Alleppey or Alappuzha is the land for dreamers, romantics, and wanderers.
History
Alappuzha derives its name from its physical features and geographical position – it literally means the land between the sea and network of rivers flowing into it.
The quaint, old-world town is all about quiet by-lanes, paddy fields, toddy shops, and tens of thousands of houseboats. It is located on the western coast of India around 53km south of Kochi.
Alappuzha and the region around it have a long history of being ruled by the Cheras before the Portuguese and British arrived to delve into the cultural and political affairs of the region. The Dewan of Travancore Raja Kesavadas, who is considered to be the architect of Alappuzha, founded the town in 1762 when it was nothing but a single strip of land. As commercial establishments sprang up, the sea receded by the mid-19th century, offering more land along the sand strip. In the early 20th century, the the-Viceroy of the Indian Empire, Lord Curzon, was stunned by Alleppey’s beauty and aptly named it ‘Venice of the East’.
After Cochin developed into a major port in the late 1920s, Alappuzha’s importance as a commercial and trading center declined. Alleppey, however, still continues to be a major center for coconut oil, copra, and coir, and is also a center for marine processing and fishing activities due to its long, productive coastline. The greenery-adorned, watery world of villages of the romantic Alleppey-a destination for dreamers is also the polestar of Kerala’s backwaters, which is one of Kerala’s biggest draws.
Weather
Winters are the best time to visit Alleppey as the weather is mild and pleasant. The average temperature during this time is between 17 degrees to 32 degrees Celsius. This is the perfect time to go on a houseboat ride and explore the backwaters of Allepey.
Summers in Alleppey have mercury touching 37 degrees, which means lesser tourists but sweltering heat. The monsoons (June-Sept) see Alleppey in its rain-washed glory, but houseboat rides aren’t available. Mild and pleasant winters (temperatures 17-32 degrees Celsius) make Alleppey perfect to explore and enjoy.
Transport
Airports Closeby
Cochin International Airport is the closest airport to Alleppey situated at a distance of 90 km.
Train Stations
Alappuzha railway station serves Alleppey and is an important junction for many south and north-bound trains.
Road Trips
1) Alleppey > Guruvayur, Kerala
Appx Driving Dist: 140-150 Km / 3 Hours 45 Minutes
The quaint, fifty centuries-old temple town of Guruvayur is most famous for the religious pilgrimage site of the Shree Krishna Temple. The temple, which happens to be India’s 4th largest in terms of the number of devotees, has an impressive gold-plated 33m-tall Dwajastambham and a 7m-high Deepastambham. Travelers can also visit the elephant-worshipping Punnathurkotta elephant sanctuary, the Mammiyoor temple, and the St. Thomas Syro Malabar Church.
2) Alleppey > Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
Appx Driving Dist: 150 Km / 3 Hours 35 Minutes
One of the most thrilling road trips one can take from Alleppey is to the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula to Cape Comorin or Kanyakumari. A great former center for art, trade, commerce, and religion, Kanyakumari has many interesting places to see. Culture-hungry travelers will find the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Thanumalayan temple, Vattakottai Fort, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial and the Padmanabhapuram palace particularly interesting. One can also visit the Olakaruvi Waterfalls, Our Lady of Ransom Church, the tranquil Sanguthurai beach, and the Mathur Aqueduct, which is one of Asia’s longest and tallest trough bridges.
3) Alleppey > Kovalam, Kerala
Appx Driving Dist: 165 Km / 4 Hours
The blue seas, green verdure, and the wheat-brown sands make up Kovalam, one of Kerala’s most developed beach resort towns. The former calm fishing village, which lies 16km south of the city center of Thiruvananthapuram and is famous for its unending crescent stretch of gorgeous blue beaches. One can visit the main stretch of Lighthouse beach and the touristy Hawa beach, but for some ultimate calm and beauty, travelers should head to Chowara and Samudra beaches. Nature enthusiasts can visit the famous freshwater Lake Vellayani, the artificial coral reef, India’s first offshore coral reef, the zoological garden, Karamana Lake and the Neyyar dam. Culture and history buffs will find Padmanabhapuram palace, Vizhinjam rock-cut cave temple and the Veli tourist village very interesting.
4) Alleppey > Gavi, Kerala
Appx Driving Dist: 155 Km / 4 Hours 15 Minutes
In the middle of Periyar National Park lies the picturesque hill station of Gavi, which is perfect for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Nature lovers can go camping, take night safaris, and indulge in bird watching in the dense jungles of Gavi. Travelers can visit the cardamom factory adventure enthusiasts can trek through the valley, go canoeing in the Kochupampa and Gavi lakes, and visit breath-taking viewpoints such as Valley View. The Gavi forest area is also known for the presence of two gopher (asnirampalli) trees which are believed to be the only two ones in the entire country.
5) Alleppey > Palakkad, Kerala
Appx Driving Dist: 190 Km / 4 Hours 20 Minutes
Palakkad in Kerala is most known for the presence of the Palakkad Gap in the Anaimalai and Nilgiri ranges, because of which it is now known as the ‘Palakkad Gap’ and the rice and paddy fields due to which it is known as Kerala’s ‘Rice Bowl’. Travelers can also visit the Malampuzha Dam and Rock Garden, the Palakkad and Tipu Sultan’s Fort, the viewpoint at Seethargundu viewpoint, the Kalpathy temple the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary.
6) Alleppey > Munnar, Kerala
Appx Driving Dist: 170 Km / 5 Hours
In the Kannan Devan Hills of the Western Ghats in the Idukki district lies the picturesque Munnar, which is located at the confluence of three rivers – Nallathanni, Mudhirapuzha, and Kundaly. Located amidst South India’s largest tea-growing regions, Munnar is a haven for every kind of traveler. Culture enthusiasts will find the 100-year-old Christ Church with its stained-glass captivating, while nature lovers will love the acres of tea plantations on the hillsides. Adventure enthusiasts, on the other hand, can indulge in sports such as paragliding, ride the jungle safari in the Eravikulam National Park, hike and trek through the jungles and valleys as well.
Sight-Seeing Places
Alleppey is a traveler’s paradise. One can head out to Alleppey beach, one of Kerala’s most visited beaches with a 137-year-old pier. Travelers can visit the famed backwaters, live on a houseboat or cruise the shorelines while getting a glimpse of the village life. One can also explore the endless paddy fields at Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala, and visit the Krishnapuram Palace, the Ambalapuzha Temple, and the Arthunkal and St. Mary Forane Churches.
Accommodation
Allepey is the ultimate honeymooner’s paradise, which is why there are many affordable and luxurious beach and backwater resorts all over the town. For those travelers looking for a chilled-out no-frills vacation, homestays are becoming extremely popular.
Here are a few suggestions verified by us
Premier Resort near Punnamada Lake
The strategic location of the Premier Resort near Punnamada Lake makes it popular among visitors from all over the world. The elegant architecture of the resort compliments the smooth, placid water of the lake in the background.
The Premier Resort near Punnamada Lake promises luxurious accommodation in all of its 28 rooms. There are 10 Deluxe Rooms – the Lagoon, 10 Premium Rooms -the Aqua, five Jacuzzi Villas – the Creek and three Pool Villas – the Royal Creek.
Heritage Villa at Mararikulam
Ensconced in a calm natural setting amidst high trees and lush lawns, this Heritage Villa at Maraarikulam echoes the charm of a bygone era. With traditional wooden wall paneling and typical Kerala exteriors, traditional Kerala houses on the property sprawl over 3.5 acres and merge seamlessly with nature.
There are five rooms divided among three traditional wood houses, all furnished elegantly. Known as ‘Illams’, the structures are named after trees – Eatti, Chandanam, and Maavu.
Serene Beach Resort In Mararikulam
The resort’s architecture stands true to the local way of construction and features wooden pillars and red-tiled roofs. The property has an almost private stretch of beach for you to work that tan, plush green palms with hammocks for you to lounge in or even take a nap
Accommodation at the Serene Beach Resort In Mararikulam is available in the form of 13 quaint rooms and villas, . The cottages are set in a lush green lawn dotted with swaying tall palms and feature a covered sit-out to enjoy the views from the comforts of the cozy villa.
Travel Tidbits
Alleppey is best explored leisurely rather than hop from destination to destination. Adventurous travelers on their honeymoon or out with friends can rent bicycles and ride around the bylanes and paddy fields to experience Alleppey for its charming rural, old-world allure.
If not for anything one should visit Alleppey for disconnecting from the digital world and getting lost in the world of green foliage and waterways.
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