Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is a city in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is known for its beautiful backwaters, beaches,rich culture, and delicious seafood and historic temples.Alappuzha is a popular tourist destination for those looking to experience the beauty and charm of Kerala.
One of the main attractions in Alappuzha is the backwaters. The town is located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, and visitors can take a boat ride through the serene backwaters to see the local village life, lush green paddy fields, and traditional Kerala houses. The backwaters are also home to a wide variety of birds and fish, making it a popular destination for bird watching and fishing.
For those interested in culture and history, Alappuzha has a number of temples and churches that are worth visiting. The Sri Krishna Temple, St. Mary's Forane Church, and the Mullakkal Temple are some of the most popular religious sites in the town.
Alappuzha is also known for its delicious seafood. Visitors can try local delicacies such as Karimeen fry (pearl spot fish fry), Kuttanadan duck roast, and Kappa (tapioca) with fish curry.
Tourist spots in Alleppey
Some of the must-see tourist spots in Alappuzha include:
Backwaters: The town is located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, and visitors can take a boat ride through the serene backwaters to see the local village life, lush green paddy fields, and traditional Kerala houses.
- Alappuzha Beach: Another must-see attraction in Alappuzha is the Alappuzha Beach. This
picturesque beach offers a wide range of activities such as swimming,
sunbathing, and horseback riding. Visitors can also take a walk along
the beach to see the old lighthouse and the Sea View Park.This is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and watching the sunset.
- Nehru Trophy Boat Race: This is an annual boat race held on the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha. It is one of the most popular boat races in Kerala and attracts a large number of tourists. Visitors can watch the colorful snake boats race along the backwaters.
- Backwaters of Alappuzha: The backwaters of Alappuzha are a network of canals and lagoons that run parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. Visitors can take a boat ride through the backwaters to see traditional Keralan villages and watch the local way of life.
- Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple:This is a famous temple located in the heart of the city. The temple is
dedicated to Lord Krishna and is known for its beautiful architecture
and vibrant festivals. This temple is famous for its Palpayasam, a sweet milk porridge that is offered to the deity. It is believed that this temple was built in the 14th or 15th century.
- St. Andrew's Basilica: This is one of the oldest churches in Kerala and is known for its Gothic architecture. It is said to have been built in the 16th century.
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: This sanctuary is a paradise for bird-watchers, with over 150 species of birds, including migratory birds. This is situated around 37 km away from Alappuzha and 15 km from Kottayam.
- Marari Beach: This is a quiet and relatively unspoiled beach located about 27 km from Alappuzha. It's a quiet and secluded beach known for its golden sand, palm trees and shallow waters and perfect for a relaxing day of sunbathing and swimming.
- Alappuzha Lighthouse: This lighthouse offers visitors a stunning view of the sea and nearby islands.
- St. Mary's Forane Church: This is an ancient church, built in 1810, and is a famous pilgrimage site for Christians.
- Mullakkal Temple: This temple is dedicated to the goddess Rajarajeswari and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.
- Pathiramanal: An Island located in the Vembanad lake, known for its wide variety of migratory birds and the perfect place for bird watching.
These are just a few of the many tourist spots that Alappuzha has to offer, but there are many other interesting places to see and activities to do in the area, such as traditional kerala houseboat cruise, Beaches, Temples and Ayurvedic massage centers. . Visitors can also explore the local markets, try traditional Kerala cuisine, and take part in cultural activities such as Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performances.
Where to stay
Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, offers a wide range of stay options for visitors. Some popular options include:
Houseboats: One of the most unique and popular ways to experience Alappuzha's backwaters is by staying on a houseboat. These traditional boats are converted into floating hotels and offer a comfortable and authentic experience on the backwaters.
Resorts: Alappuzha has a number of luxury resorts that offer a comfortable and relaxing stay. Many of these resorts are located on the banks of the backwaters and offer stunning views of the water and surrounding countryside.
Homestays: For a more authentic experience, visitors can stay in a traditional Kerala-style homestay. These homestays offer a chance to experience local life and culture, and many of them are located in the villages along the backwaters.
Hotels: Alappuzha also has a number of budget and mid-range hotels that offer comfortable accommodation for visitors. Many of these hotels are located in the town center and are close to popular tourist attractions.
Camping: Alappuzha also offers camping options for visitors who want to experience the backwaters in a different way.
It's worth noting that during high season or peak season, it's better to book in advance to make sure you get the best option that suits your needs.
When to visit
The
best time to visit Alappuzha is from September to March when the
weather is pleasant and the backwaters are at their best. It is
important to carry sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes as
the town is best explored on foot.
How To Reach
Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. Here are a few options to reach Alappuzha:
By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is located around 75 km from Alappuzha. Taxis and buses are available from the airport to Alappuzha.
By Train: Alappuzha has its own railway station, connecting it to major cities in India. Trains from major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata stop at Alappuzha railway station.
By Bus: Alappuzha is well-connected to major cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu by road. Buses from cities such as Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Madurai stop at the Alappuzha bus station.
By Car: Alappuzha is easily accessible by road and is well-connected to major cities and towns in Kerala via the National Highway 66. Visitors can rent a car or drive to Alappuzha.
Local Boat Journey In Alappuzha
Alappuzha, is known for its beautiful backwaters and one of the best ways to reach Alappuzha is by boat. Here are a few options to reach Alappuzha by boat:
- From Kochi: Visitors can take a boat ride from Kochi to Alappuzha. The boat ride takes around 2 hours and offers stunning views of the backwaters and local village life.
- From Kollam: Visitors can take a boat ride from Kollam to Alappuzha. The boat ride takes around 8 hours and is a great way to experience the beauty of the backwaters.
- From Kumarakom: Visitors can take a boat ride from Kumarakom to Alappuzha. The boat ride takes around 3 hours and offers beautiful views of the backwaters and local village life.
- From Thottappally: Visitors can take a ferry from Thottappally to Alappuzha, which takes around 20 minutes. This ferry operates regularly and is a convenient way to reach Alappuzha.
- Kerala State Water Transport Department (KSWTD) also operates regular boat services to Alappuzha from various nearby places like Kottayam, Changanassery, and other nearby places.
Tips
Here are a few tips to make the most of your trip to Alappuzha:
- Plan ahead: Research the different activities and attractions available in Alappuzha before your trip to make the most of your time.
- Dress appropriately: Alappuzha is a tropical destination and can get quite hot and humid. Wear light, comfortable clothing and bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Take a backwater tour: Alappuzha is famous for its backwaters and taking a boat tour is a must-do activity. It offers a unique perspective of the local village life and the beautiful scenery of the backwaters.
- Try the local cuisine: Alappuzha is known for its delicious seafood. Try local delicacies such as Karimeen fry, Kuttanadan duck roast, and Kappa (tapioca) with fish curry.
- Be respectful of the culture: Alappuzha is a culturally rich town and it is important to be respectful of the local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting temples and churches.
- Be mindful of the environment: Alappuzha is known for its natural beauty, so it's important to be mindful of the environment and avoid littering or polluting the backwaters.
- Visit during the right season: The best time to visit Alappuzha is from September to March when the weather is pleasant and the backwaters are at their best.
- Bring mosquito repellent: as Alappuzha is located near the backwaters, it's common to find mosquitoes, so it's better to be prepared and bring a mosquito repellent.
- Be aware of the tides: if you are planning to take a boat ride, it's important to check the tide schedule to ensure that you are able to navigate the backwaters safely.
- Carry a power bank: Alappuzha has limited charging points and during peak season, it may be hard to find a power outlet. So, it's better to carry a power bank to keep your electronic devices charged.
Overall, Alappuzha is a perfect destination for those looking to
experience the natural beauty, culture, and delicious food of Kerala.
With its tranquil backwaters, beautiful beaches, and rich history,
Alappuzha is a true gem of South India.
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