Unique Activities to Do During a Luxury Houseboat Stay in Alleppey Backwaters
A luxury houseboat stay in Alleppey is more than just cruising through Kerala’s famous backwaters in style, it’s a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and experience life at a different rhythm. While the houseboat itself is a destination, complete with luxury beds, local cuisine, and ever-changing views, there’s a whole world just off the deck waiting to be explored.
If you’re planning to stay on a luxury houseboat in Alleppey, don’t just sit back and float. Step out (or paddle out) and try these unique activities that make the experience richer and more personal.
1. Kayaking – Quiet, Personal, and Close to Nature
When you think of backwater exploration, kayaking might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it should be. There’s something deeply calming about paddling through the smaller, narrower canals that houseboats can’t reach. It’s just you, the water, and the soft sounds of nature.
Kayaking is ideal if you enjoy solitude or want to connect with the surroundings in a more immersive way. Glide past overhanging coconut trees, watch kingfishers dive for their breakfast, and take in scenes of daily life, a woman washing clothes, a child waving from the shore, all without making a sound. You’re not just seeing Alleppey from the outside, you’re right in the middle of it.
It’s especially great in the early mornings, when the backwaters are at their quietest and the golden light makes everything feel a little magical. If you’re staying on a luxury houseboat, many operators can arrange a private kayaking session with a guide or instructor nearby.
2. Shikara Ride – The Slow, Comfortable Way to Soak it All In
A shikara ride in alleppey is the perfect mix of comfort and charm. These boats, with their curved roofs and cushioned seating, let you enjoy the backwaters at a relaxed pace without the commitment of a full cruise. And if your houseboat is docked or taking a break, hopping on a shikara is an easy way to see more without getting tired.
The ride is especially enjoyable for couples and families who just want to take it slow. You can sip on coconut water, snap photos, or simply sit back and listen to the water lapping against the sides as the boatman steers through calm channels.
Shikaras are also shaded, which makes them a great option in the heat of the afternoon. It’s not flashy or fast—it’s mellow, which sometimes is exactly what you need.
3. Speedboat Ride – For a Bit of Adrenaline in Paradise
If you’ve had your fill of slow living and want a burst of energy, speedboats offer a completely different vibe. It’s fast, fun, and gives you the thrill of flying across the water while the wind rushes past your face.
Speedboat rides are a great contrast to the slower pace of houseboats and shikaras. They cover more ground quickly, so you get to see a wider area of Alleppey’s vast water networks in less time. If you’re traveling with kids or just love a little thrill, this is a fun addition to your stay.
Many houseboat hostsb work with speedboat operators and can arrange pickups directly from the boat or a nearby dock. It’s definitely not your typical backwater activity, which makes it all the more memorable.
4. Open Boat Ride – Budget-Friendly Group Fun with a View
While open boats are simpler than shikara, they offer something that’s hard to match, unobstructed views and a more social vibe. These boats are great for small groups and families who want to explore the surroundings together without splitting up or navigating narrow kayaks.
There’s more room to move around, and because the boats are open, you get a full 360-degree view of the water, the sky, and the lush greenery all around. It’s a relaxed, easygoing experience that’s perfect for taking photos, chatting with fellow travelers, or simply watching life unfold on the banks.
Even if you’re staying on a luxury houseboat, an open boat ride adds a different flavor to your trip, one that’s a little less polished but a lot more local.
5. Canoe Ride – Go Where the Big Boats Can’t
If you really want to explore Alleppey’s hidden corners, take a canoe ride. These small, traditional boats can go into the narrowest canals, the kind that even kayaks might find tricky. Canoeing is ideal for travelers who want an authentic, ground-level experience of village life.
You’ll see ducks waddling along muddy banks, women weaving coir ropes, and temples hidden behind thick clusters of coconut palms. It’s quiet, unhurried, and deeply local. There’s something incredibly satisfying about drifting through these lesser-seen routes, watching as daily life unfolds just a few feet away.
Canoe rides are often led by locals who know the area like the back of their hand, and they’ll often point out interesting plants, birds, and customs along the way. If your idea of luxury includes cultural richness, this is one not to miss.
6. Village Walk – A Glimpse Into Real Life on Land
Sometimes, to truly understand a place, you need to get off the boat. That’s where the village walk comes in. It’s simple: you get down, follow a local guide (or just wander), and explore the quiet villages that line the backwaters.
These aren’t touristy walks with gift shops at the end. They’re real glimpses into daily life, children heading to school, farmers tending to rice fields, fishermen mending nets, and elderly folks sitting in the shade chatting about the weather.
It’s not about ticking off sights, it’s about noticing the rhythm of life. Walks often take you past local markets, ancient temples, or even into a family’s courtyard for a chat over tea. And because you’re on foot, you can take your time, ask questions, and really absorb the atmosphere.
For anyone staying on a luxury houseboat, a village walk is the perfect reminder that while comfort is great, connection is even better.
7. Backwater Temple Visit – Sacred Spaces by the Water
Temples in Alleppey aren’t just places of worship they’re living parts of the community, often sitting peacefully on the banks of the backwaters. Some are accessible directly by boat, offering a rare spiritual experience framed by nature.
Step off for a short visit, observe quiet rituals, light a lamp, or just admire the centuries-old architecture surrounded by birdsong and water. If you’re lucky, you might catch a small local festival or a temple procession passing along the canal.
8. Fishing – Slow and Rewarding
If you’re not in a hurry—and let’s be honest, on a houseboat, you shouldn’t be, try your hand at fishing. You don’t need fancy gear. Locals often provide a simple rod or line and guide you to a good spot.
It’s not about the catch (though fresh pearl spot fish is a prize), it’s about the stillness of the moment. Sitting quietly, waiting, watching the light change on the water, it’s unexpectedly meditative.
9. Tuk-Tuk Tour – Land Meets Local Life
Step off your boat and into a three-wheeled adventure. A tuk-tuk tour is a fun way to explore the nearby towns, markets, and temples. You’ll buzz through narrow lanes, dodge goats, greet shopkeepers, and maybe stop for a banana fry or local chai.
It’s colorful, noisy, and full of character, like Kerala itself. A short tuk-tuk ride can show you more about Alleppey’s culture than a whole day indoors.
10. Boat Race Viewing (Seasonal) – Feel the Energy
If your trip lines up with the season, watching a traditional boat race is something you won’t forget. Dozens of oarsmen row in perfect unison, crowds cheer from the banks, drums beat wildly, and the energy is absolutely electric.
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the most famous one, usually held in August, but there are many smaller races during Onam and other local festivals. Your houseboat host or local guide can help you plan around the schedule if you’re visiting during the season.
11. Toddy Tasting – A Local Sip You Shouldn’t Skip
Kerala’s traditional palm wine, toddy, is slightly sweet, slightly sour, and very local. It’s tapped fresh from coconut palms and served in humble thatched “toddy shops.” Trying it is not about getting tipsy, it’s about tasting a part of Kerala’s culture.
Some houseboat crews will stop at a toddy shop for you, or even bring a small bottle on board for a private tasting. Pair it with spicy fried fish or tapioca, and you’ve got a backwater happy hour, Alleppey-style.
12. Coir Weaving – Watch Local Hands Turn Coconut into Craft
Alleppey is often called the coir capital of Kerala, and seeing how this humble coconut fiber is transformed into ropes, mats, and household items is both fascinating and grounding. During your houseboat stay, many local villages along the backwaters offer coir weaving demonstrations.
Walk into a small thatched shed and you’ll find women skillfully spinning coarse fibers on simple wooden tools, chatting as their hands move with precision and rhythm. There’s no show here, just real work, done the way it has been for generations.
Some spots even let you try your hand at weaving a few strands. And if you’re interested, you can pick up eco-friendly souvenirs directly from the source, no middlemen, just meaningful local support.
