Are you planning a trip to the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey, Kerala? One of the most memorable experiences you can have in this paradise called “Venice of the East” is a alleppey houseboat cruise. But before you begin on this journey, it’s important to understand the different houseboat packages and their timing. Let’s jump into the details to make your Alleppey houseboat adventure unforgettable!
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Here are some practical advice and tips for travelers on how to choose the perfect Alleppey Houseboat Cruise, considering factors such as duration, group size, preferences, and the overall experience they seek.
1. Overnight Alleppey Houseboat Stay:
When you opt for an Alleppey Houseboat Stay, you are indeed planning to spend the night in houseboat in Kerala backwaters.
You will arrive between 11:30 AM. and 12 noon.
As you check in at 11:30 AM, the houseboat sets sail around noon. The gentle cruise through the mesmerizing backwaters continues until 1:30 PM when it pauses for a delightful lunch break until 2:30 PM.
After your meal, the journey resumes from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, taking you through various lakes in the Alleppey backwaters. By 5:30 PM, the boat docks for the night beside the lake, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of nature. Some boats provide an options to explore the shore while some let guests to stay put in the houseboat.
Here’s a tip: Contrary to some rumors, all houseboats adhere to a government rule and stop beside the lake, not in the middle of it. The next morning, you can enjoy another hour of cruising, typically from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM or 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM and you will have the breakfast while cruising on the boat. Your check-out time is at 9:00 AM, marking the end of your unforgettable overnight journey.
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2. Multiple Day/Nights Houseboat Stay:
For those seeking an extended houseboat experience for a few days, here’s what you can expect in an Alleppey Houseboat Cruise for multiple day/nights.
Day 1: Your journey begins around noon (12:00 pm). A lunch break of one hour is scheduled from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. The boat docks for the night at 5:30 pm.
Day 2: The second day’s adventure commences around 10:00 AM, and you’ll check out at 5:00 pm unless you plan to continue for the third day. Like the first day, you’ll dock for the night at 5:30 pm.
Day 3 (if continuing): Check-out is at 9:00 AM, and the day’s schedule mirrors the second day’s activities.
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3. Day Cruise in a Houseboat:
If you prefer a shorter but equally great Alleppey houseboat experience, the day cruise is perfect for you. Typically, the timing is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., though sometimes it may start at 10 a.m. and conclude at 4 PM
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Your day cruise begins as the houseboat sets sail around 10 AM. or 11 AM. You’ll enjoy a leisurely journey through the backwaters, with a pause for a scrumptious lunch from 1:00 PM to 2:15 PM. The cruise continues until 4 PM or 5 PM, offering you a taste of Alleppey’s beauty without the overnight stay.
4. Evening Cruise in a Houseboat:
While Alleppey’s backwaters are undoubtedly captivating, evening cruise on an Alleppey houseboat is generally not recommended. Why? The check-in time is after 5:30 PM, allowing for a mere one and a half to two hours of cruising. This limited time on the water might not provide the immersive experience you’re seeking. Some travelers extend their stay until the evening, but it tends to be more expensive than an overnight stay and may not offer the full essence of Alleppey’s charm.
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The Best Time to Visit Alleppey
So, when should you plan your Alleppey trip?
November to February:
Winter in Alleppey is like a dream. The weather is incredibly pleasant and cool, with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 32°C (63°F to 89°F). The skies are clear, and the air is crisp, making every moment spent on a houseboat a sheer delight. The backwaters shimmer under the soft sunlight, and the cool breeze carries with it a hint of serenity. It’s the ideal time to explore the emerald beauty of the region, with comfortable weather for sightseeing and bird watching.
June to September:
If you’re a lover of rain and desire a different kind of Alleppey experience, consider visiting during the monsoon season. From June to September, the monsoon showers paint the region in lush greens, making it a sight to behold. The backwaters come alive with the rhythm of raindrops, and the ambiance is filled with earthy aromas and the sounds played by frogs and birds. However, be prepared for heavy rains, occasional flooding, and some alleppey houseboats not operating during this time. But if you seek the raw, unfiltered beauty of nature, this might be your cup of tea.
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March to May and October:
Spring and autumn offer a middle ground between the extremes of winter and monsoon. From March to May, the weather gradually warms up, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 37°C (72°F to 99°F). The backwaters start to bloom, and the landscape is a vivid canvas of colors. October sees a transition to the monsoon, with occasional showers bringing respite from the heat. These shoulder seasons are suitable for travelers who want a balance of good weather and the chance to witness the changing seasons of Alleppey.
So, there you have it – a detailed breakdown of the houseboat cruise timings in Alleppey with their best times to visit. Whether you opt for an overnight stay, multiple day/nights, a day cruise, or even a night stay, each option offers its own unique charm. Now you can plan your Alleppey houseboat adventure with a smile, knowing exactly what to expect from your Alleppey houseboat experience in this breathtaking part of India. Enjoy your journey through the backwaters!
