Alleppey

Information About Alleppey :

                             Officially called Alappuzha, Alleppey is a city in the South Indian state of Kerala. Bordering the Laccadive Sea, it is known for its wide network of interlinking, palm-fringed canals called backwaters and rejuvenating Ayurvedic resorts. Allepey is also popular for its Houseboat cruises that pass through the serene backwaters, where you can catch glimpses of green paddy fields, choir making activities, beautiful avifauna, and witness the life of locals in Kerala. 

                      Towards the shore lies the Alleppey beach in the Arabian Sea, a beautiful example of the gems you’d find along the Malabar Coast. The appeal of this beach is only amplified by the history attached to it, and a walk down the 137-year old pier is a must. Be sure to catch a traditional snake boat race in the months of August and September and try out some toddy (palm wine) at a local toddy shop for adding a touch of authenticity to your travel experience in Allepey.

Best Time To Visit In Alleppey :

                    The best time to visit Alleppey is between October and February when the temperature is moderate (around 33°C), making it a perfect time to explore the city. Alleppey experiences monsoons between June and September. It is not advisable for tourists, but monsoon lovers and offbeat travelers can consider visiting in June.

  

                     The town receives light rainfall occasionally that takes the mercury level down allowing tourists to explore the attractions. But as the season progresses, the region gets torrential rain, making it an unsuitable destination for travelers.

                    Summers are also not recommended for the extreme heat that hits the region as the temperature can go as high as 40°C shutting all the outdoor activities.

How To Reach Alleppey :

             Alleppey is reachable via airways, railways, and roadways. The Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport. Located about 80 to 100 km from Alleppey city, a 2 to 3-hour drive would suffice to cover the distance from the airport. There are a couple of railway stations in town, the Kalavur Halt being one of the major railheads. There is also a KSRTC Bus Station situated right at the city center, about a km away. Another bus stop is at the Valicherry Ward, approximately a 6-minute walk to the city.

1. How To Reach Alleppey By Flight :

                  There is no direct flight connectivity to Alleppey. The nearest airport is in Kochi, which is around 60 km. away from the city of Alleppey. You can take a taxi once you touch down at Kochi airport.

Nearest Airport: Kochi - 57 km from Alleppey.

2. How To Reach Alleppey By Road :

                      Regular buses ply to and from Alleppey. Buses, in a range from affordable to slightly expensive rates, are available from places like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and several other neighboring areas. You can also take a shared taxi or cab for the same route.

3. How To Reach Alleppey By Train :

                     Alappuzha railway station is the principal station that connects Alleppey to the rest of India via railways. There are numerous trains from Alleppey to other major cities. 

Places To Visit In Alleppey :

1. Houseboats :

                       Popularly known as the Venice of the east, Alleppey or Allapuzha is famous for its serene backwaters and their exceptionally scenic setting. Cruising on houseboats in Alleppey is the latest and probably the best addition to the list of ways you can enjoy the mesmerizing natural beauty of this quaint little town. 

                  Alleppey is gifted with a unique crisscrossing network of canals that runs throughout the town which allows you to access and explore the entire area while you're relaxing on your houseboat. These 120-foot-long abodes of luxury glide along the placid backwaters of Alleppey and provide you with a stunning view.

Houseboats

2 . Alappuzha Beach :

                     The Alappuzha beach, also known as the Alleppey Beach, is famous for local getaways, its intrinsic beauty, and a 150 years old pier that stretches into the sea. Relaxing under the palm groves and picnicking beside the beach are fantastic options available to those visiting the beach. Alleppey Beach is a host to many festivals like Sand Art festival and Alappuzha Beach Festival.

                      In addition to the pristine beauty of Alleppey Beach, some exciting activities and attractions are present in and around this destination. Vijaya Beach Park has amusement amenities which act as a plus point for the people visiting the beach. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race which takes place every year in August gives this beach another reason to become the most famous attraction in Kerala.

Alappuzha Beach

3 . Backwaters In Alleppey :

                         The Alleppey backwaters were earlier used as a mode of transportation, fishing, and agriculture and have evolved over time as a tourism hotspot. The main attraction of the Alleppey backwaters is the overnight journey in the famous Kerala houseboats. These houseboats are as comfortable as any hotel room - sometimes even more luxurious, and as a bonus, you get the open deck.

                 Sunset viewing, bird watching, village visits, stargazing, witnessing the everyday life of the farmers and fishermen along with visiting the various regions that specialize in the manufacture of certain products like toddy, coir, handicrafts - Alleppey is a handful of an experience to have.

Backwaters In Alleppey

4 . Vembanad Lake :

                     Vembanad Lake is a lagoon located in the district of Alleppey in the South-Indian state of Kerala. This expansive lake/ lagoon is the longest lake in the country and the largest Lake in Kerala, accessible from Kottayam, Kuttanad, and Kochi. Vembanad Lake is known by different names in different regions of Kerala. It is called the Kochi Lake in Kochi, the Punnamada Lake in Kuttanad, and Vembanad in Kottayam. Locals also call it Vembanad Kol or Vembanad Kayal.

Vembanad Lake

5 . Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race :

                         One of the most exciting events to be held in Lake in Alleppey is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, which is a yearly competitive boating event held on the second Saturday of every August, during the Onam festival. The most popular event is the Snake Boat Race, which is a thrilling event to watch as well as participate in. 100-120 feet long canoe-like boats make serpentine movements through the water, thereby popularising the name.

                            Other categories of boats that participate in various events of the race are Churulan Vallam, Iruttukuthy Vallam, Odi Vallam, Veppu Vallam (Vaipu Vallam), Vadakkanody Vallam, and Kochu Vallam.

Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race

6 . Krishnapuram Palace :

                           The Krishnapuram Palace is a palace and museum that is located in Kayamkulam, at a distance of 47 km from Alappuzha. This magnificent palace was built during the reign of a Travancore King, Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, and is well known for its mural paintings and architecture. The palace is built in the traditional architectural style of Kerala, with a gabled roof, narrow corridors, and dormer windows, and is close to the Krishnaswamy Temple at Krishnapuram.

                             A major attraction of this place is that it houses is one of the biggest mural paintings that can be found in all of Kerala. Known as the 'Gajendra Moksha', this mural painting covers an area of around 53 square feet and has a rich historical value attached to it. The double-edged sword Kayamkulam Vaal can also be found here. The Krishnapuram Palace is currently maintained by the Archaeological Department of Kerala and contains a variety of exhibits that once belonged to the Palace and its former occupant. 

Krishnapuram Palace

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