Alleppey
Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a city located in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is situated on the Arabian Sea coast and is famous for its intricate network of backwaters, serene beaches, and lush greenery.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Alleppey depends on what you want to do:
Winter (November to February): This is the peak tourist season in Alleppey due to the pleasant and comfortable weather. The temperatures range from 17°C to 32°C, making it perfect for sightseeing, exploring the backwaters on a houseboat, and visiting the beach. The famous Alappuzha Beach Festival takes place during December-January and the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held in November, if you're interested in local festivities.
Monsoon (June to September): If you want to experience the monsoons and partake in Ayurvedic treatments, this is the best time to visit. Ayurvedic treatments are particularly popular during the monsoon due to the belief that the body's pores open up and become more receptive during this period. However, heavy rains may disrupt outdoor activities and travel.
Summer (March to May): This is the least popular time to visit Alleppey due to the high heat and humidity. However, you might be able to find good deals on accommodation during this time. If you don't mind the heat, you can still enjoy the backwaters and other attractions.
How to Get There
Alappuzha, or Alleppey as it's commonly known, is a major tourist destination in the Indian state of Kerala and is well connected to other cities in India by air, rail, and road.
By Air: The nearest airport to Alleppey is Cochin International Airport (COK), which is about 75 kilometers away. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India and abroad. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Alleppey, which typically takes around 2 hours.
By Train: Alleppey has its own railway station (Alappuzha Railway Station - ALLP) which is well connected to most major cities in India. Trains offer a cost-effective and convenient option if you are traveling from within India.
By Road: Alleppey is connected to major cities and towns of Kerala via state highways. There are regular state-run (KSRTC) as well as private buses that operate to and from Alleppey. You can also choose to drive or hire a cab from major cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, or Bangalore.
By Ferry: If you are in Kochi, you can also opt for the ferry service to Alleppey. The state water transport department operates regular boat services to Alleppey from various places. The journey offers an immersive experience of the Kerala backwaters.
How to get Around
Once you're in Alleppey, there are various ways to get around the city and explore its numerous attractions:
Boats and Ferries: As Alleppey is famous for its extensive network of backwaters, boats and ferries are a popular and convenient way to get around. You can hire a houseboat for a unique experience, or use the public ferries to travel from one part of the city to another.
Auto Rickshaws: These are a common and affordable mode of transportation for short distances within the city. They're readily available, but make sure to negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
Taxis and Cabs: Taxis can be hired for a half-day or full-day basis, depending on your itinerary. They offer a comfortable way to travel longer distances or if you plan to visit several sites in one day. App-based taxi services like Ola and Uber might be available as well.
Bicycles and Motorbikes: If you're up for a bit of adventure, you can rent a bicycle or motorbike to get around. There are several rental shops available. This gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Walking: Many of the city's attractions, particularly in the town area, are within walking distance of each other. Walking allows you to take in the local atmosphere at a leisurely pace.
Buses: State-run buses are an economical way to travel around the city and to nearby towns and villages.
Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in Alleppey, India
Top 10 Attractions in Alleppey
Here are some of the top attractions in and around Alleppey:
Alleppey Backwaters: The backwaters of Alleppey are the city's most famous attraction. You can rent a houseboat for a day or overnight stay, and enjoy the beautiful scenery, spot wildlife, and experience life along the waterways.
Alappuzha Beach: This beach is known for its beautiful views, particularly at sunset. There's also an old pier extending into the sea that's over 150 years old.
Vembanad Lake: It's the longest lake in India and the largest in Kerala. The lake is perfect for boating and is a hub for backwater cruises. It's also famous for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race which takes place here annually.
Marari Beach: Located about 15 km from Alleppey, this beach is perfect for those who prefer a quieter, less crowded beach experience.
Krishnapuram Palace: A historical palace built by the ancient kings of Travancore, it's now a museum housing artifacts and exhibits from the region's past. The palace is known for its architecture and mural paintings.
Pathiramanal Island: This small island in the backwaters is a haven for rare migratory birds. It's accessible by boat and is a great spot for birdwatching.
St. Mary's Forane Church: One of the oldest Christian churches in India, this place of worship is known for its beautiful murals and sculptures.
Kuttanad Backwaters: Known as the 'Rice Bowl of Kerala', Kuttanad is a region of reclaimed land, crisscrossed with waterways and dotted with rice paddies. A houseboat tour through Kuttanad offers a glimpse of the unique way of life in this region.
Alleppey Lighthouse: This 150-year-old lighthouse offers great views of the surrounding areas.
Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple: Known for its traditional Kerala architecture, this temple is famous for its Palpayasam - a sweet milk dessert offered to the deity.
Top 10 Activities to do in Alleppey
Here are some of the top activities to do when you're in Alleppey:
Houseboat Cruise: Spend a day or overnight on a houseboat cruising through the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey. It's a unique experience where you can enjoy local cuisine, watch the sunset, and observe daily life along the waterways.
Visit Bird Sanctuary: Take a boat trip to Pathiramanal Island, a bird sanctuary that is home to many rare and migratory bird species.
Ayurvedic Spa: Kerala is known for its traditional Ayurvedic treatments. You can relax and rejuvenate with a variety of therapies available at many Ayurvedic spas in Alleppey.
Canoeing: For a more hands-on experience of the backwaters, rent a canoe and navigate through the smaller canals and waterways. It's a great way to explore the local villages and experience the rural life of Kerala.
Beach Time: Spend some time relaxing at Alappuzha Beach or Marari Beach, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the sea breeze.
Visit Temples: Visit the ancient Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, known for its traditional Kerala architecture and the delicious 'Palpayasam' offered to the deity.
Watch a Snake Boat Race: If you're visiting during the racing season (usually in August), don't miss the chance to watch a snake boat race. These long, narrow boats, filled with up to 100 rowers, create an exhilarating spectacle.
Enjoy Local Cuisine: Try local Kerala dishes like appam, Kerala sadya, and seafood delicacies. Don't forget to taste the famous 'toddy', a local alcoholic beverage made from coconut palm sap.
Visit the Krishnapuram Palace: Explore the Krishnapuram Palace, a museum showcasing exhibits and artifacts from the region's past, including a beautiful mural of the Hindu epic 'Gita Govinda'.
Shopping: Shop for local spices, coir products, and traditional Kerala sarees from the local markets in Alleppey.
Best Shopping
Alleppey is a great place to shop for traditional Kerala items and souvenirs. Here are some recommendations for shopping in Alleppey:
Mullakkal Street: This bustling street is a must-visit for shoppers. You can find a wide range of products including spices, handicrafts, jewelry, and textiles.
Canal Bazaar: The bazaar near the canals is a good place to buy small trinkets, handicrafts, and traditional items. You can also find a variety of spices and locally made snacks.
Floating Triveni: This is a floating supermarket in Alleppey, a unique experience where you can buy from a wide range of goods while floating on the backwaters.
St. Thomas Fine Arts: This shop is renowned for its collection of beautiful antiques and artifacts, ideal for unique souvenirs.
Spice Markets: Kerala is known for its spices. Visit the local spice markets where you can buy high-quality spices like cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, and more.
Coir Products: Alleppey is known for its coir industry. Don't miss the chance to buy products made from coir, which can range from mats and rugs to decorative items.
Kasavu Sari Shopping: Kerala is famous for its traditional Kasavu saris, characterized by their off-white color with a gold border. You can buy these from textile shops in the city.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Alleppey is known more for its natural beauty and serene backwaters than its nightlife. The city has a laid-back vibe and nightlife in the conventional sense - like clubs, bars, or late-night parties - is limited. However, there are several ways you can enjoy your evenings in Alleppey:
Night Cruises: Taking a night cruise on a houseboat is a unique experience in Alleppey. You can enjoy dinner on the boat, watch the sunset, and experience the quiet serenity of the backwaters under the stars.
Local Performances: Check out local cultural performances. Traditional Kerala art forms like Kathakali (dance-drama) and Mohiniyattam (dance) are often performed at various cultural centers or hotels.
Beachside Leisure: Spend a quiet evening at Alappuzha Beach or Marari Beach, enjoying the sea breeze and the sound of waves. Some beachside restaurants and cafes may stay open late.
Restaurants and Eateries: There are a number of restaurants and eateries where you can try local cuisine. Some may feature live music or performances.
Resort Activities: Many resorts in Alleppey organize activities for their guests in the evening, such as bonfires, local music and dance performances, and more.
Ayurvedic Spas: While not exactly "nightlife," you might enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic massage or treatment in the evening.
Remember to respect the local customs and regulations while enjoying your time in Alleppey. Kerala as a state has certain restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol, so do check with your hotel or local guides about it. Also, public places like beaches are typically enjoyed until sunset or early evening, after which they might not be safe or permitted for visitors.
Local Cuisine
Alleppey is known for its diverse and flavorful cuisine that reflects the rich cultural and geographic diversity of the region. Here are some local specialties that you should definitely try:
Appam with Stew: Appam is a type of pancake made with fermented rice batter and coconut milk. It's often served with stew, which can be vegetarian (made with mixed vegetables and coconut milk) or non-vegetarian (typically made with chicken, mutton, or fish).
Seafood: Given its coastal location, Alleppey offers a variety of seafood dishes. Karimeen (pearl spot fish) fry or curry, prawn curry, and crab roast are among the local favorites.
Puttu and Kadala Curry: Puttu is a cylindrical steamed rice cake cooked with coconut shavings, and is usually served with kadala curry (black chickpea curry) or banana.
Sadya: This is a traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, usually prepared during festivals and special occasions. It includes a variety of dishes like sambar, avial, rasam, pulissery, pachadi, and ends with payasam, a sweet dessert.
Duck Roast: This is a local delicacy of Alleppey, where the duck is marinated with a blend of local spices and then roasted.
Kappa with Fish Curry: Kappa (tapioca) is a popular dish often served with spicy fish curry.
Toddy: This is a local alcoholic beverage made from the sap of palm trees. It is often consumed with spicy karimeen fry or other spicy seafood.
Payasam: This is a sweet dessert, made by boiling rice or vermicelli with milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom, raisins, and cashews. It is usually served as part of a Sadya meal.
Accommodations
Choosing where to stay in Alleppey, or Alappuzha, depends largely on what type of experience you're looking for. Here are a few areas to consider:
Near the Backwaters: If you're primarily interested in exploring the backwaters, staying in a resort or houseboat around the Punnamada Finishing Point or near Pallathuruthy could be ideal. There are a variety of houseboats and resorts available, ranging from luxury to budget-friendly options.
Alappuzha Beach Area: If you prefer being close to the beach, look for accommodations near Alappuzha Beach or Marari Beach. The beach areas also have a range of accommodations from homestays to luxury resorts.
Alleppey Town: If you want to be closer to the city life, shopping areas, and want easy access to various attractions, you may prefer to stay in the town center. The town also has good connectivity to other parts of Kerala.
Kuttanad Region: If you're looking for a more rural experience and want to see the unique agricultural practices and serene beauty of the Kuttanad region, consider staying in a resort or homestay in this area.
