Alleppy- The Venice of the East

Alleppey

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha is a beach city located on the shores of the Arabian Sea in Kerala. Alleppey is famous for its beaches, canals, streams, backwaters and lagoons and is affectionately called the Venice of the East. Alleppey is one of the most important tourist destinations in Kerala as it is famous for its boat cruises, boat races, beach resorts, backwater resorts and lake resorts. Alleppey is also the center of coir industry in Kerala and boasts of having the largest number of coir factories in Kerala. Alleppey, due to the presence of canals and backwaters it has become the center of houseboat cruises and backwater tourism in Kerala.

Tourist attractions

1.Houseboat Cruises

Myself & Husband at the Houseboat

Kerala Houseboats also called Kettuvalloms in Kerala are an important feature of Kerala tourism. These houseboats are on average over eighty feet in length and feature all the comforts of a modern day star hotel. A luxury house boat comes with clean and hygienic toilets, swimming pool on upper deck, a balcony for angling, open lounge, kitchenette, well furnished bedrooms, air conditioners, and a crew comprising of two oarsmen and a cook. The houseboats are made of Anjily, a hardwood available in Kerala.

These house boats are luxuriously furnished and a houseboat cruise along the Kerala backwaters in one of these luxuriously furnished house boats is an experience of a life time. Some of these modern day houseboats, however, are powered by outboard engines. These house boats offers the best Kerala fish delicacies and fresh fish are caught straight from the backwaters. The pearl spot fish, also called Karimeen is one of the most important fish delicacies in Kerala and this forms a part of the menu in the houseboat apart from lobsters, crabs etc. A house boat cruise along the Kerala backwaters in Alleppey is a must for all tourists visiting Kerala and is an experience of a life time.

2.Kuttanad

Kuttanad is famous for its inland waterways and is full of canals, streams and backwaters. Kuttanad is a favored tourist destination for tourists in Kerala as the place boasts of having several fully furnished houseboats and tourists are seen cruising along the backwaters in these house boats. Kuttanad is also called the rice bowel of Kerala and is one of the few places in the world where cultivation is done below sea level. A visit to Kuttanad offers the tourists a chance to mingle with the local population and learn their customs and traditions. Kuttanad is home to some of the best fish delicacies in Kerala, especially the Karimeen (pearl spot fish) that are available in abundance.  Fishing facilities along the Kerala backwaters are also available to the tourists during their houseboat cruises in the Kerala backwaters.

3.Vijaya Beach Park

Vijaya Beach Park is another well known tourist attraction in Alleppey situated on the Alleppey beach. Vijaya Park is also a favorite picnic spot in Alleppey and families can be seen taking their children along and spending leisure moments in this park. Vijaya park also offers boating facilities and the park is open from 1500 hours to 2000 hours. There is an entrance fee of Rupees. 2 per person and children below the age of 5 are given free admission to the park.  Charges for boating facilities in the park are Rs. 10 for 10 minutes.

4.Sea View Park

Sea View Park is also another important tourist place in Alleppey to visit. The park offers boating facilities and a swimming pool and is also a one of the major picnic spots in Alleppey as it is located on the beach. 

5.Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna temple

The Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in Kerala and is built in the typical Kerala temple architectural style. The temple is located at a distance of 15 km from Alleppey and this Hindu temple in Alleppey is famous for the paintings that are on display in the inner walls of the temple. Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple is also famous for its Palpayasam, a deliciously sweet milk porridge.

6.Coir Factories in Alleppey

Alleppey is famous for its coir industry and there are several coir factories in Alleppey that manufacture coir for the domestic and international market. Many tourists arriving in Alleppey visit coir factories to learn about coir manufacturing process. Most coir factories allow free entrance to tourists. Coir factories are an important tourist attraction in Alleppey and a “must see” destination for all tourists visiting Alleppey.

 Must Things to do

•     House Boat Cruises

•     Boat races in Alleppy

•     Enjoy beauty of backwaters

•     Visit to Coir factory

•     Enjoy ayurveda

Location/Best time to go

Location:

The nearest airport is Cochin, about 65 km to the north and Trivandrum airport is approx 225 km to the south. Nearest Railway Station is Alleppy.

Best time to go

January - March and September - December.