After an unforgettable anniversary celebration on a Kerala houseboat, we started Day 2 of our Alleppey trip with a completely different plan. Instead of floating through the backwaters, this day was dedicated to exploring the town, local food, beaches, and hidden gems around Alleppey.
If you’re planning a 2 or 3-day trip to Alleppey, this itinerary can help you experience much more than just the famous houseboats.
Checking Into Zostel Alleppey
For our second day, we stayed at Zostel Alleppey, one of the most popular hostels in Kerala.
I had previously stayed here during a solo trip, but this time we booked a private room to enjoy the experience together.
Room Cost
- Private Room: ₹3,300 per night
- Dormitory Beds: ₹500 – ₹700 per bed
The property offers separate dormitories for male, female, and mixed travelers, making it suitable for solo travelers as well as couples.
First Impressions of the Room
The room felt spacious, clean, and comfortable. The blue and white color combination gave it a fresh coastal vibe that perfectly matched Alleppey’s atmosphere.
Facilities included:
- Comfortable bed
- Work desk and chair
- Large mirror
- Electric kettle
- Tea supplies
- Private balcony
- Clean attached bathroom
The room also had traditional Kerala-style windows and doors, which added a unique charm to the stay.
Balcony View and Beach Access
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Zostel Alleppey is its location near Alleppey Beach.
From the balcony, we could see the beach and enjoy the sea breeze. The property is within walking distance of the shoreline, making it a convenient base for travelers.
Common Areas and Social Atmosphere
Like most Zostel properties, the hostel features a large common area where travelers can:
- Work remotely
- Meet fellow travelers
- Relax and socialize
- Plan local sightseeing
For solo travelers, this social environment is one of the biggest attractions.
Scooty Rental in Alleppey
To explore Alleppey freely, we rented a scooter from Nanni Tours & Travels, located approximately 700 meters from Zostel.
Scooty Rental Cost
- Older Scooter: ₹400 per day
- Newer Scooters: ₹500–₹600 per day
- Refundable Advance: ₹1,000
Renting a scooter is arguably the best way to explore Alleppey because public transport doesn’t provide the same flexibility.
Lunch Plans – Domino’s vs Local Food
Traveling as a couple often means different food preferences. While Swathi decided to play it safe with Domino’s Pizza, I wanted to try local Kerala food.
This led to one of the funniest moments of the trip.
Trying Local Kerala Drinks
While exploring the streets, we found a local stall selling:
- Watermelon pieces
- Buttermilk
- Bottle gourd juice
The bottle gourd juice was something I had never tried before. The taste was definitely unique and not something everyone may enjoy, but that’s what travel is all about—trying new experiences.
Authentic Kerala Vegetarian Meals
For lunch, we visited a local restaurant serving traditional Kerala vegetarian meals.
The meal included:
- Kerala rice
- Basmati rice
- Beetroot curry
- Green gram curry
- Banana chips
- Pickles and chutneys
- Sweet dishes
- Curd
- Payasam
This was one of the most authentic food experiences of our Kerala trip.
Afternoon Break at Zostel
After lunch, we returned to Zostel and relaxed for a couple of hours.
One thing we learned during this trip is that trying to cover too many places in a single day often becomes exhausting. Taking a short break helped us enjoy the evening much more.
Evening Ride to Marari Beach
In the evening, we rode towards Marari Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches near Alleppey.
The route itself was enjoyable, passing through:
- Traditional Kerala villages
- Coconut groves
- Narrow village roads
- Beautiful houses
Marari Beach Sunset Experience
As soon as we reached Marari Beach, it became clear why the location is famous among tourists.
The sunset colors were breathtaking.
The beach offered:
- Golden sunset views
- Soft sand
- Cool sea breeze
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Peaceful environment
Many families and children were enjoying the evening while local vendors sold snacks and ice creams nearby.
Beach Facilities
Visitors can rent chairs and umbrellas for approximately ₹100.
This makes it easy to sit comfortably and enjoy the sunset for hours.
Coconut Water by the Sea
No Kerala trip feels complete without fresh coconut water.
After spending time on the beach, we relaxed with fresh coconuts and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere as the sun disappeared below the horizon.
Kerala Banana Chips Shopping Tip
On our way back, we stopped at a row of shops selling Kerala banana chips.
We noticed a huge difference in pricing between shops.
Price Comparison
- One shop: ₹550 per kg
- Another shop: ₹850–₹950 per kg
The lesson here is simple: always compare prices before purchasing souvenirs or snacks in tourist areas.
Dinner at Borma Café
For dinner, we visited Borma Café, which had been recommended by fellow travelers staying at Zostel.
The food exceeded our expectations.
Items We Tried
- Paneer Roll
- Cheesecake
- Mango Thick Shake
Every item tasted excellent, and the café’s interior design added to the experience.
Why Day 2 Was Special
Day 1 was all about the houseboat experience.
Day 2 allowed us to experience local life, beaches, food, and independent travel through scooter exploration.
Together, these experiences provided a much more complete picture of Alleppey than a houseboat stay alone.
Budget Breakdown for Day 2
| Expense | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Zostel Private Room | ₹3,300 |
| Scooty Rental | ₹400 |
| Food & Drinks | ₹500–₹1,000 |
| Shopping | Variable |
Travel Tips for Alleppey Day 2
- Book Zostel early during peak season.
- Rent a scooter for maximum flexibility.
- Try authentic Kerala meals.
- Visit Marari Beach during sunset.
- Compare prices before buying banana chips.
- Carry cash for local shops.
- Plan enough time to relax.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Zostel Alleppey cost?
Dormitory beds start around ₹500–₹700, while private rooms cost approximately ₹3,300.
Is scooter rental available in Alleppey?
Yes. Scooters are widely available for ₹400–₹600 per day.
Is Marari Beach worth visiting?
Absolutely. It offers one of the best sunset experiences near Alleppey.
How far is Zostel from the beach?
Zostel Alleppey is located close to Alleppey Beach and offers easy access.
Final Thoughts
Day 2 turned out to be one of the most relaxing and enjoyable parts of our Kerala trip. Between the comfortable stay at Zostel, authentic Kerala food, scenic scooter rides, and the beautiful sunset at Marari Beach, the day perfectly balanced adventure and relaxation.
If you’re planning an Alleppey trip, don’t limit yourself to the houseboat experience. Spend an extra day exploring the beaches, food, and local culture—you’ll leave with far more memories and a deeper appreciation for Kerala.
Watch the complete video experience:
