Tea Museum

The Alappuzha Backwaters, famously crowned the "Venice of the East" by Lord Curzon, encompass a legendary labyrinth of palm fringed canals, emerald lagoons, and winding river waterways centered around Alleppey (Alappuzha) in Kerala.

Drifting through India's largest wetland ecosystem on Vembanad Lake, an overnight or day cruise on a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat offers one of the world's most romantic, relaxing, and quintessential travel experiences.

It's the home of converted wooden rice barges (Kettuvallams) built without a single iron nail, the UNESCO recognized below sea-level paddy farming wonder of Kuttanad, tranquil country canoe rides through narrow village canals, and private chefs serving piping hot Karimeen Pollichathu, Kuttanad duck roast, and fresh tender toddy.

It represents a rich ecological and cultural haven where slow riverine living, centuries old coir weaving, snake boat racing traditions (Vallam Kali), and tranquil Ayurvedic wellness unite across the waterways of God's Own Country.

Boarded primarily at Punnamada Finishing Point and Pallathuruthy jetties in Alleppey, it sits 4 km from Alappuzha Railway Station, 55 km south of Kochi, and 85 km from Cochin International Airport (COK).

The Kettuvallam Heritage & Master Craftsmanship

Originally crafted as heavy duty cargo barges to transport harvested rice and spices from Kuttanad to Kochi port, these vessels are named Kettuvallam ("boat with knots").

Each boat is crafted entirely from indigenous Anjili (wild jackfruit) wood planks tied securely together using tough coconut coir ropes, waterproofed with black resin boiled from cashew nut shells and fish oil, without using a single metal nail.

Truth is, modern houseboats have transformed these rustic vessels into floating luxury villas, equipped with air conditioned glass walled bedrooms, attached modern bathrooms, open air sun decks, and private galley kitchens.

Kuttanad: Farming Below Sea Level

Cruising into the Kuttanad region, you witness one of the planet's rarest agricultural systems: extensive bio saline farming carried out 4 to 10 feet below sea level, protected by intricate earthen dykes and bamboo ring bunds.

Recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) by the FAO, Kuttanad's emerald green paddy fields stretch as far as the eye can see, with waterways raised higher than the surrounding farmland.

Scenic Cruise Routes & Fresh On Board Feasts

Popular Cruise Circuits: The classic Punnamada Nedumudi-Champakulam circuit passes 400 year-old Syrian Christian churches like St. Mary's Forane Church, while the Punnamada Kumarakom route crosses the vast open blue waters of Vembanad Lake past the bird sanctuary of Pathiramanal Island.

Authentic Cuisine on Board: Your private boat chef prepares authentic Kerala meals: freshly caught pearl spot fish marinated in spicy shallot paste wrapped in banana leaves (Karimeen Pollichathu), Chemmeen prawn curry with coconut milk, crispy banana fritters (Pazham Pori), and steaming red Matta rice.

After disembarking from your backwater cruise, relax along the white sands of Marari Beach, climb the historic 1862 Alappuzha Lighthouse, and taste divine Palpayasam at the ancient Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple.