Hi there!
If you want a day to take it easy, a cruise to the Kuttanad and Kainakary region of the Alleppey backwaters by way of a cheap public Alleppey ferry can do it for you!
A trip to Kuttanad and back to the main part of Alleppey will take up no more than half your day.
With that in mind, what sounds like a perfect day of rest and relaxation?!
Depart on a See Kuttanad ferry in the morning or early afternoon, and then return back to your guesthouse near Alleppey Beach a few hours later!
So first…
For the best things to do in Alleppey and the Alleppey backwaters on a budget, see canoe, kayaking, more ferry rides, and more about travel to Alleppey.
If your travels will take you to other parts of India too, also see the guide to backpacking in North India and backpacking in South India!
Now…
What are some things to know about the See Kuttanad ferry?
Here are some things to keep in mind as you are planning a cheap half day trip to Kuttanad from Alleppey Beach or town.
How much does the See Kuttanad ferry cost?
The cost of the ferry ticket depends on where you sit.
But either way, it’ll cost less than US$1.
You can consider it a cheap Alleppey backwaters tour!
You pay for your ticket once the ferry departs.
The ticket conductor will come around and you’ll pay based on where you’re sitting.
If you start off on the lower deck and then later go and sit on the upper deck, the ticket conductor will come around to have you pay accordingly.
Lower deck cost: 15 rupees
Upper deck cost: 40 rupees
How long is the ferry ride?
You’ll be sitting on the boat and cruising the Alleppey backwaters for around 1 to 1.5 hours one way.
Or you can stand if you prefer!
How often does the ferry depart from Alleppey to Kuttanad?
There are usually around 5 trips daily from the Alleppey ferry station.
It will then stop at various ferry jetties along the way for locals who are getting around for their daily life activities.
How to get back to Alleppey
Return ferry trip
Once the boat reaches the final destination in Kuttanad, there may be about a 30 minute break.
Then the same boat will head back to the Alleppey ferry station in town. You’ll pay for another ticket to get back to Alleppey.
They will likely announce when the ferry will depart again and how much time you have.
If they don’t announce it, just be sure to ask if you plan on taking the ferry back.
Auto rickshaw
There will also likely be rickshaws nearby if you don’t want to wait for the ferry to leave Kuttanad, or if you don’t want to spend another hour on a boat.
Kuttanad is still relatively close to Alleppey town, so the time in the rickshaw is manageable.
It’ll be about a 30 minute ride.
The rickshaw cost from Kuttanad to Alleppey will be around 250 rupees (US$4).
My rickshaw ride back to my guesthouse near Alleppey Beach cost 270 rupees since it was located in a quieter part of the beach that’s further away from the main part of Alleppey Beach.
What is the See Kuttanad ferry schedule?
While the following is what was listed on the Kerala state waterways website, it’s best to confirm for accurate timings.
See Kuttanad ferry timings from the Alleppey ferry station in town:
- 8:15am
- 10:45am
- 1:15pm
- 3:30pm
- 5:25pm
How to confirm these boat timings to Kuttanad
First, see here for the latest list from the Kerala state waterways department.
Even with that list, the best thing would be to confirm directly with the station master at the Alleppey ferry station.
If you arrive to Alleppey by bus knowing that you’ll want to take the See Kuttanad ferry in the coming days, you can make the first stop upon your arrival to Alleppey the ferry station.
The ferry station is a short 5 minute or so walk from the bus station.
Otherwise, you can ask the guesthouse that you’re staying at about the ferry timings.
HAPPY SEE KUTTANAD FERRY RIDE!
How to spend one week in Kerala
How to spend one month in South India
For examples of general class train travel, see:
For examples of AC train travel, see:
For examples of local bus travel, see:
For examples of overnight bus travel, see:
- Pondicherry to Madurai
- Madurai to Kerala (South India)
- Mumbai to Udaipur
See more backpacking India travel tips!