venice of the east,alleppey
One does not simply visit Kerala and not go to Alleppey. Alleppey also known as Alappuzha or the venice of the east. The whole city of Alleppey is covered in a network of waterways and much like Venice, there are a lot of boats that are used to navigate them. The local traditional boats are called "vallams", and the one for tourist are either Shikara's or houseboats.
Alleppey is also known for its vast beaches and backwaters. This makes Alleppey one of the most famous tourist locations in India. The golden beaches in and around Alleppey are one of the best in the world. Marari, Alleppey and Thrikkunnapuzha are famous for its beautiful beaches and the backwaters nearby to them. Kumarakom in Kottayam district is also an interesting place which is nearby to Alleppey.
What makes Alleppey unique is that the land is just a couple of centimetres above the water level, this makes the sights more attractive when travelling through the waters. The sight of coconut trees leaning towards the water on the narrow coastline of these backwaters and the local people going about their daily chores. In most places, people use cars or motorcycles for daily transportation, but in Alleppey people use boats to get around the place. The waterways are part of their life and they are completely dependant on it.
Alleppey is also known for its Ayurvedic tourism. Ayurveda is a traditional Indian medicinal method which is completely natural and developed over centuries. And Alleppey is a centre of many Ayurvedic hospitals and resorts which offer Ayurvedic rejuvenation facilities.
How to reach Alleppey?
The nearest Airport is Cochin International Airport, from Kochi you can easily rent a motorcycle and start your journey towards Alleppey. It is around 65 kms from Kochi and will take you around 2 hours. And also this gives you the freedom to explore places like Marari beach and Pathiramanal Island which is on the way to Alleppey from Kochi.
Another option is to take a train from Kochi ( Ernakulam ) and get down at Alleppey. You can also choose to drive to Munnar and reach Alleppey from there.
Climate?
Alleppey is warm and beach like throughout the year except during monsoon (June-Aug). This makes it a popular tourist destination throughout the year.
Alleppey has one of the best selection of places to stay during your visit. It is one of the few places in the world where there is an abundance of houseboats of various varieties and budgets for you to select. They have all kind of amenities that you expect in a hotel plus the fun of staying in a mobile water home.
Alleppey also has a large number of homestays, resorts and budget hotels. It is advisable to book something before reaching Alleppey because it can difficult to find a suitable place during peak season.
Places to see?
Alleppey Beach
The beach has a small park nearby. Alappuzha lighthouse stands near the beach which is also an interesting spot for tourists. Remains of Alappuzha Sea Bridge, which is in ruins, are still there as a memory of the good old days when Alappuzha port was one of the most famous and important ports in Kerala. The Sea Bridge enabled the passage of goods came via ships
Marari Beach
Marari Beach is one of the most pristine beach and is only 11 km from Alleppey town, this sleepy little village (also called Mararikulam), is an idyllic location for a vacation.The beach is clean and safe for swimming. It can be accessed on the way from Kochi to Alleppey.
Pathiramanal Island
Pathiramanal is a small island in Alleppey. The name 'Pathiramanal' means 'Sands of night'. The scenic beauty of both sides of the lake as well as that of the island is mind blowing. It is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world.The island is an hour and half drive by motor boat or 30 minutes by speedboat from Alappuzha town.
Karumadi
Close to the Ambalappuzha. the village of Karumadi is famous for its Karumadi Kuttan, a black granite figure of Buddha said to belong to the 9th or 10th century
Krishnapuram Palace
The 18th century Krishnapuram Palace built during the reign of the Travancore monarch, Marthanda Varma, is a double storied structure which displays typical characteristics of Kerala architecture-gabled roofs, dormer windows, narrow corridors.
Kuttanad
Kuttanad, is called the rice bowl of Kerala because of its wealth of paddy crops. It lies at the very heart of the backwaters. The scenic countryside of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of banana, cassava and yam.
Take a houseboat ride through the sparkling backwaters of Alleppey.The cruise takes you through the clear waters of the prominent Punnamada Lake.
Get a good Ayurvedic massage when in Alleppey, it will help you get relaxed and prepare you for the adventure, that is India.
Snake boat races are common during the Onam season and attract a lot of visitors.
Places close to Alleppey:
Kumarakom, known for its backwaters can be easily accessible from Alleppey by houseboat or road.
Varkala: The golden beaches of Varkala and Kovalam are nearby to Alleppey.
Have a good Alleppey trip!
Akarsh Mathews
Four Wheels move my body, two wheels move my soul.