Alappuzha (once known as Aleppey/Allepey) is probably the busiest port with the most Kerala Houseboats departing from the boat jetty there. All the canals around Alappuzha are packed with house boats in various states of construction or repair.

At 10.30 in the morning the scene at the Alappuzha boat jetty is a sort of orderly mayhem as crews frantically try to clean and restock boats for the arrival of the next customers. Owners stand on the shore bossing and overseeing the crews as they clean out the boats and change beds.

Alappuzha is a popular starting point as it is close to Cochin and easily accessible from the South and North as well. Some of the more prestigious companies have moved to their own boat jetties away from the maelstrom of main jetty. Prospective customers are hassled remorselessly by shore sellers trying to fill their boats for the day. If you are looking for a higher quality boat then pre-booking is the only sure way, however if you are looking to save money and only want to stay for the day then simply moasy on down and haggle like crazy.

You can find out more about Alappuzha in our Alappuzha Guide.

You can also review our extensive list of Kerala Houseboat cruises

You can find the Houseboat cruise by its quality wise