The journey begins from the Alappuzha KSRTC bus stand Jetty (50-100m far away from the bus stand). It takes around 8 hours to cover 80km of the water path which includes Vembanad Kayal, Ashtamudi Kayal and Kayamkulam Kayal. Passengers include both Indian and foreign tourists who come here to enjoy the pleasure trip through these lakes at a very low fare. This trip gives them an opportunity to enjoy the exotic scenic beauty of coastal Kerala.
The journey begins in the morning from Alappuzha and takes the Tourists to Punnamads Canal, where the world-famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race is conducted, the training Centre of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Lake Vembanad and then to the Mangalassery jetty. If you get down here, you can see the place where the sacred river Pampa joins Lake Vembanad, paddy farming places below sea level and the motor base used for sucking out water from the paddy fields.
The journey then advances through the River Pallathruthy to Kavalackal Village Jetty at Chembassery. The passengers get a fascinating view of Kuttanadu Agricultural lands and tourists huts on river banks here. The statue of ‘Karumadikuttan’ and Lord Buddhaare makes this region a spot of attraction.
The boat then moves through River Pallana and reaches Kumarakodi. Then at the last stage of its journey, it moves through Tharyilkadavu, Alumkadavu, Kovilthottam, Chavara, Pallikkodi & Kavanadu and finally reaches Kollam.
This amazing boat cruise which takes almost 8 hours to complete, is going to be one of the most unforgettable experience in your life. The boat which begins its journey from Alappuzha at 10.40 in the morning, reaches Kollam Bus Stand Jetty at 6.30 in the evening. The same boat begins its journey from Kollam to Alappuzha the next morning. The ticket rate for an adult is Rs.400. You don’t have to book your ticket. Instead you can pay the conductor once you board the boat. In case you wish to have your lunch during the trip, you will have to pay Rs.100 along with the ticket fee. Those who would like to have fish fry along with lunch, remember that you will have to dish out some extra money. You can even take your bike inside the boat. The fee is again Rs.400. Instead of hiring a house boat by paying a huge amount (Rs.10000-15000), you get to see the same spectacular scenery in just Rs.400.
