Close to exotic backwaters Traveling to the lap of nature is an ultimate get-away. And what better way to enjoy the gift of nature than to travel to the exotic land of the lagoons & coconuts – Kerala.

The serenity of the backwaters is truly enchanting! Especially after the daily hustle bustle of Kolkata, being so close to nature is a complete escape. The famous backwaters of Kerala provide you an experience that’s truly unique. The tranquil waters, canopy of coconut trees stretching till the horizon, a cup of warm coffee and your favourite book in a coir houseboat …… isn’t that an ideal leisure retreat!

From Kolkata one can take a flight or train to Chennai and then overnight train to Alappuzzha (Alleppey) station. As your train proceeds towards Alleppey you can not get your eyes off the wonderful canals and the numerous coconut trees. Once in Alappuzzha, the ‘Venice of the East’, you are in the city of canals. You can book your Kerala house boat from private operators or Alleppey Tourism Development Co-operative Society Ltd., as both offer packages that include transportation from the railway station itself.

The more your car approaches the boat jetty …your adrenalin rush will only increase at the sight of the gamut of house boats made of typical Kerala architecture, and the vast Vembanad Lake in front of you. The sheer excitement lies in witnessing the sudden gathering of so many boats together.

There are different packages available for the house boats. You can take single room, double or triplets, AC or Non AC, with 1 night, 2 night or multiple night packages as per your choice and the burn you can sustain for your pockets. You can stay in small groups with two to three families as well. A fair deal would be a 1 night 2 days package.

You get a cook and an attendant along with the boatman all along the ride at your service. What more can one ask for?

As the boat moves through the lagoons to the interiors of the villages of the Alleppey District, the rippling waters, chirping of the birds, occasional sound of washing of clothes by the village girls, children happily singing and returning from the schools in the afternoon, small canoes with daily commuters passing by gives you feel of rural India to the fullest. You will be served with tasty dosas, idlis, sumptuous fish curries, chicken, mutton, rice, roti, salads, deserts and fresh fruits. Name it and you get it.

It is recommended to inform the attendants about your choice of food prior boarding so that they can arrange for the same well in advance.

In the evening you can get yourself an authentic ayurvedic massage at any of the ‘Panch Karma’ ayurvedic centers situated along the banks of the backwaters or just take a stroll at the banks and enjoy fresh coconut water or may take a lazy canoe ride in the smaller in-land creeks and watch the world go by. Get as lazy as you can with your favourite book and fresh fish fries by your side. As your boat halts for the night, the subtle calmness, the sounds of insects, the reflection of the moon on the rippling water and the soft sound of water kissing the boat will make you fall in love with nature over and over again.

The next morning, you will wake up to the sound of water waves splashing on the windows as the fishermen with their boats return. With an early breakfast the boat starts for the last leg of the journey in the backwaters. As you return to Alleppey main land, the ‘feeling of departure’ from this heavenly abode is sure to make you feel dejected. The boat will leave you at the boat jetty from where you can take a car to the station. As your train leaves Alleppey station you are sure to make a promise to return again.

You can visit Alleppey throughout the year but it is recommended to avoid this coastal bliss during the Indian summers. There is generally a huge rush during Onam … the harvesting festival in the month of August – September as the famous Snake Boat Race takes place during this festival time. Though the tourist season starts from November-March, monsoons in the backwaters can be very romantic .So what are you thinking? Pack your bags and give yourself a well deserved break in the coastal paradise of backwaters at Alleppey.