meters / 20.2 miles
• Just as the crow flies: 16 KM and 600 m / 10.3 miles.
• Travel Time: 06 hours 32 mins.
• Direction and bearing : North East side, 36 degree.

Thottappally Backwater Route From Alleppey

Alleppey Thottappally backwater route is the most preferred cruise route. You can cruise through the famous Punnamada lake, passing through the Karumadikkuttan statue, Champakulam church, Ambalappuzha temple, Chavara Bhavan etc. This will provide an opportunity to relax and unwind amidst the gentle waves and cool sea breeze. Watching the life of rural areas, whose lifeblood are these waters not only enjoys you with time but also astonishingly simple and rooted.

Route through Alappuzha to Alumkadavu Backwater

The longest houseboat cruise routes in Kerala, The Alleppey – Alumkadavu back water route has picturesque spots and amazing views. It is perfect for weekend backwater cruises. On this cruise, you will traverse a significant stretch of Kerala’s backwater. Alumkadavu is a village at just about 20 kilometres from Kollam. Major attractions on this route include Pallathuruthy canal, Kanjipadam, Kayamkulam pozhi, Amritanandamayi Ashram etc. If you have a weekend free this is a perfect route as it allows you almost to cover the whole stretch of the Kerala’s backwater map.

Kumarakom Round Backwater Route

When in Kumarakom, also known as Kumarapuram, you will also be treated to the picturesque Vembanad lake, the largest in all of Kerala, along with the famed Kumatrakom bird sanctuary that is home to an abundant and wide variety of flora and fauna. The Kumarakom bird sanctuary which is spread across 14 acres on the southern bank of Kavanar river is famous for being an abode of migratory birds. Day cruises and overnighters ideal for day cruises and overnighters a very busy cruise route. A cruise on these waters will bring you up close and personal with the magnificent birds that come to this sanctuary.