The slow paced village life along the backwaters of Allepey
can be experienced in a boat. It’s by far the most sought after thing to do in
Allepey and almost everyone look forward to hiring a houseboat for the night.
However, not many know of all the boat options available to explore the Allepey
backwaters. You can take an auto rickshaw or walk until the boat jetty and opt
for any of the boat you’d prefer. Just so you don’t get conned, here’s a list
of the boats you could pick, depending on duration, budget and preference; and
a few tips on which one’s offer what sort of experiences.
Types of boats in
Allepey
Public ferries:
The cheapest and the most crowded boats to explore the backwaters. If you are
there for long, you can take a ferry from Allepey boat jetty to any
neighbouring village. Probably take one multiple times to check out different
routes. The route fares are nominal and you get to interact with loacals. It
stops at multiple stops and people hop off and get on there. Rs 10/-.
Shikara: The
joyous rides in a Shikara are perfect if you’re looking to explore the
backwaters for only a few hours. They have a roof and have comfortable seating
arrangements, and are pretty! You can hire one for yourself and the rates vary
depending on the number of people and time of the year. Rs 500/- an hour.
Motorboat: A
slightly better version of the Shikara, these are more modern and are closed
boats with large windows. They can accommodate up to a dozen people and are
more sturdy, as a result of which they function even during the rains. You can
choose one depending on the number of hours you wish to spend in the
backwaters. Rs 600/- an hour.
Canoe: Though these
lack all sorts of comfort, these are truly wonderful means of exploring the
backwaters considering they can go through even narrow canals into the
villages. They accommodate fewer people are a riskier option during bad
weather. But it’s a truly wonderful experience if you’re an adventure seeker.
Rs 600/- an hour.
Kayaking: If
you’re up for it, a kayak is a wonderful way to explore the backwaters. This is
a great combo of water sports and exploring the backwaters. They are available
at different rates for three, four or seven hours and usually commence
operations early in the morning. Rs 2000/- an hour.
House boats:
These most luxurious boats are honeymooners’ paradise. They are spacious,
sturdy boats which is like a floating hotel. You can check into it at noon, and
stay overnight. Like every inland hotel, they are equipped with facilities for
a comfortable stay. They serve you lunch, dinner and breakfast, before dropping
you off the next morning. They are relatively expensive and aren’t meant for
budget travellers! Between Rs 7000/- to 25,000/- depending on size and luxury
offerings.
Some tips before
choosing a boat:
Which boat do you choose? These are all the types of boats
you can hop onto to experience the backwaters of Allepey. While I’d recommend a
house boat if you want the experience or if you’re in Allepey for a special
occasion. If you do not have the budget or the time, I’d recommend a canoe, a
shikara or a motorboat. Just in case you’re a backpacker and there in Allepey for
a very long time, try hoping onto the ferry. You’ll have to be able to
communicate locally, considering most people don’t speak in English or Hindi,
and only speak in Malyalam. If you’re a watersports enthusiast, a kayak would
be great!
Try to bargain at the boat jetty! They do quote exorbitant
prices. I got a motorboat for Rs 1000/-, for which he initially quotes Rs
1800/- for three hours. Also try to get a captain who knows English or Hindi
and chat up with him. The backwaters have wonderful stories which he will be
able to share. Also, since the boat guys are locals, they know the places
around and are in the position to explain the route and the places visited.
Make sure you’re there during the afternoons, so you can
stop by for lunch at a local restaurant. There are several local restaurants
lining the backwaters once you reach the villages. I remember my boat took me
to Kuttunad and I had the best local meal there. What’s the food like? They
serve a local thali, with a bunch of veggies, rice, fish curry, papad and a
variety of pickle. They have fresh seafood stocked, so you can take a pick and
they cook it for you right there in the preparation style you desire. Trust me,
this will be the best decision of your life. The food is relatively cheaper as
compared to Goa, and the seafood fresh and tasty. The local aunties take pride
in their cooking style, and leave it to them. They make sure you enjoy your
time there.
Also, make sure you stop by at a local toddy shop. The
little joints has some freshly tapped toddy and some amazing spicy seafood to
go with it. Either pull over and chill at one of the toddy shops by the
backwaters, or grab some toddy and sip on it on your boat as you relax on the
deck and enjoy the scenic view. Perfect way to unwind and watch the village
life…
I hope you enjoyed this post. Hoping this will help you
while booking your backwaters boating experience in Allepey. Have fun! Happy cruising.
J
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