This town is located on the west coast, approximately 100km south and west of Thekkady. Its main attraction is taking a houseboat along the Kerala backwaters. Just like Thekkady, it is very popular among European tourists. The boarding time is in the morning, at about 10 or 11am, and the boat leaves the dock and drifts down the serene backwaters, with fascinating views of surrounding villages. Communities here live on narrow strips of marsh land, surrounded on all sides by water.
There are many great photo opportunities! The boat stops for lunch (provided on the boat), tea/coffee, and a snack, are provided as well. The boat docks at around 8pm, followed by dinner (again, on the boat). All meals provide the choice of Indian or Western food. When the boat leaves the next morning, breakfast is provided, and returns to the dock at 10am. The meals are excellent, Indian cuisine is recommended (fresh and tasty vegetable preparations, shallow fried fish, idli sambar, etc.). Western breakfast option is usually an egg omelet.
Downsides: Lots of mosquito's, so don’t forget to put the net around your bed before you sleep, or you will get eaten alive! Also, there are some cockroaches on the boat and they climb up the walls. But, overall, the boats are very clean. Prices range depending on air-conditioning or no air-conditioning. From November-March, air-conditioning is not necessary. A two-bedroom boat (queen bed in each room,) is approximately Rs. 10,000 for the one day excursion, about Rs. 30,000 and if you want air conditioning.