Alleppey Tourism and Travel Guide
Alleppey, now renamed Alappuzha, is one of the exotic backwater sites in Kerala. Washed by the Arabian Sea and interlocked by aAlleppey number of canals and bridges, this stunningly gorgeous ‘Venice of the East’ has more than the boat races, houseboats, beaches, marine products and the coir industry; Alleppey is home to the diverse animal and bird life. Also referred to as the rice bowl of Kerala, Alleppey was separated out from the former districts of Kottayam and Quilon. It is bounded by Kochi and Kanayannur taluks on its north; Vaikom, Kottayam, Changanassery Thiruvalla, Kozhencherry and Adoor taluks on its east; Kannathur and Karunagappally taluks on its south and the exotic Lakshadweep of the Arabian Sea on its west.
History: The Portuguese were the predominant rulers of this place before it came under the Dutch control. Later Maharaja Marthandavarma came into power and was instrumental in developing the place. Slowly it became a very busy commercial place attracting merchants from all over. This resulted in the establishment of a number of coir factories producing coir-related goods of quality. The first coir
factory was developed by an English sea captain and soon others followed suit. The first Anglican Church was built in 1816 by the Christian missionaries whose headquarter was in Alleppey.
Travel to Kerala – Alleppey – Attractions
“Venice of the East”, Alleppey is a not-to-be-missed delectable tourist destination if you travel to Kerala. Apart from its exotic backwater locations, Alleppey is famous for the annual Nehru Trophy boat race takes place during the month of August-September in Punnamada Kayal. During this time the place becomes vibrant with festive and competitive spirit.
To get a feel of traditional and typical Keralan style of architecture, the two-storied Krishnapuram Temple, displays the best example. The largest mural painting, Gajendra Miksham, is displayed in a museum here. Typical temple architecture and culture of Kerala can be witnessed in Ambalapuzha Temple, where Lord Krishna is worshipped. During the festival period of March/April, the Keralan delicacy payasam can be savored.
Alleppey is dotted with temples, highly revered not only in the state but throughout the country. Situated in the heart of the town, Mullackal Temple, dedicated to goddess Rajarajeswari, is also a place worth visiting. Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, surrounded by thick-green forests, is a holy place where the king of serpents is worshiped. Number of devotees from all over India and abroad visit this place every year. The Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple is believed to have miraculous powers and hence visited by number of pilgrims every year. Kottamkulangara Mahavishnu Temple and Devi Temple are the oldest temples of Alleppey and are sites worth visiting, especially during the time of Alleppeyfestivals. And a visit to St. Andrew’s Church, established by the Portuguese missionaries, can give visitors to witness the feast of St. Sebastian.
Alleppey is also a shoppers delight. Among the locally available products of Alleppey are the coir products and carpets. The fine quality, variety and reasonable price tag make these products stay high in the demand list of tourists. Besides Alleppey is also famous for its pepper, coconut oil, areca nut, cardamon, sugar, etc. Several markets are available in Alleppey, though the market of Kayamkulam is most important.
Getting There Alleppey is accessible by all the means of communication. The nearest airport is Kochi at a distance of 64 km north. The Trivandrum airport is located 159 km south of Alleppey.
Cities like Cochin, Chennai, Howrah, Bangalore and Bokaro are well connected to Alleppey. The Ernakulam Railway
Station has a number of trains running to the nearby major places. National Highway 47 goes through Alleppey connecting it with almost all the nearby places of South India. A number of buses ply to Alleppey.
This exotic place is also well connected through waterways. It is linked by boat and ferry services through the scenic backwaters to Cochin, Kottayam, Kevalam, Changanassery and Chengannur.
Climate: The climate of Alleppey is temperate and humid in general and relatively more pleasant in the winter season. The temperature ranges from 22 to 35°C in summer and 20 to 32°C during winters. Tourists should avoid visiting Alleppey during the summer season, as the climate becomes highly humid and hot, making it uncomfortable to travel. The best time to visit Alleppey is during the winter season. The months from August-September and February-March are ideal.
How to Reach Alleppey by Air: The airport nearest to Alleppey is Kochi at a distance of 64 km north. The Trivandrum airport is located 159 km south of Alleppey.
Cities like Cochin, Chennai, Howrah, Bangalore and Bokaro are well connected to Alleppey.
How to Reach Alleppey by Rail: Alleppey is also well connected through waterways. Alleppey is linked by boat and ferry services through the scenic backwaters to Cochin, Kottayam, Kavalam, Changanassery and Chengannur.
How to Reach Aleppey by Road: National Highway 47 goes through Alleppey connecting it with almost all the nearby places of South India
Shopping: Shopping in Alleppey for coir products will be a fascinating and feasible experience. Alleppey is famous for its coir products and carpets. Alleppey offers glimpses of the coir manufacturing process-from the coconut husk tot the final rope/coir yarn stage. There are also several shops selling coir matting and carpets. The fine quality, variety and reasonable price tag make these products stay high in the demand list of tourists. Besides Alleppey is also famous for its pepper, coconut oil, areca nut, cardamom, and sugar.
Alleppey: As in all of Kerala, food here is primarily made of coconut oil or fried in coconut oil. However, in the mainland you can get to eat all kinds of food in restaurants. Many foreigners coming here do not have palates for the local cuisine. If you don’t have a taste for food rich in coconut, you can let the cooks know of it. Rice and fish is also staple diet in Alleppey, much like other parts of Kerala.
