Incredible India! Alleppey - the beach town of Kerala

Fast Facts

Location: Located in Alappuzha district of Kerala

Distance: 65 kilometres from Cochin

Altitude: Sea Level

Best time to visit: Alleppey experiences a pleasant climate during the winter months especially between August – September and February – March. That is also the time when most of the festivals and events are on, so it makes for the best vacation ever.

What to carry to Alleppey?

 The rustic beauty of Alleppey is best explored on foot – walks through spice and coffee plantations and quaint villages. A good pair of comfortable shoes is a must. Also carry a binoculars to spot those pretty and rare birds on your back water cruise. To be on the safe side, carry an umbrella or raincoat, being in the coastal region, rains is pretty unpredictable.

What to wear in Alleppey? 

Cotton clothes works best in Alleppey. It keeps you feeling airy and comfortable.

Recommendation for what kind of travellers?

Alleppey is an ideal holiday getaway for families and couples. It is also safe for single back packing trips.

Overview of Alleppey

Washed by the silver waves of the Arabian Sea, Alappuzha or Alleppey is a beautiful town with palm fringed canals and shores bustling with glimpses of the vibrant life of the daily country life. The mirror still lagoons, picture book lakes and long sandy beaches add magic to its rustic beauty. The backwaters are awesome and a trip down the meandering water listening to the cacophony of birds can beat any tour within India nd outside. Though Alleppey is ostracised by modernism and skyscrapers or fancy cars are seldom seen, the vibrant culture, scented forests of pepper and cinnamon, fiery cuisine, Ayurveda therapies and larger than life festivals and celebrations makes it a come through a full circle.  

How to Reach Alleppey

By Air: Two airports connect Alleppey (or Alappuzha) to major cities within India – Trivandrum (150 km) and Kochi (75 km). Pre-paid taxis can be found within the airport terminal itself and the usual going rate is Rs.15 per kilometre.

By Rail: Alleppey itself has a small railway station and regular trains run between it and the bigger railheads at Cochin and Trivandrum.

By Road: The KSRTC bus station is located 5 km from the Alleppey railway station. Regular bus services connect the town to Kollam, Ernakulam, Trivandrum and Kottayam.

Driving Directions: Alleppey is a mere 150 km away from Trivandrum, a driving distance of 3 hours. Start for the Trivandrum railway station taking the MG road out of the city. Take the NH-47 crossing Attingal, Kollam and Komalapuram and ending at Allappey.

Getting Around in Alleppey: Moving around in Alleppey is pretty easy with buses, yellow-top and tourist taxis, auto rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws readily available. The State Water Transport Department operates boat services connecting Alleppey with some other places like Kottayam, Chenganassery, Nedamudy and Kavalam.

Must See in Alleppey

Beautiful beaches, rippling canals and creeks crisscrossing water bound villages, backwaters through undulating paddy fields; Alleppey is a fragment of God’s Own Country called Kerala. Nature, wildlife, birds and temples all co-exist in harmony here.

Visit the Chettikulangara Bhagawathy Temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. A massive oil lamp made of granite is the most prominent feature of this temple; where you can light more than 1000 wicks at one go.

The Eddakal Caves located in the Ambukuthis Hills were formed by a massive split in the side of a cliff. The two natural rock formations that resulted are a repository of well-preserved pictographs dating back to ancient times, and widely considered to be among the finest in the world. They can only be accessed by walking half a mile along a trail, ensuring a degree of solitude.

Live the grandeur of the Travencore Kings at the Kanakakkunnu Palace dating back to 1800. The red brick exterior with its gables and pagoda shape is best experienced after dark when lights turn the palace into a work of art. Crystal chandeliers and ornate furniture add to its splendour.

Visit Karaumadikuttan, a 11th century statue of Buddha, which is also the source of many wonderful legends in Keralan history.

Alleppey has also a historic lighthouse built when the Dutch invaded this beautiful coastal town.

Must Do in Alleppey

Surrounded in natural beauty, there is so much you can do in Alleppey. With beautiful backwaters, lagoons fringed by dense coconut trees, sparkling canals and stunning beaches, you can spend time here floating down the backwaters in a quaint ‘kettuvallam’ or the traditional houseboat for short daytrips to longer, multi-day excursions.

Or go on a cruise in the Periyar Lake for a close up encounter with wild Indian elephants. There are observation towers around as well, just in case you want to check out the local wildlife. Hit the sand at Alleppey beach, with a kid’s park on the southern side and a sea-view park with a marina at the north end. The pier is more than 140 years old, and extends out into the sea offering great views of the old lighthouse perched on the point. Go bird watching on Pathiramanal Island, a little speck of land in the middle of Lake Vembanad. This is a favourite stopping point for rare migratory birds, you have to take a boat out for these sightings.

Include a trip to the Sree Krishna Temple, a classic Keralan Temple with lively surroundings. You can offer sweet milk porridge to the god and have it too! Keep an eye out for some unique paintings that adorn the walls of the Chuttamabalam, harking back to the time when sorcerers made human sacrifices to appease the gods - a practice which was only officially banned in 1949. Continue with your religious sojourn to the St. Sebastian’s Church, considered one of the seven original churches built by St Stephen in the first century. Located 14 miles north of Alleppey, this church is considered the most important pilgrimage site for Christians in Kerala. If you’re here in January, you may be able to catch the Feast of St Sebastian, which is a major event full of processions and interesting rituals.

Also, tour a traditional coir factory, unique to Kerala. Coir is made from coconut husks which are woven into ropes and coir yarn. You may even pick up something for your house as souvenir. Trek through the Western Ghats of Kerala to see some of the wildest territory in the region. These mountains which form the eastern border of Kerala are thickly forested and have always been a natural border for the Backwaters. If you want to add some serious adventure to your visit, this is where it’s at. The waters in Alleppey are ideal to go fishing. From small fresh water fish to large sea fish and prawns, crabs etc, you can get it all. At some restaurants, you can take your own catch and have it cooked to your liking. Quite an experience, isn’t it?

Shopping in Alleppey

Alleppey is not known as a shopping destination, though you will find shops selling coir mats and carpets, coconut products, spices like pepper, areca nut, cardamom in Mullakkal Road, the central area of the town.

Eating in Alleppey

Kerela is the land of the appams - whether it be the confounding noodle shaped idiappams (to be had with hot mutton curry) or the more regular chapatti style appams (served with prawn or mutton curry), you are spoilt for choice. You should sample the fresh seafood cooked with local spices. The Vembanad Restaurant (Alleppey Prince Hotel, A S Road) is highly recommended for great food and live music. Hot Kitchen (Mullakkal Road) serves delicious Kerala breakfast. For a taste of authentic filter coffee and lazy atmosphere, head to India Coffee House (Mullakkal Road, YMCA Road). Sree Durga Bhavan Udipi Hotel (Cullan Road) serves vegetarian south Indian thalis.

Nightlife in Alleppey

A small town, Alleppey does not offer much to do at night. Of course, you can go for walks or enjoy bonfires under the starlit sky. And yes, if you are on a houseboat, you can enjoy a romantic time cruising down the river.

Events (Festivals) in Alleppey

The Nehru Trophy boat race on Punnamada Lake is a major attraction in Alleppey, which is held during the Onam festival celebrated in the second week of August. The festivities of the Mullakal temple during the month of December are highly recommended as some of India’s finest temple musicians perform in the main hall during this festival. The Chettikulangara Bhagawathy Temple buzzes with activity during February and March when the Bhadrakali deity, with her miraculous healing powers, is worshipped during the Chettikulangara Bharani festival celebrated in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February/March). Arthunkal Perunnal, the annual feast of St. Sebastian is celebrated in St. Andrews Forane Church. This is a 10-day festival which falls sometime in the beginning of January. St. George's Church festival alias Edathua feast is held at St.George's Church from 27th April to7th of May (Malayalam month of Medam), during which, the statue of St George beautifully adorned with gold is carried out in procession and it is placed on a platform at the centre of the church till the concluding day.

Excursions from Alleppey

As beautiful as she is, Alleppey offers a day’s or a few hours’ excursion in the surrounding areas.

Pathiramanal is an island in Vembanad Lake which is a few kilometres from Alleppey lies Pathiramanal. For all you nature lovers Pathiramanal is a heaven for bird watchers, especially for rare migratory birds. Alapuzha Beach is located a few kilometres from Alleppey and is a beautiful stretch of golden sand, pretty shells cordoned off with beautiful palm trees. Kuttanad is a scenic countryside, with glittering waterways and lush farms in the heart of the backwaters. Interestingly, here, the farms are below sea level, so the waterways are actually above the farming land! You must visit the Krishnapuram Palace located at a distance of 47 kms from Alleppey, an age old palace built by Marthanda Varma in the 18th century. A classic example of Keralan architecture, the large incredible murals and a beautiful museum within the palace complex is worth noticing here. The Poomkavu Church is located just outside the town instead, and it’s a destination attended by Christian people, that reach the church for pilgrims and religious practices.

Top 5 to do in Alleppey

• Ayurvedic massage – Home to a science as old as the Vedic age, you cannot leave Alleppey without pampering yourself to a relaxing Ayurvedic massage. Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul from a range of treatments for your back, head, foot etc.

• Backwater Cruise – Feel the balmy breeze and enjoy the rustic vistas of a typical Keralan village as you meander down the serene back waters except for the cacophony of birds. Enjoy nature’s best in a backwater cruise in a typical houseboat in Alleppey.

• Plantation Visit – Have you ever seen tiny bulbs of cardamom hanging from the plant? Or crossed a sweet scented cinnamon tree? Well, here’s your chance. Go to a spice plantation in Alleppey and do more than just a tour… buy some for your friends and family!

• Go fishing – Yes, why deny yourself the ultimate country life experience? Try your hands at fishing in the rivers and lakes of Alleppey and who knows, you might just ‘catch’ yourself your supper!

• Trekking – Surrounded by the Western Ghat mountains and covered with thick forests, Alleppey offers excellent trekking trails for adventure enthusiasts. A packed lunch, good pair of shoes and a pair of binoculars and you all set to discover the virgin beauty of Alleppey.

To see in Alleppey

• The Nehru Boat Race – Yes, if you chance to be in Alleppey in the second week of August, you cannot miss out on this one. The frenzy in the audience is addictive and the race is simply engrossing.

• Periyar Lake – A trip down the Periyar Lake and to the Alleppey Wildlife Sanctuary, be assured to meet and see exotic wildlife and various migratory birds. As you enter the wooded areas of the Lake, you can meet bison, deer and many other inhabitants of the forest. Besides lounging and gazing at the beautiful mountains, keep an eye out for rare migratory birds on the banks.

• Kalaripayattu and Kathakali cultural programmes – Ancient self defence mechanism and a traditional dance form, both Kalaripayattu and Kathakali are a symbolic display of a rich culture and heritage. Make sure you are a part of both in your visit to Alleppey.

• Kanakakkunnu Palace – Visit the Kanakakkunnu Palace for its regal splendour and architectural excellence of the Travancore Maharajas, with gabled pagoda style of architecture. Royal extravagance marks this beautiful place adorned with large crystal chandeliers and exquisite pieces of royal furniture.

• Kuttanad – A visit to Kuttanad is a must not only for its natural rustic beauty, but for the mere fact that the waterways are above the farming land!