I travelled to Kerala last winter from Mumbai, and I tried both a houseboat in Alleppey and a beach resort in Varkala. Honestly, if I had to pick one, I’d say the beach resort experience was much better.
Coming from Mumbai, I already live close to the sea, but Kerala’s beaches felt completely different. Varkala had this laid-back vibe, with dramatic cliffs, clean sands, yoga sessions in the morning, and shacks serving the freshest seafood I’ve ever tasted. The resort I stayed in opened right onto the beach, and I spent hours just watching the sunset with a chilled coconut in hand. There was music, cafes, and even some nightlife around – it felt lively but still peaceful, unlike the crowded beaches back home in Mumbai.
The houseboat ride in Alleppey was unique, no doubt. Cruising through the backwaters, watching locals paddle by in canoes, and having Kerala-style meals cooked onboard was something special. But after a night, I honestly felt it was enough. Once the sun goes down, there’s not much to do – it gets really quiet, and if you’re used to city life like in Mumbai, it can even feel a bit too silent. Plus, being stuck on the boat means fewer options for activities.
For me, the beach resort felt more like a holiday – you get the freedom to move around, explore local markets, try Ayurvedic massages, or just laze by the waves with a book. The houseboat is worth trying once for the experience, but if someone asked me which gave me a more memorable Kerala trip, I’d say the beach resort without a doubt.
👉 My advice for fellow travellers from cities like Mumbai: Do a one-night houseboat ride just to tick it off your list, but spend most of your days at a Kerala beach resort. That’s where you’ll really unwind and feel the charm of “God’s Own Country.”
