If you’re reading this, you’re probably chilling at Zostel Alleppey right now—maybe on that rooftop with the sea breeze, or recovering from last night’s jam session with Josh.
You came to Alleppey for the backwaters, right? But here’s what I see all the time: travelers stuck between overpriced houseboats packed with tourists, or trying to figure out local transport on their own.
That’s why I started my kayaking club. I grew up in these villages, know every canal, and wanted to show travelers the real Alleppey – not the tourist version.
Here’s the deal: I’ll pick you up from Zostel in a tuk-tuk, take you through secret village canals houseboats can’t reach, teach you to kayak (even if you’ve never done it), capture amazing photos for your Instagram, feed you traditional Kerala food, and drop you back. All for less than two nights at the hostel.
Why Kayaking Beats Houseboats
Look, houseboats are iconic. But they’re expensive (₹8,000-15,000), crowded, slow, and stick to the main tourist waterways.
When you kayak with me, everything changes. I’ll take you through narrow village canals where houseboats literally can’t fit. You’ll glide past local fishermen I’ve known since childhood, spot kingfishers diving for breakfast, and see village kids waving from the banks—some are my neighbors’ kids.
You’re in control. Want to stop and photograph that lotus pond? Let’s do it. Want to paddle fast? I’m right there with you. Plus, my group tours are perfect for meeting other adventurous backpackers—I’ve seen so many friendships start on my kayaks.
About Me: Why I Do This
I’m a NIWS-certified kayaking instructor who grew up in these backwater villages. My grandfather was a fisherman, my father worked on snake boats during Nehru Trophy races, and I spent my childhood swimming in these canals.
When tourists started coming, I saw them only experiencing the commercialized version of our backwaters. So I got certified and started this club to share what I grew up with—the real Kerala, the quiet mornings on the water, the village life away from tourist crowds.
Every tour, I’m not just a guide—I’m sharing my home. I’ll introduce you to neighbors, explain traditional fishing techniques my family used, and show you secret canals I explored as a kid.
Never kayaked before? Don’t worry. I’ve taught hundreds of first-timers. Within 10 minutes, you’ll feel confident. I promise.
Free Tuk-Tuk Pickup from Zostel
I know Zostel is right by the beach, and most backwater tours start from random locations that are hard to reach. So I pick you up right from Zostel in an authentic Kerala tuk-tuk—no haggling with drivers, no Google Maps confusion.
The 20-minute tuk-tuk ride through local neighborhoods is part of the fun. You’ll pass toddy shops and temples, getting a real taste of everyday Kerala life on the way to my launch point at Nehru Trophy Island Village.
After kayaking, I drop you right back at Zostel. Door-to-door service means this fits perfectly into your schedule—whether you’re checking out later or want to kayak at sunrise and be back for breakfast.
What's Included (Everything)
*Free Tuk-Tuk Pickup & Drop* – I come get you and bring you back. That alone saves you ₹200-300.
*All Safety Equipment* – Life jackets, well-maintained kayaks, waterproof bags, and my escort boat following the group.
*Professional Photography & Drone Shots* – I’ll capture stunning photos throughout and send them to you free. Perfect for content creators who want Instagram gold without risking their phones.
*Traditional Kerala Sadhya Meal* – Authentic feast on a banana leaf after we paddle. This is my family’s food—local curries, rice, traditional sides. Not tourist food.
*2-3 Hour Guided Tour* – Through village canals I grew up in, away from tourist crowds. You’ll see local life, spot amazing birds, and experience the real backwaters.
*My Personal Knowledge* – Stories about the villages, medicinal plants my grandmother taught me about, how traditional fishing works, and introductions to locals I’ve known my whole life.
All of this for hostel-budget-friendly pricing. I want backpackers to afford authentic experiences.
Three Tour Options
*Sunrise Kayaking (5:30 AM – 8:30 AM)* – My personal favorite. Magical light, glassy calm water, and we have the canals almost to ourselves. I’ll pick you up around 5:15 AM. Early, but worth it. Perfect for photographers, nature lovers, or anyone checking out of Zostel later.
*Sunset Kayaking (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)* – Golden hour magic. Everything turns warm and dreamy, perfect temperature. Great for couples, gorgeous photos, and people who aren’t morning people.
*Full-Day Adventure (Flexible timing)* – Goes deeper into the canal system, more stops to meet local families, maximum immersion. For serious adventurers who want kayaking to be their Alleppey centerpiece.
The Route: My Backyard
I don’t launch from touristy areas. We start at Nehru Trophy Island Village—narrow canals only kayaks can access. This is literally where I grew up.
*What we’ll see:* Traditional homes on the water, women washing clothes, kids playing, fishermen repairing nets (some are my family’s neighbors). Kingfishers, herons, egrets—I know where they all nest. Chinese fishing nets using techniques my grandfather used. Secret narrow canals I explored as a kid, completely untouched by tourism. Lotus ponds, water lilies, pure Kerala nature.
The route is perfect for beginners—calm water, no currents, escort boat nearby. But also interesting for experienced kayakers with narrow passages and ever-changing scenery.
## Perfect for Solo Travelers
Most Zostel guests are solo, and most of my guests are too. My pricing is fair for solo travelers—you join small groups of 4-6 people and almost always make friends by the end.
It’s safe: I’m certified, there’s an escort boat, everyone wears life jackets. Solo female travelers constantly tell me they felt completely comfortable, which matters a lot to me.
Pro tip: Book the sunrise tour on your first morning. You’ll meet cool people, get amazing photos, and still have the whole day ahead.
What to Bring
*Wear:* Quick-dry shorts, t-shirt, hat, sunglasses, sandals
*Bring:* Sunscreen (seriously), water bottle, small towel, phone in waterproof bag (I provide them), open mind
*Don’t bring:* Big backpack, valuables, laptop, rigid expectations
I provide life jackets, paddles, kayaks, waterproof storage, safety gear, and escort boat.
How to Book
1. *WhatsApp me*: [Your number] – Say “Hi, I’m at Zostel and want to kayak”
2. *Tell me*: Sunrise, sunset, or full-day? Solo or group?
3. *Pick your date*: Book a day ahead if possible (peak season Nov-Feb)
4. *I’ll confirm pickup time* based on your tour
5. *Meet me at Zostel entrance* – Look for the guy with kayaking gear
6. *Pay when we meet* – Cash or UPI
Josh and the Zostel staff know me well and can help coordinate if you have questions.
What Zostel Travelers Say
Your questions answered
Common questions
Never kayaked?
Perfect. I teach first-timers all the time. You’ll be confident in 10 minutes.
Solo traveler?
Most of my guests are. Join a group and make friends.
Rain?
Light rain is atmospheric. Heavy rain, we reschedule free.
Phone/camera?
Yes, but I also take free professional photos and drone footage.
Safe for solo women?
Absolutely. Professional guide, escort boat, group setting.
Cost?
Message me for rates. Hostel-budget-friendly and all-inclusive.
Checking out today?
Do sunrise! Back by 8:30 AM, plenty of time to pack.
Why This Matters
You traveled to Kerala for authentic experiences, not tourist traps. You’re at Zostel because you want to meet real people and see the real place.
That’s exactly what I offer—not sanitized tourism, but the actual backwaters where I grew up. The quiet canals my grandfather fished. The villages where my neighbors live. The sunrise that still takes my breath away.
I started this because I was tired of seeing travelers leave Alleppey having only experienced the commercial side. When you paddle with me, I’m not performing a job—I’m sharing my home with you.
Hundreds of Zostel travelers say this was their favorite Alleppey memory. Not because I’m amazing—because the backwaters are magic, and I know how to show them to you the right way.
The canals are waiting. The tuk-tuk is ready. Let’s explore my backyard together.
📱 *WhatsApp*: [Your number]
📍 *Pickup*: Zostel Alleppey, Beach Road
💰 *Pricing*: Message for rates
⏰ *Tours*: Sunrise, Sunset, Full-Day
See you on the water soon.
— Rahul Raj
Alleppey Kayaking Club
P.S. Don’t go home saying “I went to Alleppey but only saw the beach.” The backwaters are why you came to Kerala. Let me show you why.