Kottayam to Alleppey: Vembanad Backwaters Boat Journey | Episode 1 from Kodimatha to Ambala Jetty.

Date- 2-06-2024 (Monsoon).
Fare- 29 INR.
The journey begins from Kodimatha Boat Jetty in Kottayam, conveniently located near the heart of the town. From Kottayam Railway Station, an auto rickshaw ride of about 3 kilometers will bring you to the jetty. The KSRTC bus stand is also just 1 kilometer away, making it easily accessible.
Aida Hotel: A notable landmark near Kodimatha Boat Jetty, providing comfortable accommodations for travelers.
Booster Chaay Kada: A popular spot near Kodimatha Boat Jetty to enjoy a refreshing tea before embarking on the boat journey.
Journey Details:
Departure Time: The ferry for Alleppey departs sharply at 13:00 hours. This 1 PM service is the most convenient for travelers heading to Alleppey, though other ferries run throughout the day.
Duration: The boat journey covers approximately 35 kilometers and takes three hours to complete.
Route: The journey includes a 5-kilometer stretch through the Puthan Thodu canal and a 28-kilometer stretch through the deep, open backwaters. Various junction points are encountered along the way.
Highlights and Captions of the Boat Trip from Kottayam to Alleppey:
0:28 minutes:
Kodimatha Boat Jetty: Myself at Kodimatha Boat Jetty, ready to embark on the journey.
1:28 minutes onwards:
Boarding the Ferry: Just about to board the Alleppey-bound ferry. Kodimatha Boat Jetty is conveniently located near the heart of Kottayam town. The ferry will cover approximately 35 kilometers and take three hours to travel between Kottayam and Alleppey. Along the way, the ferry will pass through R Block, Pullathusseri, and Pandicheri, offering stunning views of large lake paddy fields, the 'R'-Block where agriculture is managed according to the Holland Scheme, and picturesque villages along the 5-kilometer canal stretch.
1:44 minutes onwards:
Interior of the Boat: A glimpse inside the boat, showcasing the seating arrangements and ambiance.
2:07 minutes:
Setting Off: The boat gently moves away from the jetty, navigating through the Puthan Thodu canal for nearly 5 kilometers before reaching the open waters.
4:09 minutes:
The ferry begins its journey to Alleppey, gliding through the serene Kodoor River.
5:45 minutes:
Puthan Thodu Junction for Munroe Light House.
9:10 minutes:
Submerged Neighborhoods: The bridge opens for our boat to pass, revealing houses in low-lying areas submerged due to pre-monsoon rains.
11:42 minutes onwards:
River Junction Point: At the river junction point, the Munroe Light House and the tributary of Meenachil converge.
13:13 minutes:
Flooded Jetty and Shafts: Difficulty in navigating due to the submerged jetty and presence of shafts.
14:50 minutes:
Passenger Loading Halt: A brief stop for the loading of passengers.
17:31 minutes:
Boat Shake: As a boat crosses parallel to us, the fluctuating depth of the water causes our boat to shake, tilting slightly. The movement, though unnerving, adds an element of adventure to our journey.
19:40 minutes:
Open Waters: The boat stretches its legs into the open waters at a crucial junction point.
23:08 minutes onwards:
Open Kaayal or Waters: Mesmerizing views of the expansive open kaayal or waters.
25:07 minutes onwards:
Navigating the Deep Backwaters.
25:29 minutes:
Titanic-like Feeling: The sensation of navigating through the open Kaayal evokes a Titanic-like feeling. Standing on the bridge, I feel a sense of authority and tranquility as our boat gracefully glides across the open waters. With a gentle command to "let her stretch her legs in the open sea," I surrender to the soothing rhythm of the journey.
29:00 minutes onwards:
Open Backwaters Beauty.
29:57 minutes:
Titanic-like Experience: Standing on the bow like Jack Dawson, feeling the vastness of the open waters.
30:38 minutes:
Convergence of Streams.
34:01 minutes:
Large Junction Point.
36:19 minutes onwards:
Flooded Jetty Halt: The boat crew struggles to park due to the submerged jetty. A conversation with a lady passenger leads to the decision to proceed, acknowledging the difficulty in docking.
38:44 minutes:
First Houseboat Sighting.
39:03 minutes onwards:
Multiple Junction Points.
43:19 minutes:
Another Significant Junction Point.
49:09 minutes:
Houseboats Parked.
50:50 minutes:
The view of Vembanad Lake: Kerala's Oceanic Splendor. The view of Vembanad Lake resembles a vast ocean, stretching endlessly into the horizon.
1:01:00 hours:
Through the open backwaters where routes from Kochi via the Vaikom Canal, Kumarakom and Muhamma converge here, marking a point of intersection for diverse waterway traffic.
1:05:51 hours:
A massive houseboat, reminiscent of the Titanic, sails gracefully, casting a majestic presence against the serene Kerala landscape.
1:06:40 hours:
Episode 1 Conclusion: The episode wraps up near Ambala Jetty in the vicinity of Alleppey backwaters. Episode 2 will feature the ferry navigating through the Alleppey city vicinity.

[@smalltowntraveller]

Memorable journey 😮

[@TheRakeshkalia]

One of the most exhilarating trips I've ever taken.

[@godsofart777]

Very nice 🙂👍
Enjoying

[@godsofart777]

Never seen like this before ❤