ALAPPUZHA

Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is a very good tourist spot in Kerala, India. The huge networks of lagoons, canals, and lakes along with the Arabian Sea in its West, the place is often called as "Venice of east". It is heaven for those who love nature and natural beauty. Alappuzha is famous for its beaches, marine products, houseboat holidays, boat races and coir industry. 

When to go: Kerala is a place where tourists can visit in any month of the year as the weather is never too hot and never too cold. Still April and May will be hot so better avoiding it. The best time to visit Kerala is from September to March.

How to go:  Alleppey is on the National Highway 47 and is well connected to other places by public state transport buses.  If you are travelling by air, Kochi International Airport is the nearest airport. It is around 85 km from Alleppey town. From airport, the best way to travel to Alleppey is by bus. There are frequent bus services and they will cost around Rs. 25. Alleppey Railway Station is there to welcome you if you are coming by train.  Auto rickshaws can be seen outside the station but travelers must insist on meter.  Alleppey is also connected through waterways. It is linked by boat and ferry services to Kevalam, Kottayam, Cochin, Changanassery and Chengannur.

What to see: Krishnapuram Palace, built in 18th century during the reign of Marthanda Varma, the king of Travancore, is the place which displays characteristics of Kerala architecture. Gajendra Moksham, one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala, is kept here. This palace is around 47 kms from Alappuzha.

Pathiramanal is a beautiful island in the Vembanad Lake. You can come here only by boat from Kumarakom and Muhamma.

Karumadi village is famous for Karumadi Kuttan. Karumadi Kuttan is a black granite figure of Buddha. It is said that this belong to the 9th or 10th century.

Kuttanad, also called the rice bowl of Kerala, is the place where farming is done 1.5 to 2 ms. below sea level. 

Alappuzha Beach is a good picnic spot. The pier extends into the sea here and is over 137 years old. An old lighthouse nearby is also worth visiting.

Vijaya beach park is a park which has boating facilities also. Its entrance fee is Rs. 2 per person and there is free entrance for children below 5 years. Boating charge is Rs.10 for 10 minutes. Here the camera permit is of Rs. 5 while the video permit is Rs. 25.

Chavara Bhavan, the ancestral home of Kuriakose Elias Chavara, is a holy shrine and spiritual resort. It is 6 kms from Alappuzha and is accessible only by boat.

Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple, famous for the Palapayasam, is just 15 kms, south of Alappuzha. The Palapayasam is a deliciously sweet milk porridge which is used as the daily offering.

St. Sebastian's Church, an important Christian pilgrim centre, is just 22 kms north of Alappuzha.

Edathua Church, dedicated to St. George, is situated 24 kms away from Alappuzha. This church was established in 1810. There is a faith that prayers and offerings at this church helps in healing all mental disorders and other ailments.

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, 32 kms south of Alappuzha, is a serpent shrine.

The annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race which takes place duringAugust-September in Punnamada Kayal is an important event and should not be missed.

Travel within city: If you know how to drive a car, then the best way to travel around the town is by hiring a cab. They are cheap and you can hire them through local agencies. Auto rickshaws can also be preferred as they run on meter.  But there can be special night fares.

Food: Sree Durga Bhavan Udipi Hotel on Cullan road and Hot Kitchen on Mullackal road will be a good place for vegetarians.  Kream korner on Mullackal road and Vembanad Restaurant on AS Main road can be good options for multi-cuisine.  There are bar-cum-restaurants also like Chakara Restaurant on Beach road and Royal Park Hotel on YMCA road.

Shopping: Tourists should buy coir products. They can also go for areca nut, cardamom, carpets, pepper and coconut oil.

Where to stay: In Alleppey, you can find all types of hotels suiting your budget. Muthoot River Escapes House Boat and Tharayil Tourist Home are some budget hotels. Kovilakam Lakeside Villa, Arcadia Regency and Penta Green (House Boat) are of medium range. Aquabliss, Akkarakkalam Memoirs Resorts and Muthoot Backwater Cruises Hotel are the names of some luxury hotels in Alleppey.

Other important details:

Weather: Summer 20-36°C, Winter 16-32°C

Altitude: 2695 m

Languages: Malayalam, English

STD code: 0477