Alleppey or Munroe Island? Kerala Backwaters Compared
The POPULAR Alleppey Houseboats or a canoe ride through the backwaters of Munroe Island? We had the pleasure of experiencing both and absolutely loved each one. However, we understand that some of you might be unSURE about which to pick or where to go, so we’re here to help make that decision a little easier for you.
BEST TIME TO VISIT | Nov - Mar
DÓNDE ALOJARSE |
Kailasam Homestay & Waves and Dales
BEST THINGS TO DO | Alleppey Houseboat Cruise, Canoeing at Munroe Island
The Kerala backwaters are a vast network of canals, rivers, and lagoons that wind through lush landscapes and peaceful villages are a unique ecosystem and a true highlight of any trip to India.
Both Alleppey and Munroe Island offer stunning views of these backwaters, but the experience in each place is quite different. In Alleppey, houseboats cruise along wide canals, blending local life with a more touristy atmosphere. You’ll see plenty of other boats around. Munroe Island, on the other hand, is much quieter and more serene, where you can glide through narrow, palm-lined canals by canoe, often in complete silence.
Each destination has its charm, and the better choice depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
✈︎ Dreaming of traveling to India but don’t know where to start? Our India Travel Essentials guide has everything from must-see spots to budget tips and itineraries.
WHEN TO VISIT THE BACKWATERS?
The best time to visit the Keralan backwaters is between November and February, when the weather is cooler, dry, and pleasant. It is perfect for houseboat cruises and village walks. The monsoon months (June to September) offer lush green landscapes and fewer crowds, but heavy rain can affect boat schedules. Avoid March to May if possible, as it gets hot and humid.
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ALLEPPEY HOUSEBOAT
Things to Consider
Shared or private boat
Boat size (1 to 3 or more rooms per boat)
Western or Asian toilets
Hot water for showering
AC or fan
Open or closed lounging area
Shade options
Seating or dining area
Itinerary and duration
Environmental impact
Crew on board (English speaking, guide, cook)
Western or Keralan food
Comfort and budget
Duration
You can do a half-day tour or spend a night on the boat, but we highly recommend the full-day experience, which usually runs from noon and includes breakfast the next morning.
Scenic Views
You’ll be cruising the wide, peaceful canals and lakes on the houseboat, soaking in the local life, rice fields, other houseboats, and the stunning nature and wildlife around you.
Vibe
Alleppey is popular with families, couples, and groups, so it can feel busy and touristy at times. The atmosphere really depends on your boat. Some offer a simple ride, while others feel more like a floating boutique hotel. Weekends and holidays tend to be more crowded, while weekdays are generally a bit quieter (though still lively).
Facilities & Amenities
The houseboats might include air conditioning, fans, Wi-Fi, TV, private toilets and showers, free toiletries, and onboard catering.
Sustainability
For sustainable houseboat tourism in Alleppey, choose vessels with proper waste management systems, solar power, and bio-toilets. Avoid operators using diesel generators or hosting noisy parties that disturb locals and wildlife. Traditional houseboats built from natural materials offer better environmental credentials than modern alternatives. Support operators who benefit local communities and serve regional cuisine with locally-sourced ingredients. Your responsible choices help preserve Kerala's delicate backwater ecosystem for future generations. When in doubt, you can ask your tour company to provide their sustainability score certificate.
Our Experience
We were initially unsure if we’d enjoy it at all. Online reviews warned about big houseboats, traffic jams on the canals, and even pollution. We usually avoid those kinds of tours and seriously considered skipping it for a quieter experience in Munroe Island. But we’re so glad we gave it a chance. We did our tour with Waves and Dales (not sponsored), and it turned out to be peaceful, scenic, and far more relaxing than expected.
We had no trouble at all soaking in the atmosphere, enjoying the tranquility, watching local life unfold, and chatting with our crew to learn about their lives and reality. We spent the entire ride sitting at the front, simply observing and talking. Honestly, time flew by for us. We absolutely loved our houseboat and crew and felt sad when it was time to leave.
BOOK | Waves and Dales Houseboats
DURATION
Our tour’s check-in was at 12:00 p.m. and ended the next morning at 9:00 a.m.
ITINERARY
We were welcomed with fresh coconuts, and our journey began with the captain providing great insights about the area and explaining what we were seeing. There were optional activities available for an extra charge, such as an Ayurvedic massage, slow boat and speedboat rides. One of the highlights was the private canoe ride through the narrow canals and village, priced at ₹750 per person. We also had the option to visit a paddy field, a fisherman’s shop, and a church. We only left the boat briefly, with the longest outing being the one-hour canoe ride.
Unfortunately, the canoe rides are motorized. We had hoped for a more authentic experience with rowing. The journey through the narrow canals offers a fascinating glimpse into the backwaters village life. Here, boats replace scooters, and children travel in school boats instead of buses. Along the way, locals wash their clothes and dishes by the water's edge, women are fishing, and you can observe their daily routines. You will also encounter floating vendors, selling ice cream and drinks to the passing tourists.
OUR PREFERENCES
We opted for a private boat and spent the night on board to have the full experience. It was important for us to have a great view and comfortable seating at the front, as well as different seating options in the lounging/dining area, due to our back problems, we really prioritize comfort regarding this (yes, we’re getting old). Since you’ll be spending the entire day on the boat, make sure to pay close attention to the seating and shade available. We specifically chose a closed lounging area with windows, so we could enjoy the views while also protecting ourselves from mosquitoes, especially during the night. We also wanted AC to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep on the boat, as it can get quite hot and humid in the area.
SUSTAINABILITY
Our boat did not release any plastic waste or food scraps into the water. The company has a composting facility at their office, and sewage is properly managed with a tank on the houseboat. We had a water gallon and single-use plastic bottles, allowing us to refill our reusable bottles whenever needed. While there were no solar panels on the boat, the company plans to implement them this year. Let us know in the comments if they really did!
Waves and Dales has its own office and dock, where their boats stay overnight using electricity from the mainland instead of running noisy diesel generators. At first, we were a bit disappointed as we had imagined anchoring somewhere more remote and surrounded by nature. But in the end, we really appreciated the peace and quiet. It wasn’t just more comfortable, it’s also a more sustainable choice, with less noise and fuel consumption.
FOOD
Keralan food was a major highlight for us; we absolutely loved it. You can choose between veg or non-veg options and select your preferred spice level. The company also sends a sample menu in advance, so you know exactly what to expect. We had lunch, tea & snacks, dinner, and breakfast, and each meal was absolutely delicious.
THE REAL TRAVELER TIP
Pay careful attention to your comfort preferences, as you’ll be spending all your time on the boat. It’s important to prioritize what matters most to you. We had a great experience with Waves and Dales, but we spoke with other travelers who didn’t enjoy it as much because it was either too hot, uncomfortable, and the food wasn’t good. Be sure to read reviews and focus on the seating and shade options available. You can book via Booking.com as we did. You can see pictures, choose your boat and room, read reviews and see the amenities per boat. You will be contacted by the tour company and you can ask further for detailed pictures and videos of your boat, and request the itinerary and food menu in advance through the message function.
CANOE RIDE AT MUNROE ISLAND
Duration
The canoe ride lasts from one to three hours depending on your preference.
PRICE | ₹500 | €5 | US$6 per hour per boat
Scenic Views
The canoe ride takes you through the narrow canals of the backwaters, surrounded by lush greenery and calm waters. These tours focus more on nature than village life, offering peaceful views of lakes, mangroves, and local birdlife. If you go at sunrise, it’s especially beautiful. The soft light and morning mist make it a magical experience.
Vibe
It’s a popular option for families, couples, and groups. The experience differs depending on whether you opt for a sunrise or sunset ride. Sunrise rides are generally less crowded, offering a more peaceful atmosphere and better opportunities for birdwatching. The day of the week you choose will also influence whether the canals are more crowded or relaxed. It is a simple experience, but we felt it was not more authentic or calm than the houseboat. We enjoyed nature without loud boat engines, making it quieter than a houseboat.
Facilities & Amenities
There are no amenities or facilities provided during this tour.
Sustainability
Canoe tours are one of the most eco-friendly ways to experience the backwaters, no fuel, no noise, and minimal environmental impact. Just make sure to take any trash with you and leave the canals as pristine as you found them.
Our Experience
We were really excited for this experience, as everything we read online suggested it would be more authentic, local, and peaceful.
We took a 3-hour tour arranged by our homestay and opted for a sunrise ride at 5:30 a.m., which we highly recommend. It tends to get more crowded during sunset. The duration of the ride was good for us. Staying longer wouldn’t necessarily show you more, just let you enjoy the scenery for a bit longer.
There are floating vendors along the way, and the River View Coffee Shop is worth a stop for its distinctively strong cardamom masala tea. Our homestay also included breakfast, which we enjoyed after the tour.
The backwaters are absolutely beautiful, but it’s not a hidden gem. There will definitely be other tourists around. So, it did not feel more authentic than our experience at Alleppey. Our guide made sure to go off the beaten canals whenever possible to make it feel more calm and private.
However, the canals are primarily for tourists, while authentic village life occurs on land. Despite some fishermen using the waterways, locals mainly navigate via roads connecting the area. For genuine community interactions in Munroe, explore by foot or bicycle rather than boat. The boat tours showcase natural scenery: the lake, mangroves, and birds. But do not expect a deeper interaction with the local culture. We found Alleppey offered more authentic village life in the backwaters compared to Munroe Island.
Cycling around the island was fun, though we weren't particularly impressed seeing local life at Munroe since we'd already experienced authentic Keralan life during our Munnar roadtrip. Rent quality mountain bikes. They're necessary for the rough dirt and stone roads. We paid ₹150 per day per bike.
WHERE TO STAY IN MUNROE ISLAND?
Munroe Island has plenty of cozy homestays, and we chose to stay at Kailasam Homestay. They offer multiple air-conditioned rooms, a tasty homemade breakfast, and the option to preorder delicious local meals. It’s a peaceful, family-run place that made us feel right at home.
HOW TO GET TO MUNROE ISLAND?
Munroe island has its own train station, connected to Alleppey and Kollam or Varkala. Uber doesnt really work so its best to ask your hosts to arrange a private transfer to your next accommodation.
ALLEPEY: SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES
Waterfront Homestays
If an overnight stay on a houseboat isn’t your thing, but you still want to soak in the beauty of Alleppey’s backwaters, staying at a scenic waterfront resort is a great alternative. You’ll still get to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, watch boats drift by, and take in the serene views, right from your room.
There’s something for every budget, from affordable stays like The River Bells or Backwater Breeze, to more upscale options like Purity at Lake Vembanad.
Kayaking in Allepey
If an eco-friendly houseboat is out of your budget or you prefer not to support the houseboat industry, kayaking through the small canals is a great alternative. It allows you to explore at your own pace and immerse yourself in the surroundings as much as you like.
BOOK | Nadodi Kayaking
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OUR FINAL THOUGHTS
Although both locations offer the chance to enjoy narrow canals, the experience is quite different. A houseboat ride in Alleppey provides a more comfortable and luxurious experience, allowing you to relax and immerse yourself in nature and local life for hours at a time, though it tends to be pricier. In contrast, Munroe Island offers a more affordable, shorter and sustainable experience, where you can appreciate the natural beauty while exploring by canoe. The island itself is small, and if you’re interested in delving deeper into Kerala’s way of life, biking around Munroe Island is a great way to experience it.
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