Alleppey

Alleppey is one of the major destinations of Kerala, which is known for its exotic backwaters. It is entitled as the “Venice of the East” and is visited by a large number of tourists every year. The major attractions of Alleppey include beaches, boat races, coir industry and marine products. Above all, the exquisite traditional house boats with all modern amenities are never to miss during Alleppey Tour Packages.

Alleppey hosts a number of Ayurvedic health resorts that offer authentic Ayurvedic therapies to heal and to provide relaxation & rejuvenation. To experience traditional therapies that work as stress buster travelers visit Ayurveda resorts like Green Palace Resort, Lake Palace Resort and Keraleeyam Lake Side Ayurvedic Health Resort.

Take out time from your hectic life and visit Alleppey to obtain peace amidst natural surroundings & pristine backwaters. The coconut palms alongside the long stretches of sandy beaches give a panoramic view to its spectators. Enjoy traversing to Alleppey through the convenient means of transport.

Kerala is India’s paradise state. This is paradise of Kerala state. This beautiful paradise is located along the Arabian sea. Officially, this place is better known as Alappuzha (in local language). To enjoy Kerala backwaters, this place is best and mesmerizing.

The entire landscape pictures lush green eco-system, clean back waters, serene beaches and much more! If you like to visit Venice in India, then this is the perfect destination.

This is India’s Venice city. The place is a small town labyrinth of back water, canal system, paddy fields, coconut plantation, lagoons, mangroves, exotic wild life and local tradition.

The place has a perfect blend with nature, and this feature also makes Alleppey unique destination. It reflects rich culture with natural beauty. You will find that this place is full of life and gentleness. When visiting Alleppey, you will love the local culture, heritage, tradition, villagers, traditional canoe rides, fisherman and simplicity. You can rent local house boat for your stay in calm back waters. This certainly is the best way to relax and explore local culture, cuisine and tradition with a touch of romance. For many, this can be timeless experience.

History of Alleppey

How Alleppey came to be known as the Venice of East? To briefly understand this, you should dive into Alleppey history. For ages, this destination has been appreciated because of its unique and captivating landscape. If you look back, the history of this town dates back to ancient times, probably centuries. You find references to this Godly destination even in ancient texts and manuscripts.

So, far it is known Alleppey was already a reputable destination in the early 18^th century. If you refer history, Kerala, Allleppey was one of the leading trade destinations for Indian spices. This was also marked as busiest Indian ports and leading exporter for coconut coir and products and spices. This was and is till date, international trade route.

During Raja Kesvadas rein, the destination had already emerged with modern architect design of present time. In 17^th century, under Travancore Devan rule, the destination was shaped with modern architecture. This made Alleppey known as thriving commercial center of the state and country.

This was the time when new ports, ware houses and canals were constructed by the authorities. This canal system, placed Alleppey on top global trade destination list. Since then the place has been appreciated for its Venetian charm, globally.

Culturally, Alleppey in Kerala, holds rich culture perfectly blended with Europe, Arabia and global traders. The place is still one of the best exporters of coir and coconut products. You can spend leisure time relaxing in house boat. The town still maintains its traditional heritage values.

Top attraction (backwaters/ beach/ island/ palace/ and much more!)

• Backwaters – This refers to houseboat experience. This is also rated as Crown of Alleppey. You get attracted by the serene network of backwater system, palm groves, coconut trees, paddy fields and traditional houses. You can book your cruise and stay in best houseboat to enjoy calm backwater glide. You may get to observe traditional village life- lush green paddy fields, farmers working in the open fields, flowing river water, bathing kids and women washing clothes by the river bank. The journey is captivating- soothing and slow.

• Alleppey beach – The beach means beautiful sunset and light house view. This is the best place if you enjoy breathtaking sun set scene, golden sands and sea breeze. The beach is one place where you can enjoy the 1862 model light house. The tower offers panoramic view of the coastal place. If you like to enjoy privacy and leisurely stroll in the golden sand coast line, then you will love this beach. This destination offers you best city-life get-away.

• Pathiramanal island – This is birdwatcher’s paradise. The destination holds its significance meaning- Midnight sand’s. It is located on a remote island next to the Vembanad lake. To reach this spot, you enjoy short distance boat ride along the backwater canal. This is home to exotic species of birds. Of these, 50 species belong to migratory bird category, while 90 species are well-known locally. The place is also a paradise for nature photographers, nature lovers and wedding photographers. You simply get mesmerized by the quiet peaceful atmosphere, calm backdrop, tranquil surrounding and lush green eco-system.

• Krishnapuram palace – You find historical architectural and monuments here. This place has been identified as Kerala’s hidden gem for ages. The place still displays the art-i-facts dating back to 18^th century. You can still be attracted by the featuring antiques, narrow corridors, gabled roof, bronze sculptures, mural art forms, Hindu mythological paintings, wall arts, intricate wood works and house system dating back to Travancore ear.

• Marari beach – This is located near Alleppey. The beach is a perfect coastal retreat. The best part of this beach is that it is untouched by intrudes. This is the reason you may never find the beach over-crowded. It is a peaceful destination to relax and enjoy coconut palms, pristine golden sand and ocean waves. The beach is a hub for nature lovers who like to practice yoga or take a walk along the coastal line.

• Houseboat experience – Back waters are never enjoyed if you have not booked your stay or ride with house boat. These are rated as epic floating residences. In local language the boats are called as kettuvallams. You may find some of the best boats offer luxurious accommodation. Each boat is equipped with essential amenities- wash room, bath room, living room, bed room, on board kitchen service and much more. You can opt for standard size boat, luxury or deluxe type, depending on your budget. To enjoy houseboat rentals, you can select different backwater routes- Alleppey to Thottappally / Kuttanand / Kumarakom. For any route you get to enjoy open canal network, and fresh backwater.

When to visit (weather, monsoon, festival, etc.)

The best property about Kerala and Alleppey is that climate is favorable year round. This means that you have no fixed time to visit this destination. You can visit Alleppey any time, during the years. You feel like enjoying your vacation with your spouse then make perfect season choice.

• To visit Alleppey during November to February you can enjoy winter season. This is the time when you can relax in the house boat. Most tourist destinations are open for travelers during this time.
• June to September is the time when you get to enjoy Kerala monsoon season. During this time, the eco system is decorated with lush green bed sheet. This time may not be appropriate if you want to get involved with beach activities.
• March till May season is perfect for people who like summer seasons. The streets in the local market are not crowded during this time.

Festivals to celebrate in Alleppey (kerala)

• Nehru Trophy Boat Race – August month is just right time to visit this festival. The boat race is organized on the banks of Punnamada lake. During this time, you see snake boats and 100 of rowers on each boat participating in the racing event. The festival is well-known globally and many tourists visit Alleppey during this event.

• Onam Festival Celebration – Onam is well-known festival of Kerala. This festival transforms the local place into tourist hub. You notice floral decorations in market and homes. There are many cultural performances organized during the festival season.

• Temple Festival – Alleppey is a destination known for hosting different festivals year round. Best festivals showcase music, light, fireworks, decorations and much more. During festivals, people decorate temples.

Cuisine of Alleppey

Cuisine in Alleppey means culinary traditions of Kerala. There are a few delicacies that are mouth water and must-try type. Alleppey offers many locally prepared delicacies.

• Karimeen Pollichathu is a seafood dish. The fish is wrapped in banana leaf skin before being grilled. Spices are added to the mix before grilling procedure.
• Prawn curry in Alleppey and Southern parts of country is a special dish. This special dish is prepared using coconut gravy.
• Stew and Appam is a dish prepared using chicken stew and mix vegetables. People use soft hoppers when serving this dish.
• Thoran and Avail are traditional dishes. The best part of this dish is that it is prepared in coconut water.
• Toddy is a dish that is prepared using mild alcohol drink. Locals use coconut palm drink to prepare Toddy. It is best served with fish and sea food.

How to reach Alleppey

• By road- The place is connected to national highway no. 4. You can also reach Alleppey via Kochi if you travel by road. Other local towns in Kerala are connected to this destination.
• To reach here by train, you need to travel from main destinations Chennai, Trivandrum and Kochi stations.
• You can also fly to Alleppey if you catch flight from Cochin which is at a distance of 83 kms from here.

Where to stay

You can stay at many spots when in Alleppey. If you need privacy then you can search for best home stay options online. People can find accommodation options as per budget. You can select houseboat if you like to adventure your stay. There are luxury resorts for people who like to relax during vacation stay. You can also book your stay with budget hotels if they are affordable.

Travel tips

When to explore Alleppey do not miss an opportunity to book house boat stay. You can rent for short period of time. You can enjoy cultural etiquettes like dressing up for occasion example temple visit or cultural event. Focus on safety tips. you can get connected to local families when traveling. Always ensure your travel is sustainable. Never forget that Alleppey is not just a travel destination, it can be your life time experience.