Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha is an important tourist destination in Kerala. Also popularly known as the Venice of the East, Alleppey is interlocked with lakes and canals which provide the Alleppey its lifeline. Kerala's network of navigable backwaters covers an amazing 900 kilometres with Vembanad Lake stretching up to Kochi, the rivers Achankovil, Manimala and Pamba and a network of canals providing means for inland navigation. Allepey with its picturesque realm of beautiful backwaters, palm fringed canals, mirror still lagoons, picture book lakesides and silvery waves of emerald blue Arabian Sea makes for a memorable holiday. There are many paddy fields in the district especially in Kuttanad which is known as the 'rice bowl of Kerala'.
Temperature ranges from 22 to 35°C in summer and 20 to 32°C during winters. The best time to visit Alleppey is during the winter season. The ideal time is August-September and February-March.
Nehru Cup Snake Boat Race
Most famous attraction in Alappuzha is its spectacular The Nehru Cup Snake Boat race held on the second Saturday of August, every year. This boat race is named after India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who inaugurated this race in 1952. Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held in the Punnamada Lake near Alleppey. This event is a major tourist attraction in the state. It is estimated that some two lakh spectators come to witness this spectacular show.
Houseboat cruise
Alappuzha has emerged as a famous backwater tourist centre in the recent past. Kerala Houseboats or kettuvallam cruise along the backwaters of Alleppey is a major attraction among the tourists. This cruise gives a breath-taking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala. Kettuvallams are luxuriously equipped and vary from single bed room to five bed rooms and come with living rooms, bathrooms, an equipped kitchenette & air-conditioning too. This entire boat was held together with coir knots only, not even a single nail is used during its construction. Hence the boats are called Kettuvallams or 'boat with knots'. A backwater cruise on Kettuvallams or the house-boats which come in all shapes and sizes takes you along canals past scenic islands offering sublime and panoramic view of lush green paddy fields, coir villages and towering coconut trees thus giving an enchanting holiday experience. The backwater cruise gives you the pleasure of drifting through quiet canals lined with coconut palms, relishing the authentic Kerala food and mesmerising experience of sleeping under a galaxy of stars with cool night wind drifting across.
Places to visit in Alleppey
Karumadi
This place is located three kilometres east of Alleppey. Here there is a large black granite statue of Buddha which is very famous. The statue is believed to be carved in 10th or 11th century. The statue is located on the banks of Punnamada Lake in the backwaters.
Krishnapuram Palace
Located at a distance of 47 km from Alappuzha here you can find an 18th century building built during the reign of Marthanda Varma. The place is noted for its typical Kerala architecture. Another attraction is the largest mural called Gajendra Moksham which is displayed here. There is also a museum of antique sculptures, paintings and bronze articles in the palace.
Pandavan Rock
It is a popular picnic spot. It is believed that pandavas of the great epic Mahabharata stayed in the caves here. You can get a panoramic view when you reach the rocky outcrop at the top.
Alleppey Beach
Alleppey Beach, also known as Alappuzha Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Kerala. The beach also houses an old lighthouse which is 1,000 ft. in height built by Captain Hugh Crawford in 1862. Another attraction is an old character-filled pier located here that is over 137 years old. This is a picturesque location with Arabian Sea to the west and large network of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers nearby. The beautiful garden on the shore adds to the exclusive sight.
Pathiramannal
It is a small island found on the Vembanad Lake. This mesmerising island attracts hundreds of rare migratory birds like golden-backed woodpeckers, night herons, kingfishers, paradise fly-catchers etc. from different parts of the world. It is a birdwatchers paradise.
St. Andrew's church
St. Andrew's church, located in Alleppey, is one of the most popular churches, located in Alleppey. It is a Scottish Presbyterian Church. Construction of this church was started 1864 & was completed in 1866.
Ambalapuzha Temple
It is built in a typical Kerala architectural style and dedicated to lord Krishna. This temple is famous for the Palpayasam, the daily offering of sweet milk porridge.
Chettikulangara Bhagawathy Temple
Popular belief among the people is that deity of the Bhagawathy temple has miraculous healing powers. The temple is famous for resave oil lamp made from granite which can hold more than 1000 wicks.
Vemband Lake
It is the largest lake in Kerala and India. Major attraction of this lake in the annual snake boat race held in August. Distinctive feature of the lake is that it has been divided into two parts by the Thannermukkom salt water barrier. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the east coast of the lake which is home for many unique species of birds.
There are many other places worth visiting in the vicinity like Kanakakkumu Palace, Kuttanad, Marai beach, Mannarasala, Chavaran Bhawan, Champakulam Church, Punnapra etc.
The Kochi International Airport is the closest airport to Alleppey. It is situated at a distance of 64 km. Another airport the Trivandrum International Airport is 159 km to the south. The Alleppey Railway Station is 5 km from the central bus stand and the boat jetty. Alleppey is well connected to Cochin and Trivandrum by train. Alleppey is well is connected to all-important towns in south India by public state transport buses. There are many KSRTC buses connecting all major cities in Kerala. Alleppey is also well linked by boat services through the backwaters to Quilon, Changanassery, Kottayam, Cochin, Kumarakom, Kavalam, Chengannur and Kuttanad places. There are many accommodation facilities available here ranging from Star Hotels and Luxury Resorts to budget hotels catering to different budgets.