“ ALL ABOUT ALLEPPEY "

Alleppy district occupies a prominent place in the tourist map of Kerala interlocked with lakes and canals.The Vembanad Lake stretching up to Kochi, the rivers Achankovil, Manimala and Pamba and a net work of canals in the district are used for inland navigation. The vast stretch of paddy fields of Kuttanad, which is popularly known as the ‘rice bowl of Kerala,’ is in this district. Coir and coir products form a thriving industry in this district. The exciting and unforgettable boat cruises between Alleppey and Kollam offer intimate glimpses of backwater life and an unforgettable journey watching Coir making, boat building, toddy tapping, fish farming and the rugged village life.

Alleppey, the Headquarters of the district, is an ancient centre of trade and commerce. The town is popularly known as ” VENICE OF THE EAST’. The most famous attraction in Alleppey is the NEHRU CUP SNAKE BOAT RACE. The boat cruise along the backwaters of Alleppey give one first hand experience of the life style; toddy tapping, fishing for small fry, Coir-making, prawn farming etc., which remains more or less unchanged over the years.

Alleppey, being a coastal area, is humid all through the year. Summers (March to May) have a dry and humid weather with maximum temperature reaches to nearly 37°C, and is a good season for roaming around. Monsoons (June to September) are accompanied with heavy rains, typically tourists avoid heavy rainy days in June and July. Winters (December- February) are pleasant with temperature between 22°C to 30°C.. Best Season to visit Alleppey is from August to February. December to February is cooler and ideal for sight seeing. August to November offers moderate temperatures and is associated with many celebrations. March to May are hot, but still is nice for sight seeing and backwater rowing. June and July are heavy raining months with water clogging on roads, avoid travel.

“HOW TO REACH ALLEPPEY"

By Air

Trivandrum International Airport and Cochin International Airport are the nearest airport. Trivandrum to Alleppey (150 km) and Cochin to Allepepy (75 km) can be covered by the call taxis at a rate of about Rs 15 per kilometer. Trivandrum and Cochin are connected to most of the major cities in India and have connected flights to many foreign cities, mainly to Kuwait, Dubai and UAE.Which is well connected to all domestic and international destinations.

By Rail

Alleppey is well connected by train to Cochin and Trivandrum. Alleppey railway station is within the city limits.Alappuzha is home to home stays, bungalows, mid-segment hotels and resorts, premium, luxury star hotels and resorts and Houseboats to cater to all segments of travelers

By Road

KSRTC buses are plenty which are connecting all the major cities in Kerala. Trivandrum to Alleppey costs less than Rs 100 and Cochin to Alleppey costs less than Rs 50. Private luxury coach buses are available to interstate destinations like Bangalore, Chennai and Mangalore.

“ PLACES TO SEE IN  & AROUND ALLEPPEY "

Tourist Places in Alleppey

Best Places to See around Alleppey

Ambalapuzha

It is situated 14 kms. away from Alleppey. In its architectural features, the Sreekrishna Temple confirms the typical Kerala style. The temple is famous through out Kerala for 'Palpayasam' a milk porridge of exceptional sweetness offered to the deity.

Karumadikkuttan

Karumadikkuttan is Situated 3 km east of Ambalapuzha, this village is known for its 10th century Karumadikkuttan statue, a black granite figure of the great Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. There are many interesting legends connected to this idol.

Champakulam

Champakulam - the water logged village is also the place of oldest angadi (market) known as Kalloorkkadu angadi. The St. Mary Forane Church built in 427 A D is another major attraction famous for its beautiful mural paintings for both tourists and believers. In Champakulam you can see Nadubhagum and Champakulam snake boats which take part in the annual snake boat races.

Backwaters

The backwaters act as a vital waterway for the transport of goods, people and their produce are often the only link between isolated villages and crowded towns. In Kerala, the total expanse of backwater stretches over 1500 kms, with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes from north to south. Alleppey which forms the main part of this network has the peculiar geographical feature of having the water in level with the land. This gives the advantage of getting a closer look at the village life on shore while on a backwater ride

Houseboat

A house boat is about 67 feet in length and has a width of around 13 feet in the middle. The materials that go into the making are all local and Eco friendly bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, coir carpets etc. The main wood used is "Anjili". The house boats have fully furnished single and double rooms with sundeck, private balcony with comfortable chairs, kitchen and toilet with WC. In addition there is also separate rest room for the crew. Traditional lanterns are used as lights. The crew includes a chef and two oarsmen. The cuisine is traditional Kerala flavour with the local specialities; delicious fish and prawns. There are single bedroom houseboats for two people and two bedroom houseboats for four people.

Kettuvallam

A glide in a "Kettuvallam" (Houseboat) through the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey is sure to rob your heart. Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either sides of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found on the way. Flocks of ducks swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this unique land.

Country Boats

The sparkling water and the caressing cool wind is a temptation too strong to resist. Country boats of various types crisscross the path with passengers from all walks of Kerala's rural life ranging from milkman and newspaper boy to local politicians, priests and wedding parties. It is a unique experience as this is as close as one can get to feel the vibrant life in the countryside of god's own country.