A Hidden Gem in Alleppey: Kalappura Homestay and Houseboats
I had the pleasure of staying at Kalappura Homestay and Houseboats during my recent visit to Alleppey, and I cannot recommend it enough. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms and a warm smile by the kind-hearted and genuine owner, Mr. Jose. His hospitality was truly exceptional and made me feel right at home.
The homestay itself is a beautiful property, surrounded by lush greenery and serene waterways. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and well-appointed, providing all the necessary amenities for a relaxing stay. The food served at Kalappura is another highlight - delicious, homemade Kerala cuisine prepared with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. I especially enjoyed the traditional Sadhya, a feast served on a banana leaf, which was a treat for both the taste buds and the eyes.
But the real gem of Kalappura is their houseboats. I had the opportunity to take a day trip on one of their beautifully crafted and well-maintained houseboats. The boat gently glided through the picturesque backwaters of Alleppey, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The crew on the houseboat was attentive, friendly, and went above and beyond to ensure that I had a memorable experience.
One of the things that sets Kalappura apart from other homestays and houseboat operators in Alleppey is the personal touch and attention to detail provided by Mr. Jose and his team. They truly care about their guests and strive to make their stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. I was touched by their generosity and sincerity, and I felt like I had made new friends by the time I left.
In conclusion, I highly recommend Kalappura Homestay and Houseboats to anyone looking for a unique and authentic experience in Alleppey. The beautiful surroundings, comfortable accommodations, delicious food, and exceptional customer service make it a standout choice. Mr. Jose and his team go above and beyond to make their guests feel welcome and valued, and I am already planning...
Read moreJose is the owner and is in site for alot of the time. We were helped alot by Tina, food cooled by Suda. They were friendly informative and the right amount of interaction. Jose was very friendly and gave me a lesson on tying a dhoti. Above and beyond service level from everyone.
The arrival communications were rec'd via WhatsApp and nothing was really out.
Jose also has 2 houseboats and is able to slot you into a number of options. We did a sunrise tour 6.00 - 9.00 and it was amazing. We saw village life in the small canals from a small boat of 6 people. The boat cruises along slowly and it was a very special local tour
Our 2nd tour was an overnight boat. We arrived at 12 and disembarked at 9 the next morning. The boat was very good, high quality for us and another couple. Food was tremendous including fish and prawns. Beer was booked and available on board. We both loved the calm trip and feel it was good value and worth a day or two.
Close to the bus station and multiple temples. Nice and quiet at night and serene in the day.
The food here is fantastic. We had a choice of European (eggs, toast, jam and butter) or Kerala sambar, idlii and dosa. We stayed for three days and requested what we wanted the night before.
We had two evening meals and the food is exceptional, mixture of vegetarian, fish or meat on request. Water is provided and beer is 250rs for a bottle.
The food could be cooked to your taste and we had different levels of heat and spicing. Nothing was too much trouble and the portions were generous.
We had a large double bedded room with AC and fan. The room was extremely clean. Bedding good quality and pillows nice and firm.
We had an ensuite bathroom(wet room) which was spacious. There's a separate kitchen area with...
Read moreI stayed five nights at Jose's homestay, and would certainly stay there again if I ever return to Alleppey. Jose is a warm and hospitable host who always wants to make sure his guests have the best time. Teena is very kind and thoughtful. There are children playing and trees and birds which makes for a charming and peaceful atmosphere, but it is also close to shops and restaurants. I had a clean and comfortable upstairs room and enjoyed different Keralan and Indian breakfasts on the terrace with fresh pineapple and coffee, as well as an evening meal which was also very good.
I also took an overnight trip on one of Jose's houseboats, the one-bedroom, which was lovely. The boat is beautiful and immaculately kept; I really liked that the front lounge area is open at the sides so you can feel the breeze and there's no glass between you and the sounds and sights of the backwaters. The bedroom on the other hand is like a hotel, with a/c and hot water and most importantly completely mosquito proof! Joseph the captain pointed out many things of interest as we passed, and Jayan the cook made me three delicious (and very filling!) vegetarian meals; both are very pleasant and professional people to travel with. I also really appreciated that Jose and the crew took time to work out how to help me on and off the boat safely, as I have mobility issues that can make that sort of thing quite worrisome - they even cleared away some invasive water weed so the boat could get really close to the bank.
I was alone this trip but it would be even better for a couple; in fact if I'm ever able to come back with my wife I hope we can spend two or more nights on the water because it's just such a relaxing and...
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