Alappuzha ( Alleppey ) is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. Alappuzha remains prominent on the tourist map of Kerala  as one of the major centers for backwater boat trips it is also called Venice of the East. 

An enchanting backwater destination, Alleppey offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing is available at Alappuzha. Staying on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world experience at Alleppey.

A picturesque world of backwaters and thatched houseboats with swaying palms on either side makes it an ideal getaway.  Nature has composed its magic to perfection here. A million verdant coconut palms lining the rivers lean to examine its reflections on the glassy rivers. Everywhere, nature is at its best. Blooming forth in perfumes of flowers.  The riot of colors of birds and the fresh, succulent bountiful freshwater fishes make up Alleppey.

This fertile, marshy area is a network of canals and shallow lakes where people often live on narrow strips of land only a few meters wide.

Map of Alleppey (click to enlarge)

Places you can see in Alleppey

Kuttanad
Kuttanad is one of few places in the world where farming is done at around 1.5 to 2 meter below sea level.  Kuttanad is  a land of lush paddy fields and is called the 'Rice Bowl'  of Kerela.  Kuttanad stretches for 75 Km sandwiched between the sea and the hills.  Kuttanad is the most beautiful backwaters region of Kerala. It is here that most of the snake boat races are conducted and a majority of the rice boat & houseboat cruises are scheduled. Kerala's network of navigable backwaters stretches to over 900km. These serene waterways are fringed by palm grove and paddy fields and offer a striking spectacle of the rustic life.

Alappuzha (Alleppey) beach
Alleppey Beach is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha (Alleppey). The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya beach park add to the attractions of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse, which is greatly fascinating to visitors.

Pathiramanal
According the mythology a Young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting Island pf Pathiramanal (sands of midnight). This little island on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. This island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat.

Champakulam church
One of the oldest churches in Kerala, the St. Mary's Church is believed to be one of the seven established by St. Thomas. The annual feast at this church falls on the 3rd Sunday of October every year.

Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple
Situated at a distance of 15 km south of Alappuzha It is Built in the typical Kerala architectural style, this temple is famous all over India for the Palpayasam, the daily offering of deliciously sweet milk porridge. It is also in this temple that Pallipana is performed by Velans (sorcerers) once every twelve years.

Events and Festivals of Alappuzha

Nehru Trophy Boat Race
The most colourful water sport in Kerala, is conducted at PUNNAMADA LAKE in Alappuzha on the second saturday of every August. This prestigious cultural event of Kerala has been attracting people from all over the world. Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a festival for the people of Alleppey the main attraction of which is the sportive sprits among the participants of the race. It is generally held on the second saturday of August.

Essentials

Reaching  Alappuzha

Air
Nearest International / Domostic Airports are at Kochi (Nedumbassery - 85 km), Thiruvananthapuram (150 kms).

Rail
It is well conected by trains since it is a major destination.

Road
An excellent road network links the district to all major towns and cities in India.

Sea / Inland waterway
Linked by boat service through the backwaters to Kollam (8 Hrs), Changanacherry (3 hrs), Kumarakom (3 hr), Cochin (4 hrs), Kumarakom (2 hrs), Chengannor, etc.

Hotels / Houseboats in Allepy 
The Best place to stay in Allepy is on a houseboat.

Weather  Summer:   34 °C - 28 °C Winter:   32 °C - 20 °C

Best Time to Visit: August to March

Languages: Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi and English.

STD Code: 0477