Location :
Kerala
Tourist Attractions : Karumadikkuttan, Krishnapuram
Palace, St. Mary's Church
Local Tongue : Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, English
STD Code : (91) - 477
Best time to Visit : August to March
About Alleppey
Alleppey or Alappuzha is a pleasant little market town consisting of a
number of islands surrounded by a network of lakes, lagoons and water
bodies, thus making it one of the most bewitching backwater destinations in
Kerala. Housing silvery beaches lined
with swaying palm trees, this tiny heaven is packed with umpteen tourist
attractions that make it hard to forget even after your dream vacation is
over. Alleppey is also home to a varied species of plant and animal life.
Alleppey has always occupied an important place in the maritime history of
Kerala owing to its proximity to the sea which makes it easily accessible to
merchants and traders from across the world through the sea route. The place
subsequently became the hub of coir making industry with the establishment
of the first coir factory by a British captain.
Climate & Best time to Visit
Owing to its proximity to the sea, the climate of Alleppey is humid with
not much difference in temperature during the summer (22 to 35 degrees) and
winter (18 to 32 degrees) seasons. Although the place remains fairly cool
and pleasant during the winters, it can be visited anytime between August
and March.
Tourist Attractions in Alleppey
Karumadikkuttan
Just 3 km outside Alleppey, Karumadikkuttan is a tiny village and an
important Buddhist pilgrimage centre. The place houses a large centuries old
black granite statue of Lord Buddha.
Krishnapuram Palace
The 18th century palace of the Travancore kings is situated 47 km from
Alleppey. Built in a unique Keralan style of architecture, the palace houses
a collection of miniature paintings, bronze statues, antique furniture and
beautiful sculptures. The most famous is the statue Gajendra Moksham, which
is the largest of its kind in the state.
Ambalapuzha Temple
Ambalapuzha, situated 12 km south of Alleppey is known for its religious
shrines including the famous temple dedicated to Lord Krishna which is known
for the milk porridge 'prasadam' served here. An ancient image of Lord
Buddha is situated near by, from the times when Buddhism was at its peak in
the region.
St.
Mary's Church
One of the oldest churches in India, the St. Mary's Church is believed to
have been set up by St. Thomas. Situated in Champakulam, the church is known
for its annual fest which falls on the 3rd Sunday of October every year.
Things to Do
Backwater Cruise
Alleppey is known for its enchanting backwaters concentrated around the
Vembanad Lake. Luxury houseboats are available to take the tourists on a
journey of a lifetime through the enchanting backwaters. Gently sail in a
houseboat and witness the laid back lifestyle in God's own country, flocks
of ducks swimming, colorful birds painting the skies and golden sands
reflecting the rays of the sun...paradise could not be any closer. And once
you are done with the backwater experience, more repose awaits you at the
beach where you can lie down and feel the velvety sand press behind your
back as we serve you a cold glass of your favourite beverage.
Shopping
While Alleppey promises a unique experience in each aspect, shopping
through its bazaars is also a completely different experience. Amongst the
things most in demand are the coir products, which being locally produced
also have the advantage of cheap price tags on them. Besides, shopping in
Alleppey is also a great place to interact with the locals and get to know
the local culture.
Eat Out
South Indian cuisine is probably most different from that available in any
other part of the world. Dishes like dosa and sambar are a must try as also
coconut water, which besides being an excellent thirst quencher is also a
great energy booster. Freshly fried banana chips in different flavours are
also available. Some of the good places to eat in Alleppey are Indian Coffee
House (Mullakal Road), Hotel Aryas for vegetarian food, Hotel Rajas for both
vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, Sree Durga Bhawan for dosas and the
Vembanad Restaurant for excellent veg and non-veg food.
Stay At
A place blessed with immense natural beauty, Alleppey or Alappuzha draws
thousands of tourist every year to its pristine locales. Alleppey boasts of
numerous tourist attractions that include enchanting backwaters, sun kissed
beaches, ancient churches and charming colonial structures. Being one of the
most important tourist hot spots of Kerala Alleppey houses a number of
excellent hotels such as Punnamada (4 star, situated 4 km from boat jetty, 8
km from railway station and 4 km from bus stand), Keraleeyam Home and
Ayurvedic Resort (3 star, situated at Thathampally), Vaikudam House Boat (3
star), Kayaloram Lake Resort (3 star, situated at Punnamada, 85 km from
airport, 10 km from railway station & 4 km from bus stand), Sauver Nigam
House Boat (3 star, situated close to the beach), The Marari Beach Resort (3
star, situated at Mararikulam, 15 km from railway station & 12 km from
bus stand), Rainbow Cruises (4 star, situated at V.C.N.B. Road), Alleppey
Beach Resorts (3 star equivalent), Coir Village Lake Resort (4 star,
situated at Thirkunnapuzha 10 km from railway station and bus stand) and
Alleppey Prince Hotel (3 star equivalent, situated on A.S. Road 4 km from
railway station and bus stand).
Getting There
By
Air : The nearest airport is located at Kochi (Cochin) which is well
connected to other parts of the country through regular flights. From Kochi,
you can hire a taxi or board a bus to reach Alleppey. Another airport is
located at Trivandrum.
By Rail : Alleppey is connected to rest of the cities by
trains, which is also an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of
the state.
By Road : A good network of roads link Alleppey with
other cities in Kerala and neighbouring cities. Buses operate regularly
between Alleppey and other major Indian cities.
Ferry Boats : This is probably the most interesting form
of transport that you may not find in most of the other parts of the world.
Alleppey is connected by ferry services to other cities in Kerala including
Kottayam, Kollam, Kumarakom and Changanasseri.
Local Transport : Local transport in Alleppey mainly
consists of Buses, Taxis and auto-rickshaws. Taxis can also be hired to take
you to various attractions inside the city.
Distance from Major Cities
- Kochi : 64 Km
- Trivandrum : 150 Km
- Kottayam : 23 Km
- Kollam : 229 Km
- Kozhikode : 206 Km
- Delhi : 2145 Km
