After enjoying a memorable houseboat stay on Day 1 and exploring Alleppey’s beaches and local attractions on Day 2, it was finally time for the last day of our Kerala trip.
Instead of spending money on another expensive tourist activity, we decided to experience Alleppey like a local. That decision turned out to be one of the best travel choices of the entire trip.
This day was all about local food, government ferry rides, village life, temple visits, shopping, and understanding how people actually live around Kerala’s famous backwaters.
Starting the Morning at Alleppey Beach
We started our final day early in the morning by visiting Alleppey Beach.
The atmosphere was peaceful, the weather was pleasant, and the beach looked completely different compared to the evening crowds we had seen earlier.
Morning walks near the beach are highly recommended if you are staying nearby.
Breakfast at Brothers Hotel
After spending some time near the beach, we headed to Brothers Hotel, one of the popular local food spots in Alleppey.
The restaurant immediately caught our attention because its walls were covered with photographs and autographs of celebrities from the Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam film industries.
We decided to try some authentic Kerala breakfast items.
Items We Ordered
- Puttu
- Kadala (Chenna) Curry
- Dosa
The food was delicious, affordable, and gave us a genuine taste of Kerala cuisine.
Houseboat vs Shikara Ride vs Ferry Ride
One of the biggest questions visitors face in Alleppey is deciding between a houseboat, shikara ride, or ferry ride.
Initially, we considered booking a shikara ride.
However, when we enquired locally, we were quoted prices between ₹2,000 and ₹2,500 for two people.
While discussing with locals, someone suggested trying the Government Ferry instead.
According to them, the ferry follows a very similar route through the backwaters but costs a tiny fraction of the price.
That recommendation completely changed our plans.
Finding the Government Ferry
The ferry boarding point is located near the Alleppey Bus Stand and can be reached easily on foot.
The boarding station is locally known as a “Jetty.”
Finding it was simple, and within a few minutes we had our tickets.
Government Ferry Ticket Prices
| Deck | Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Lower Deck | ₹46 |
| Upper Deck | ₹60 |
Compared to tourist boat rides costing thousands of rupees, the ferry felt like an incredible value-for-money experience.
Boarding the Ferry
The ferry looked simple and functional.
There were no luxury seats or fancy decorations.
Instead, it felt like a normal public transportation system operating on water.
The upper deck was already crowded with tourists, so we initially sat on the lower deck.
This turned out to be a blessing because it allowed us to observe local life much more closely.
Experiencing Kerala’s Backwater Villages
As the ferry slowly moved through the canals, we realized why so many travelers fall in love with Kerala.
The scenery was breathtaking.
Every turn revealed:
- Traditional houses
- Coconut trees
- Fishing boats
- Children playing near the water
- Local residents commuting by boat
- Small village shops
Unlike tourist boat rides that often focus on sightseeing, the ferry allowed us to witness real life.
Why the Ferry Ride Felt More Authentic
One surprising realization during the trip was that we might have missed this authentic experience if we had booked a private shikara ride.
Because the ferry serves local communities, we got to:
- Interact with local passengers
- Observe daily routines
- See village infrastructure
- Understand how waterways function as roads
It felt less like tourism and more like cultural immersion.
How Ferry Operations Work
Watching the ferry crew was fascinating.
At every stop:
- Ropes were tied securely to poles
- The ferry was stabilized
- Passengers boarded and exited safely
- The crew coordinated operations efficiently
The process repeated dozens of times throughout the journey.
The Return Journey
After reaching the halfway point, we boarded another ferry for the return trip.
This time we managed to sit on the upper deck.
The elevated view provided excellent photography opportunities and a broader perspective of the backwaters.
Total Ferry Cost
Our complete ferry experience cost:
- ₹46 (Lower Deck)
- ₹60 (Upper Deck Return)
Total Cost Per Person: ₹106
Considering the journey lasted around two hours and covered extensive backwater areas, this was probably the best budget activity we found in Alleppey.
Complete Alleppey Trip Budget
Since this was the final day of the trip, we calculated our overall expenses.
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Houseboat Stay | ₹5,500 |
| Anniversary Decoration | ₹1,500 |
| Zostel Stay | ₹3,300 |
| Scooter Rental | ₹1,000 |
| Food & Miscellaneous | ₹3,000–₹5,000 |
Total Trip Cost for Couple:
Approximately ₹15,000–₹18,000
Visiting Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple
After the ferry ride, we visited Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple.
The temple is one of Alleppey’s important spiritual attractions and offers a peaceful atmosphere away from the tourist crowds.
During our visit, we were lucky enough to see the temple elephant.
Visitors can sometimes interact with the elephant and take photographs after speaking with temple staff.
Shopping for Kerala Sarees
Our final stop was Sri Bharathi Handlooms, located opposite the temple.
We explored several shops before arriving here and found the prices to be among the most reasonable.
Saree Pricing
Starting from approximately ₹350.
The store offered a wide range of traditional Kerala sarees suitable for gifts and souvenirs.
What We Learned From This Trip
One of the biggest lessons from Alleppey was that memorable travel experiences don’t always require expensive bookings.
The ₹106 ferry ride ended up being one of our favorite activities.
It gave us a deeper understanding of local life and allowed us to see Kerala from a completely different perspective.
Tips for Budget Travelers
- Try the government ferry before booking expensive rides.
- Stay at hostels or budget accommodations.
- Rent a scooter for local exploration.
- Eat at local restaurants.
- Compare shopping prices before buying souvenirs.
- Travel during weekdays when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the government ferry worth it?
Absolutely. It is one of the cheapest and most authentic ways to experience Alleppey’s backwaters.
How much does the ferry cost?
₹46 for the lower deck and ₹60 for the upper deck.
How long is the ferry ride?
Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours including the return journey.
Can families take the ferry?
Yes. It is safe, affordable, and suitable for families.
What is the overall budget for a 3-day Alleppey trip?
A couple can comfortably complete the trip within ₹15,000–₹18,000 depending on accommodation and activities.
Final Thoughts
Our 3-day Alleppey journey gave us a perfect combination of romance, relaxation, local culture, food, and adventure.
From celebrating our anniversary on a houseboat to watching Kerala village life from a government ferry, every day offered something unique.
If you’re planning a Kerala trip and want maximum experiences without overspending, Alleppey should definitely be on your travel bucket list.
Watch the complete video experience:
