Travel guide in Alleppey in Kerala, India, with tips on how to get there, accommodation, tourist attractions, guided tours, where to eat and practical information.
Are you looking for a unique and memorable destination in India? Do you want to experience the beauty and culture of Kerala, the land of coconuts? If yes, then you should visit Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, the Venice of the East.
Alleppey is a charming town in Kerala, coastal town in the south of India, famous for its backwaters, houseboats, beaches, temples and festivals. It is a perfect place to relax, enjoy nature and explore the rich heritage of Kerala. It is also a hub for Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine and wellness.
In this article, we will share with you some of the best things to do in Alleppey, as well as some key tips and practical information to help you plan your trip.
Brief History of Alleppey in Kerala, India
Alleppey was founded by Raja Keshavadas in the 18th century as a port town. It was an important trade center for spices, coir, rice and other commodities. It was also a hub for social and political movements in Kerala. The first coir factory in India was established in 1859. The first post office in Kerala was opened in 1857. The first trade union in India was formed in Alleppey in 1938. The first literacy program in India was launched in 1960.
Alleppey, or Alappuzha, is also known for its cultural and religious diversity. It has a mix of Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Jain communities living harmoniously. It is home to several temples, mosques, churches and synagogues. It is also famous for its annual festivals such as the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, the Alappuzha Beach Festival, the Mullackal Chirappu Festival and the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race.
Where is Alleppey in Kerala, India
Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is located on the southwest coast of India, in the state of Kerala. It is about 60 km south of Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala. It is part of the Alappuzha district, which covers an area of 1414 sq km and has a population of about 2.1 million people.
How to go to Alleppey in Kerala, India
There are several ways to reach Alleppey from different parts of India and abroad. Here are some of the options:
- By air: The nearest airport to Alleppey is the Cochin International Airport (COK), which is about 85 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport. The airport has flights from major cities in India and abroad.
- By train: The nearest railway station to Alleppey is the Alappuzha Railway Station (ALLP), which is about 4 km away from the town center. You can take a rickshaw or a taxi from the station to your destination. The station has trains from major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Kolkata.
- By road: You can also drive or take a bus to Alleppey from nearby cities such as Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Munnar. There are state-run and private buses that operate regularly between these places. The roads are well-maintained and scenic.
- By water: You can also reach Alleppey by boat from Kochi or Kollam. There are ferry services that run daily between these places along the backwaters. The journey takes about 2 to 4 hours depending on the route and the weather.
Services that can help with your transfer and visit:
What are the best times to visit Alleppey in Kerala, India
The best time to visit Alleppey depends on your preferences and activities. Generally speaking, there are three seasons: summer (March to May), monsoon (June to September) and winter (October to February).
- Summer: This is the hottest season in Alleppey with temperatures ranging from 28°C to 37°C. This is not a very popular time to visit as it can be very humid and uncomfortable. However, if you don’t mind the heat and want to enjoy some discounts on accommodation and houseboat rentals, you can visit during this time.
- Monsoon: This is the rainy season in Alleppey with heavy showers and thunderstorms. This is also not a very popular time to visit as it can be very wet and muddy. However, if you love rain and want to see the greenery and waterfalls at their best, you can visit Alleppey during this time. You can also witness some of the famous festivals such as the Nehru Trophy Boat Race and the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race during this time.
- Winter: This is the peak season in Alleppey with pleasant weather and clear skies. This is the best time to visit as you can enjoy the backwaters, the beaches, the temples and the festivals without any hassle. The temperatures range from 18°C to 32°C during this time. However, this is also the most expensive and crowded time to visit Alleppey as it attracts a lot of tourists from India and abroad. You should book your accommodation and houseboat in advance to avoid any disappointment.
Where to stay in Alleppey in Kerala, India – Best Areas and Region (Best Resort, hotel, hostel and Bed & Breakfast)
Alleppey offers a variety of accommodation options for different budgets and tastes. You can choose from resorts, hotels, hostels, homestays, bed and breakfasts and houseboats. Here are some of the best areas and regions to stay:
- Backwaters: This is the most popular and scenic area to stay in Alleppey. You can stay in a houseboat and cruise along the tranquil backwaters, enjoying the views of the paddy fields, coconut groves, villages and wildlife. You can also stay in a resort or a hotel near the backwaters and enjoy the facilities and activities such as swimming, fishing, kayaking and boating. Some of the best places to stay in the backwaters are:
- Beaches: This is another popular and relaxing area to stay in Alleppey. You can stay in a beach resort or a hotel near the Arabian Sea and enjoy the sun, sand and surf. You can also visit some of the famous beaches such as Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach, Andhakaranazhi Beach and Thottappally Beach. Some of the best places to stay near the beaches are:
- Town: This is a convenient and budget-friendly area to stay in Alleppey. You can stay in a hostel or a homestay near the town center and enjoy the local culture and cuisine. You can also visit some of the attractions such as Mullackal Temple, St. Mary’s Forane Church, Revi Karunakaran Museum and Alappuzha Lighthouse. Some of the best places to stay near the town are:
There are also some other accommodation options in hotels, hostels and inns, be sure to check them out at Booking.com page.
What to do in Alleppey in Kerala, India
There are plenty of things to do in Alleppey for all kinds of travelers. Here are some of the top activities that you should not miss:
- Cruise on a houseboat: This is the most iconic and enjoyable thing to do in Alleppey. You can rent a houseboat for a day or a night and sail along the backwaters, admiring the scenery and experiencing the local life. You can also enjoy delicious meals cooked by your crew on board. You can choose from different types of houseboats such as deluxe, premium, luxury or heritage depending on your budget and preference.
- Visit a temple: There are many temples that reflect its rich history and culture. You can visit some of the famous temples such as Mullackal Temple, Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, Chettikulangara Devi Temple and Chakkulathukavu Devi Temple. You can witness some of the rituals, ceremonies and festivals that take place at these temples throughout the year.
- Enjoy a beach: Alleppey has some of the best beaches in Kerala that offer relaxation and recreation. You can visit some of the popular beaches such as Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach, Andhakaranazhi Beach and Thottappally Beach. You can swim, sunbathe, play or just relax on these beaches. You can also see some of the attractions such as Alappuzha Lighthouse, Vijay Park, Sea View Park and Nehru Trophy Finishing Point near these beaches.
- Explore a museum: You can visit some interesting museums that showcase its art, history and culture. You can visit some of the notable museums such as Revi Karunakaran Museum and Bay Island Driftwood Museum.
Suggestions for touristic attractions, activities and guided tours in Kerala, India, Alleppey :
Top 10 attractions in Alleppey in Kerala, India
If you are looking for a relaxing and scenic destination in India, Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a great choice. Here are some of its best attractions.
- Enjoy a houseboat cruise on the backwaters. This is the most popular and iconic activity in Alleppey. You can rent a houseboat for a day or overnight and explore the serene and picturesque waterways. You will see lush greenery, coconut palms, rice fields, villages and wildlife along the way. You can also enjoy delicious Kerala cuisine on board.
- Visit the Alappuzha Beach. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala, with golden sand and clear water. You can relax on the beach, swim, surf or play some beach games. You can also visit the Alappuzha Lighthouse, which offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea and the town.
- Explore the Vembanad Lake. This is the largest lake in Kerala and one of the largest in India. It is home to many birds, fish and aquatic plants. You can take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the scenic beauty. You can also visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which is located on the banks of the lake.
- Visit the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple. This is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Kerala. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is believed to have visited this place. The temple is known for its exquisite architecture, paintings and carvings. It is also famous for its Palpayasam, a sweet milk pudding that is offered to the deity.
- Experience the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. This is an annual event that takes place on the second Saturday of August on the Punnamada Lake. It is a thrilling spectacle of hundreds of snake boats competing for the coveted trophy. The boats are rowed by teams of men who sing traditional songs to boost their morale. The race attracts thousands of spectators from all over India and abroad.
- Visit the Marari Beach. This is another stunning beach in Alleppey, which is less crowded and more peaceful than Alappuzha Beach. You can enjoy the sun, sand and sea at this beach, which is surrounded by coconut groves and fishing villages. You can also indulge in some water sports or ayurvedic treatments at this beach.
- Visit the Krishnapuram Palace. This is a historical palace that was built by the Travancore kings in the 18th century. It is now a museum that displays various artifacts, paintings, sculptures and weapons from that era. The palace is also known for its mural of Gajendra Moksham, which is one of the largest in India.
- Visit the St. Mary’s Forane Church. This is one of the oldest churches in India, dating back to the 9th century. It is a Roman Catholic church that has a blend of Kerala and Portuguese architecture. The church has many paintings, statues and relics that depict the life of Jesus Christ and his mother Mary.
- Visit the Revi Karunakaran Museum. This is a private museum that showcases the personal collection of Revi Karunakaran, a prominent businessman and art lover from Alleppey. The museum has a variety of items, such as ivory, crystal, porcelain, silver, paintings and furniture from different parts of the world.
- Visit the Pathiramanal Island. This is a small island on the Vembanad Lake that can be reached by boat from Alleppey or Kumarakom. The island is a haven for birdwatchers, as it hosts many rare and migratory birds. The island also has a botanical garden that has many exotic plants.
Alleppey / Alappuzha Backwater Canoe (Shikara) Cruise – Day Cruise on a small motorized canoe boat also called as “Shikara” in the Backwaters of Aleppey. The cruise will cover the Backwaters and village areas of Aleppey and is the perfect shore excursion.
Tip itineraries for 1 day to visit Alleppey in Kerala, India
If you have only one day to visit Alleppey in Kerala, India, here are some possible itineraries that you can follow.
- If you want to experience the backwaters, you can book a houseboat cruise for a day or overnight and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
- If you want to explore the town and its culture, you can start with visiting the Alappuzha Beach and Lighthouse, then head to the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple and taste its Palpayasam, then visit the Krishnapuram Palace and admire its mural, then end your day with watching the sunset at Marari Beach.
- If you want to see some wildlife and nature, you can start with visiting the Vembanad Lake and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, then take a boat ride to the Pathiramanal Island and see the birds and plants, then visit the Revi Karunakaran Museum and see its collection, then end your day with experiencing the Nehru Trophy Boat Race (if you are visiting in August).
Where to eat in Alleppey in Kerala, India – Tips for bars and restaurants
Alleppey in Kerala, India has a variety of cuisines to offer, from local Kerala dishes to international fare. Here are some tips for bars and restaurants.
- If you want to try some authentic Kerala food, you can visit the Halais Restaurant, which serves delicious seafood, biryanis, curries and snacks. You can also try the Thaff Restaurant, which specializes in Malabar cuisine and has a variety of dishes, such as appam, stew, fish curry and chicken fry.
- If you want to taste some continental food, you can visit the Dreamers Cafe and Restaurant, which has a cozy ambiance and a menu that includes pizzas, pastas, burgers and salads. You can also try the Cassia Restaurant, which has a fusion of Indian and continental dishes, such as tandoori chicken, grilled fish and pasta.
- If you want to enjoy some drinks and music, you can visit the Harbour Restaurant and Bar, which has a rooftop terrace that overlooks the backwaters. You can also try the Venice Bar and Restaurant, which has a live band that plays rock and pop music.
Alleppey Street Food Crawl (Guided Local Food Tasting Tour) – Alleppey is known for its ancient food culture and we are fortunate today that this rich food culture is preserved in the form of small food joints by thoughtful people for generations.
Key tips and practical information of Alleppey in Kerala, India
Here are some key tips and practical information of Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, in Kerala, India that will help you plan your trip better.
- The best time to visit Alleppey is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and dry. The monsoon season is from June to September, when it rains heavily and the backwaters may be flooded. The summer season is from April to May, when it is hot and humid.
- The nearest airport to Alleppey is the Cochin International Airport, which is about 85 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport. The nearest railway station is the Alappuzha Railway Station, which is about 4 km from the town center. You can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi from the station to your destination.
- The main modes of transport are buses, auto-rickshaws, taxis and boats. You can also rent a bicycle or a scooter to explore the town at your own pace.
- The main languages spoken in Alleppey are Malayalam and English. You can also find some people who speak Hindi or Tamil.
- The main currency used is the Indian Rupee (INR). You can exchange your foreign currency at banks or authorized dealers. You can also use ATMs or credit cards at some places.
- The main attractions are open from 9 am to 5 pm or 6 pm. Some temples may have specific timings for prayers or rituals. The houseboat cruises usually start from 12 pm and end at 9 am the next day.
- The main festivals celebrated in Alleppey are Onam (August/September), Vishu (April), Christmas (December) and Nehru Trophy Boat Race (August). These festivals are marked by cultural programs, religious ceremonies, boat races and feasts.
Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, in Kerala, India, is a beautiful and fascinating place that will surely leave you with unforgettable memories.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets and get ready for an amazing adventure!
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