The hub of Kerala’s backwaters tourism- Alleppey

by Sandeep M. Tour and travel

Alleppey’s main claim to fame is the exotic backwaters. The houseboats have luxury accommodations for the guests. The Alleppey beach also is a great place to spend an afternoon. Here is a short description of the Venice of the East.

Alleppey, commonly as Alappuzha, is the administrative headquarter of Alappuzha district of Kerala. A very beautiful place, Alleppey is the gateway to Kerala. The land of exotic backwaters, Alleppey is one of the most visited places of Kerala. The city is 62 km away from Kochi is a perfect blend of natural beauty and history. The lush greenery and the reflections on the backwaters will make you fall for the place. It is one of the popular destinations for newlywed couples. With immense natural beauty, Alleppey has rightly been termed as the “Venice of the East” by the British.

In the past, it was one of the busiest trade centres and now it is popular for coir trade. Since last 5 years, Kerala is celebrating annual coir festival here in Alleppey. Alleppey is also known for its prawn farming. The uniqueness of Alleppey is that it is the only place in Kerala without any forest ranges. But still, the lines of coconut trees make Allepey a picture-perfect place. Alleppey means land between sea where the network of rivers flows into it. Alleppey’s main claim to fame is the backwaters and it the hub for backwaters tourism.

A great deal of stagnant water and a night spent on houseboat will make your Alleppey trip worthy. The houseboats are the new addition to the tourism of the Kerala’s backwaters. The houseboats which are known as Kettuvalloms were retrieved from the age-old cargo vessels. Kettuvalloms are well-furnished and provided with all the basic as well as luxurious accommodations. These kettuvalloms in general have 2 bedrooms and attached bathrooms and a ride on these can take you through Kottayam, Kumarakom and Kuttanad areas. Apart from the houseboats, there are many hotels in Alleppey as other choices of accommodation.

Alleppey is the “rice bowl of India” and the modern kettuvalloms were actually rice boats. Alappuzha beach was the busiest coast of Mumbai and now a popular tourist spot of Alleppey. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, St Andrew’s Basilica, Krishnapuram Palace Museum, etc. are some of the popular places to visit in Alleppey. Every year on the second Saturday of August, the fantastic Aranmula snake-boat race is held here. It is a feast for eyes to watch the boat cut through the waters like the wind. It is one of the exciting experiences to watch the boat race.

The best time to visit Alleppey is from September to March. The Cochin International Airport is 75 km away and it the nearest airport from Alleppey. It is connected to major cities by regular flights. Kerala State Run Transport Corporation buses connect Alleppey to other states. Even the railway station connects well. Hotels in Alleppey also offer pick and drop facilities from the railway station.

Author Bio: Sandeep is an experienced travel consultant, who enjoys travelling and loves to write about the destinations he has been to and shares his experience. He also writes about travel tips, world's best holiday destinations, best hotels in a destination, travel packages, and flight information.