Alleppey Tourism

Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is a scenic city in the state of Kerala, known for its canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons. Alleppey in Kerala is the place where nature has spent her richest bounties In Kerala's backwaters, Alappuzha offers a truly immersive experience of Kerala's enchanting backwaters, often referred to as the 'Venice of the East.' Water-based activities, cultural heritage, and natural beauty combine in this coastal city.

About Alleppey

Canals and lagoons form the exciting features of the city and make it a unique tourist destination with great allure. Bounded by the Arabian Sea on the western side, the city is also admired for its beaches. However, the backwaters and houseboats in Alleppey are the most distinguished features that attract hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.

Alleppey Beach has been the site for the filming of many popular movie scenes. The beach offers the marvelous views of the Arabian Sea and offers the old world charm through its landmark lighthouse and remains of the old sea bridge.

Located on the beach are many milestone attractions, Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple being one of them. Built way back in the 8th century, the temple has a mystic charm which is enough to spellbind the visitors.

St. George Catholic Church and St. Mary’s Forane Church are other nearby attractions that can be viewed from the beachfront. The beach is clean and lets the tourists spend some great moments enjoying the sunset and sunrise views. Another beach in Alleppey is Marari Beach which accommodated worthwhile attractions like Mahadeva Temple and Arthunkal Church.

The limitless network of freshwater rivers, lagoons and makes feed the city and enhances its beauty of manifold. Another constituent of the vast natural beauty of the region is the miles of wetland area.

Wetlands in the region welcome a number of migratory species like cormorants and ducks which add to the charm of exploring the place. The tourists visiting the city are enthralled by the boundless beauty of the paddy fields.

There are some other attractions like Pandavan Rock that offers excellent opportunities for rock climbing.Krishnapuram Palace is another tourist spot and is known for showcasing astonishing Kerala architectural style. Many beautiful mural paintings and sculptures are exhibited at this palace.

The annual snake boat race organized in the city is another reason for the tourists to plan their holidays in Alleppey. The enticing scene of beautifully decorated boats competing on the Punnamada Lake for the prestigious Nehru Trophy is worth watching.

If you are planning to visit Alleppey, there is no reason to miss staying atone of the traditional houseboats. These boats surprisingly have all modern amenities available for the guests. Another attractive aspect of these unique accommodations is that the guests are served with delicious foods cooked on board.

It is the lifetime opportunity to sail through the serene backwaters in Alleppey using a houseboat. The tourists can enjoy the treasures of natural beauty that they come across during these boat rides. It is indeed relaxing to watch the simple lifestyle of the local villagers engaged in different types of activities.

Honeymoon couples and family travellers love to enjoy memorable houseboat tours and travels packages while on a trip to Alleppey. The religious tourists and pilgrims can visit the city during the grand celebrations of temple festivals.

Alleppey is also known for a number of traditional activities like coir manufacturing and bamboo furniture making. The tourists can take a trip around the city to witness these wonderful activities. Another popular attraction of the region is the Ayurveda treatment centers. These centers and spas make use of natural therapies and herbs to alleviate a number of ailments. A relaxing massage at one of these venues is enough to soothe the mind and the body

Cruises on houseboats and backwaters:

Alappuzha's backwaters are a complicated network of interconnected lakes, rivers, canals, and inlets that span more than 900 kilometers. Rice paddies, coconut trees, lush vegetation, and charming towns encircle these tranquil canals, creating a charming landscape. Aboard Kerala, navigating these backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat, known as a "kettuvallam," is a must-do experience.

Alappuzha houseboats are furnished with modern conveniences, offering opulent and cozy accommodations on the water. Traditionally built from sustainable materials like bamboo, coir, and wood, these floating beauties maintain their genuine beauty while providing a unique travel experience. You can enjoy breath-taking views of the lush surroundings, clear seas, and vibrant village life as you make your way through the serene backwaters. The calm environment is perfect for settling down and relaxing.

Houseboat trips usually feature delicious on board meals that highlight Keralan cuisine. A genuine feeling of the area is offered with the addition of tropical fruits, spicy curries, and fresh seafood to the culinary experience. You might get the chance to fully immerse yourself in the customs and culture of the area during the cruise. Highlights include meeting locals, taking in traditional fishing methods, and taking in local dance and music performances. On a houseboat trip, seeing the sunset and sunrise over the backwaters is one of the most captivating sensations. A sight that is both stunning and unforgettable is created when the peaceful waters reflect the changing hues of the sky.

Major Attractions:

Backwaters of Alleppey
Alleppey Beach
Marari Beach
Vembanad Lake
Mullakkal Rajeshwari Temple
Krishnapuram Palace
Revi Karunakaran Museum
Chettikulangara Devi Temple
Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple
Ambalapuzha Krishna Temple
St. Andrew’s Basilica, Arthunkal

Top Tourist Places to Visit in Alleppey

Engaging in Activities and Events:

Alappuzha has a variety of experiences that let tourists fully experience the local way of life and scenic splendor.

Boat Races:

Alappuzha is renowned for its snake boat races, especially the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. This event, which takes place every year in August, showcases long, slender boats manned by teams of oarsmen in an exhilarating contest that draws spectators from across the globe.

Kayaking and Canoeing:

Visitors might choose to kayak or canoe the backwaters for a more personal experience. You may travel through the smaller canals and get a close-up look at the backwaters' hidden treasures on these smaller boats.

Village Tours:

Village tours led by guides provide an understanding of the customs and culture of the communities. In addition to engaging with the amiable locals, visitors can watch the production of coir, toddy tapping, and paddy cultivation.

Treatments with Ayurveda:

The Ayurvedic wellness centers in Alappuzha are well-known for providing a range of therapies and treatments rooted in traditional healing methods. To unwind and refresh, guests can partake in wellness programs, herbal baths, and restorative massages.

Climatic Condition:

April to June marks the summer season with a moderately hot climate in Alleppey. The winter season, from October to March, attracts thousands of tourists to Alleppey due to the soothing weather, with temperatures ranging between 17 to 32 degrees Celsius. Alleppey experiences moderate to heavy monsoon rainfall from June to September, contributing to lush and vibrant landscapes.

Best Time To Visit Alleppey

October to February

How To Reach Alleppey?

By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, located approximately 83.3 Km away from Alleppey. From the airport, Alleppey is easily accessible by road.
By Train: Alleppey has its own railway station, Alleppey Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. You can take a train to Alleppey and then use local transportation to reach your specific destination within the town.
By Road: Alleppey is well-connected by road, and you can opt for private and public transport to travel across the district. National Highway 66 passes through Alleppey, connecting it to major cities in Kerala and neighbouring states.

FAQs:

During the winter months (October to March), Alleppey has excellent weather, ideal for sightseeing and houseboat cruises, as well as during the monsoons (July to September) for a unique experience of lush, green landscapes and dramatic skies, although rain can sometimes be heavy.

Plan on spending one to two days in Alleppey to see the key sights, such as a beach visit and a houseboat stay on the backwaters. While a two-day vacation can be more leisurely with an overnight houseboat excursion, town exploration, and Alleppey Beach visit, a one-day visit can be hectic.

Although Alleppey is a generally friendly and safe place for tourists to visit, visitors should exercise common sense and be on the lookout for any small-scale frauds. Kerala as a whole is regarded as one of the safest states in India, with a low crime rate and a reputation for welcoming visitors, even women traveling alone.

There is no doubt that Alleppey is a safe place for female tourists and singles, as Kerala has been rated one of the safest states in India for females and singles, and the locals are friendly and welcoming to them. Taking precautions, especially while using public transportation at night, dressing appropriately, and making reservations from trustworthy tours and travels for the safest journey.

Bring light attire for Alleppey, such as shorts, breathable pants, and cotton t-shirts, as well as beach and backwater swimwear. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, a light jacket or shawl for the evenings, and sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen).

Your priorities will determine the best place to stay in Alleppey (Alappuzha): if you want the traditional backwater experience, stay on a houseboat in the backwaters or at a resort/homestay in the backwater villages; if you would rather be in the town for conveniences and short tours, stay close to Alleppey town. Think of spending a little period of time on a boat either before or after a hotel stay for a more laid-back vacation.

If you are primarily interested in the backwaters and boat trips, public transportation such as buses and ferries is adequate and advised for seeing Alleppey and the neighboring backwaters. The best way to enjoy your vacation is to take an organized tours and packages.

Alleppey itself does not have an airport; rather, the nearest major airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), often called Kochi Airport, which is around 80–90 kilometers (50–55 miles) from the city center of Alleppey. From Kochi Airport, you can drive to Alleppey. We'll drop you off to the airport in our car.

Alleppey (Alappuzha) provides a wide variety of lodging options, such as opulent and reasonably priced houseboats on the well-known backwaters, classic hotels with contemporary conveniences close to the beach and train station, charming homestays offering a taste of the local way of life, and a number of resorts and guesthouses to suit a range of tastes and price ranges.

Since, it’s tourism destination, When traveling during holidays or significant events, or during the summertime or off-season, you should reserve hotels in Alleppey 1-3 months in advance. For the peak season (October to March), you should do so 4-6 months in advance. It is advised to make reservations farther in advance for famous locations, unusual lodging options like houseboats, and to ensure better prices and room selections.

Local cuisine in Alleppey focuses on traditional Keralan fare, which is renowned for its recipes made with fish, spices, and coconut. Specialties include Puttu and Kadala Curry (steamed rice cakes with black chickpea curry) and Karimeen Pollichathu (fish wrapped and grilled in banana leaves). Fresh prawns, chicken, duck, and different curries are among the other well-liked foods; they are frequently served with rice, appam, or dosa.

Indeed, there are many ATMs in Alleppey, including branches of major banks like State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, and Federal Bank. Card payments are also frequently accepted, especially at well-known hotels, eateries, and tourist shops, though smaller businesses or local markets might still insist on cash.

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