Alleppey India – Venice of East
The town of Alleppey was founded a long time back in the year 1762 by Raja Keshawadashan, the Deewan of Travancore. Popularly known as the “Venice of East” Alleppey is adored by the people for its large networks of lagoons, canals, and lakes which form the lifeline of this wonderful town. Alleppey was established on a narrow piece of land located between the Arabian Sea and the Vembaband Lake.
Earlier, Alleppey was one of the busiest trade centers in India and made a first-rate port along the Malabar Coast. Traders from all corners of the world came here for their business deals during the British era.
The enticing canals, lakes, and shores have drawn the attention of numerous tourists who come here to enjoy the unmatchable natural beauty that this place has to offer. Alleppey is one of the most sought after honeymoon destinations of the country and a wonderful place to spot animal and birdlife. Besides the bounties of nature, this town has many religious and historic sites in its heart. The palm-fringed waterways, houseboat holidays, sandy beaches, and the traditional boat races are reasons that make Alleppey different from other tourist destinations of India. The sight of elegantly designed snake boats which can sit more than 100 oarsmen racing and cutting though still waters is a life long substance to be cherished at the bottom of one’s heart.
Besides Holland, Alleppey is the only place in the world where rice cultivation takes place much under the Sea level. This town is buzzed by admiring tourists throughout the year. The heavenly experience of a houseboat trip is something that no visitor would like to skip. The huge and well equipped wooden houseboats definitely ensure a memorable and cozy stay amidst the pristine waters. A houseboat trip is equally enjoyable for a family or honeymoon trip, corporate holidays.
Activities Around
Swimming in the shallow waters, taking a leisurely walk along the sandy beaches, or on the lonely pretty roads inside a village is soul-warming activities to be done while on a trip to this place. Besides, there is always the fun of trying a hand on with a fishing rod and grasp the thrill of fishing far away from the humdrum of busy city life. The food is awesome, tasty, and nutritious. Nature’s beverage, i.e. coconut water and fish delicacies are things to be savored
Pilgrims in Alleppey
A lazy afternoon sightseeing may include visiting the ancient religious spots like the fabled Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Pandavan Rock, Mullakkal Rajeshwari Temple, Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, and the St. Andrew Church which was founded in 1866 by the Portuguese missionaries. The town of Alleppey is also well known for its coir carpet industries and prawn fishing.
General Information of Alleppey
Quick facts
State: Kerala
District: Alappuzha
Known for: Backwaters, Beaches
Languages: Malayalam, English
Altitude: 2695 m approx.
Best visiting time: September to March
Climate: Summer 20 to 36°C, winter 16 to 32°C
Famous Activity in Alleppey
House Boating at Alleppey
The latest most exciting trend of taking a vacation in India is to cruise along the backwater of Kerala in a luxury houseboat. This is a very unique experience in itself. The trip in a luxury houseboat promises to be magical as it takes you through the majestic corners of remote Kerala. This part of Kerala cannot be accessed otherwise. The virgin nature, the flowing water, green paddy fields, distant villages, churches, and coconut groves make the trip truly out of the ordinary. The network of lakes, canals, estuaries, and rivers add up to approx. 900 km of backwater ways.
The houseboats are called Kettuvallams in local expression. It means ‘boat with a knot’, as the boat was built without the help of any nails but only coir knots. The construction process of the houseboats is very interesting as only natural products like bamboo mats, sticks, woods, coir mats, and wooden planks are being used.
The houseboats vary according to their shapes and sizes. There are many options to choose from. It is seen that the boat with accommodation of a suite, attached bathrooms, kitchen, open lounge and crew including oarsmen, a cook and guide are more popular. Meals are provided on board and special arrangements can be made for fresh fish from backwaters. Solar panels are utilized for lighting and a small engine is used for powering the boats.
The whizzing sound of water floating below, the winds talking soothing words to your ears, the moonlight reflecting in the backwaters can really make this experience a winner of admiration and uniqueness. Take a break and go take a houseboat ride and rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul.
All houseboats are promised to be in a well-maintained condition. The authority takes care of furnishing the houseboats with little requirements. You can also arrange for chatting up with the local people and discover many facets of Kerala. Safety is also worrying here as every boat comes with first aids, life jackets, fire extinguisher, and telephonic connectivity. The captain of the boat is supposed to guide you on the local scenic beauty, culture, and people. He is also responsible for you getting hygienic food and service.
Overnight Houseboat Stay Itinerary
Day 01 : Check in and Activities
- Check-in at 12.30 p.m.
- A brief introduction is provided before the trip.
- Lay back and bask in the beauty of the rivers and backwaters
- 1.30 p.m. break for lunch (optional Kerala fish items)
- 2.30 p.m. resume the trip across breathtaking views of palm trees, paddy fields, and villages
- Quench your thirst by drinking famous Kerala liquor ‘Toddy’, made from coconut
- Drop down and shop for freshwater prawns or crabs from vendors, and the chef will happily prepare for your dinner
- 6.00 p.m. the boat halts for the rest of the night until next morning, utilize this time to explore the horizon on foot
- After having sumptuous dinner fall into a deep slumber with a mild floating feeling
Day 02 : Breakfast and Check out
- 6.30 a.m. sip your coffee and enjoy the sunrise
- 8.00 a.m. breakfast time
- 9.00 checkouts with a happy and satisfied mood, after enjoying the memory of a lifetime
How to reach Alleppey
One can choose to visit Alleppey by train, air, or road. The nearest airport is located in Cochin; from where one needs to take a train to reach Alleppey.
The train line is well connected to major cities like Bangalore, New Delhi, and Mumbai.
Besides trains, this town has buses plying to and from Cochin by all major bus operators.
