I’ve done houseboat stays in both Alleppey (Alappuzha) and Kumarakom multiple times, and honestly, both have their own charm – it really depends on what kind of experience you want. Since you’re a group of 4 friends, let me break it down based on my personal experiences:
🛶 Alleppey (Alappuzha) – The Classic Backwater Experience
Vibe: This is what most people imagine when they think of Kerala backwaters. You’ll see lots of houseboats, bustling waterways, and a mix of paddy fields, canals, and villages.
Houseboats: Huge variety – from budget to ultra-luxury. Since it’s more touristy, competition keeps the boats in decent shape.
Food: Most boats serve traditional Kerala meals – karimeen fry (pearl spot fish), sambar, avial, appam, and fresh seafood. Food is cooked right in the kitchen onboard, and it tastes homely.
Photography: Great if you want vibrant scenes – boats cruising, locals rowing small canoes, churches and temples on the banks, kids waving at you. The sunsets here are spectacular.
Downside: Because it’s busy, it can feel crowded during peak season. At night, houseboats dock together, so you don’t always get total privacy.
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🌿 Kumarakom – Quieter & More Laid-Back
Vibe: If Alleppey is like a “floating town,” Kumarakom feels more like a peaceful village retreat. The Vembanad Lake is huge here, so you get open stretches of water with fewer boats.
Houseboats: Slightly more upmarket on average, fewer budget options compared to Alleppey. Service is usually more personalized.
Food: Very similar Kerala-style meals, but in my experience, the pace is slower – you eat, relax, and enjoy the silence of the backwaters.
Photography: Ideal for calm, nature-focused shots – wide lake views, coconut trees reflecting in the water, and plenty of birdlife (Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is nearby).
Downside: Less activity on the water, so if you want lively scenes, you might find it “too quiet.”
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💡 My Recommendation (as someone who’s done both):
Since this is your first visit, I’d suggest Alleppey. It gives you the quintessential Kerala backwater vibe – bustling canals, the iconic houseboat culture, and plenty of photo opportunities. You’ll also find more variety in houseboats to suit your budget as a group of friends.
But if your main goal is chilling in peace, birdwatching, and avoiding tourist crowds, then go for Kumarakom.
👉 Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either – but for a first-time, fun, food + photography trip with friends, Alleppey wins. If you return to Kerala again, try Kumarakom for a more serene, “offbeat” backwater stay.
