Experience Alleppey: A Backwater Adventure

The backwater area of Alleppey is situated in the southern part of Kerala and it is often called the ‘Venice of the Eastern World’. It is famous for the hills, backwaters tourist boats, lush greenery, and gorgeous views, and much less polluted or crowded than cities. It is comparatively a more relaxed and pollution-free area compared to cities. For visitors who want to enjoy nature, art, and culture, or simply want to relax, Alleppey has some kind of magic.

How to Reach Alleppey?

1. By Air:

The closest airport is located in Cochin, 75 kilometres or 47 miles from Alleppey. After arriving at the airport, you can get a taxi or use an application such as Uber to get to Alleppey. The trip usually takes 1 ½ to 2 hours. For those not willing to stretch their budget, then taking a bus to Alleppey from the Aluva bus station or Ernakulam can be great.

2. By Train:

Alleppey also has its own railway station known as Alappuzha Railway Station connecting all major cities of India. Services like Kochi, Trivandrum, Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai trains are available frequently. Opt for express trains such as Alleppey Express or Kerala Express if you want comfortable rides.

3. By Road:

Getting to Alleppey is not much of a problem because the place boasts of good roads hence visiting by car or by bus is possible. KSRTC runs ordinary, luxury, and sleeper coaches from major cities of Kerala and neighbouring states to Alleppey at regular intervals. There are always private buses for those willing to pay a few extra bucks for the ride.

Best Time to Visit Alleppey

1. Winter Season (December to February)

The best time to visit Alleppey is in the winter season extended from December to February. This period has a fairly good climate with moderate temperatures, which can be good for touring and sightseeing. Beautiful views of the backwaters are possible due to the clear skies. Also, many tourist attractions and related activities are most productive during this season of the year.

2. Summer Season (Mach to May)

This place experiences a hot and warm climate during the summer, ranging between 25°C to 37°C (77°F to 99°F). However, not very favourable to travel, but summer can also be enjoyable as most travellers are off and the place remains less busy. If you can take the heat, you can get several discounts on houseboats, lodgings, and excursion packages. It is wiser to go out in the morning and at night because the scorching sun is not very dominant during this time.

3. Monsoon Season (June to September)

Monsoon brings a lot of green trees and plants to the Alleppey and thus makes it an irresistible beauty. Excess rainfall enhances the beauty of the backwaters and other areas with lots of charm and romance. This season is ideal for lovers of the natural and unspoilt countryside of Kerala. Some activities, such as water sports, may be affected by weather.

Places to Visit in Alleppey

1. Alleppey Backwaters

The backwaters of Alleppey are considered its pride and joy. The best and indeed the only way to appreciate the many interconnected canals, lagoons, and lakes is by taking a houseboat ride. What you will get to see is beautiful scenery, including paddy fields, coconut trees, and beautiful village scenery. It makes for an excellent and not-be-missed experience for anyone visiting Alleppey.

2. Alleppey Beach

Alleppey Beach is famous for its clean golden sand, which is calm and nice for an evening walk or observing the superb sunsets. The wooden winding over the beach, especially the old pier that still stretches far into the sea, brings in a little historic flavor. It is one of the best areas frequently visited by tourists for photography and other recreational purposes.

3. Krishnapuram Palace

This historical palace represents the traditional architecture of Kerala. it is situated approximately 47 kilometres away from Alleppey. It contains Kerala’s largest mural painting, Gajendra Moksham, and has Kursavaahana Sevai Mizabut. This place should be on every traveller’s list for history and art lovers.

4. Vembanad Lake

This is one of the largest and most stunning lakes. It is the longest lake in India and is part of the backwater region of Kerala. Best for bird watching, fishing, boating, and the like. The snake boat races that occur during the Onam festival are held at the lake and therefore, visitors will definitely get an opportunity to learn about the culture of the people.

5. Kuttanad Region

Local people also called the place the “Rice Bowl of Kerala” for its’ stunning landscapes of paddy fields, canals, and traditional means of cultivation. Another feature of this area is the ability to see farmers tilling on or slightly above the sea level.

Things to Do in Alleppey

1. Houseboat Cruises:

Take a luxury houseboat backwater cruise tour in Alleppey. You should enjoy the amazing cliffs, the beautiful deep green forests, calm and clear water as well as lovely small villages. One should equally look out for some of the birding specials such as the kingfisher, as well as some of the heron species.

2. Beach Tours:

This is even one of the best beach outing destinations where you could take a bath in the sea or just spend some time taking a sunshine bath at the beach. Aquatic interaction exercises including canoeing, kayaking, and windsurfing are possible. Buy seafood and eat at some of the famous restaurants with a background view of the beach.

3. Ayurvedic Therapies:

Get to know the actual Ayurvedic procedures, treatments, and massages. Experience luxuries such as massages including Abhyanga, brain-bathing Shirodhara, and nose treatments Nasyam.

4. Village Tours:

They have interesting sites where you can experience the simple village life of the people. Travel to conventional backwater villages to watch the vocation of the fishing and farming activities of the area. Know something about their culture, tradition, and craftsmanship.

5. Enjoy Snake Boat Races:

Experience the thrilling Snake Boat Races, which is a colourful fetch in the state of Kerala. Appreciate the elaborately decorated snake boats and the well-choreographed oarsmen into the water. Feel the excited vibe and watch a match to support the team of champions.

Where to Stay in Alleppey?

Some of Kerala’s best backwater resorts, houseboats, and upscale hotels can be found at Alleppey. Visitors can check in at any of the Alleppey hotels or resorts, whether they are traveling alone, with friends, family, or coworkers.