Alleppey also known as Alappuzha has been voted several times in the list of top 10 must travel destinations in Asia. The lush greenery along with white sandy beaches, blue lagoons and canals has helped Alleppey (Alappuzha) earn the title of Venice of the East.
Alleppey or Alappuzha is located in the Kerala. This town has rose to fame thanks to the famous Kerala backwaters. The backwaters of Alleppey are very famous among foreign and domestic tourists. The peaceful atmosphere and tranquility in Alappuzha has made it a popular honeymoon destination in India.
Alappuzha is an exotic place ideal for nature lovers. A trip through the Kerala backwaters in the Alleppey houseboats is one of the 100 things to do before you die. The peaceful atmosphere with only sound of birds and water will refresh your soul. Once done touring backwaters in Alleppey, head to the Alappuzha beach for awesome views of the Arabian sea. Everyone should travel to Alleppey once in their life.
WHEN TO TRAVEL
Due to its closeness to ocean, temperature in Alleppey never goes beyond 35 degrees Celsius or below 20 degrees. However the best time to travel Alleppey is during October and March. In recent years Kerala government has started promoting monsoon tourism in Alleppey as well.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Alappuzha Beach - No matter you are on honeymoon or family vacation, you should visit the beautiful Alappuzha beach. The beach offers splendid views of the Arabian Sea. There's a lighthouse on the beach that fascinates tourists. Nearby is a park with lots of entertainment facilities called Vijaya Beach Park. The park is nice place to visit with family and enjoy boating or toy train ride.
Pathiramanal - Pathiramanal is an island around 90 minutes boat ride away from Alappuzha. This island on the backwaters of Alleppey is delight for birdwatching. Bring you camera and capture flicks of some rare and beautiful birds.
Backwaters in Alleppey - Take a trip though the Kerala backwaters in the famous Alleppey houseboat. Tourists can rent houseboats for 12 hours to several days and enjoy the peaceful and beautiful backwaters, a wonder of nature. The houseboats come with bedroom, kitchen and toilet facilities. Some Alleppey houseboat cruises have air conditioning facilities. A tour of backwaters in Alleppey houseboat is very popular among romantic couples and honeymooners.
Sea View Park - Sea View Park is a water park in Alappuzha that offers swimming and boating facilities.
Ambalapuzha Krishna Temple - Located 13km from Alleppey in the beach town of Ambalapuzha is the temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is famous for milk based sweet dish called rose palpayasam. The best time to visit the temple is during Ambalapuzha temple festival in March. In this festival 5 elephants carry the idol of Lord Krishna through a route with dance and music.
Karimadi Kuttan - Located few km from Alappuzha in Karimadi, Kuttan is a black statue of Lord Buddha made of granite.
Edatgya Church - Dedicated to St. George, Edatgya Church is located some 24km from Alleppey. Visit the church during first week of May for the annual festival.
Chavara Bhavan - Accessible via only boat, Chavara Bhavan is ancestral home of kuriakose Elias Chavara. Today its an important pilgrimage site. It is located around 6km from Alleppey.
Marari Beach - Marari Beach is a very beautiful beach located in Mararikulam 11km from Alappuzha.
Alappuzha Boat Race - The Nehru Trophy Snake Race takes place on second Saturday of August. This boat race is taking place since inaugurated by India's First Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1952. Hundreds of snake boats from nearby villages competes for the top prize.
ALLEPPEY HOTELS
There are two accommodation options for tourists in Alleppey. First is to stay in some hotel and second is to stay in Alleppey houseboats and enjoy the backwaters. The choice is yours. Some popular hotels in Alleppey are Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort, Marari Beach Resort, Pagoda Resorts, Cosy Houseboats and Grand Nirvana Lake Resort Alleppey.
HOW TO REACH
By Air - The nearest airport is in Cochin. From Cochin take a train to Alleppey. Other airports near Alappuzha are at Trivandrum, Chennai, Bangalore and Kozhikode.
By Train - There are direct trains to Alleppey from Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai and Kozhikode.
By Road - You can catch bus from all major cities in Kerala. From Cochin it takes around 90 minutes to reach Alleppey by Bus. Alternatively you can also reach Alleppey via tourist taxi available at all major airports and railway stations in Kerala.
