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Alleppey – The Venice Of The East/ 2023

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Alappuzha or Alleppey is a famous tourist destination in the state of Kerala, India. Alleppey, the land of lagoons, leisure, and tranquility, is appropriately named the ‘Venice of the East’. Its enchanting backwaters and the lush carpet of green amidst the many crisscrossing canals curtained by palm trees, will excite the romanticist in you and soar your imagination to new dimensions of meaning.

Considered to be one of the first cities planned in Kerala, the city is astoundingly well laid out and has a corridor of waterways that will transport you, both literally and figuratively, through a journey you cannot forget.

A trip to Alleppey dictates that you take some time off exclusively for appreciating the backwaters and the scenic beauty surrounding it. Beaches, lakes, and the much-acclaimed cruise in the houseboat await you!

Rowing Away To Glory! - Alleppey's Boat Race

Thanks to the given terrain, Alleppey plays host to the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race which sees participation from a number of boat clubs across the region. It is said that the system of awarding the rolling trophy to the winning team was initiated by Jawaharlal Nehru in one of his trips to the city.

Entranced by his experience of a boat ride, he decided to recognize the effort and skill of the team that finished first.

Held on the second Saturday of August every year, this event electrifies the otherwise placid waters of Alleppey and envelops the city in its infectious spirit. This period might be good to visit Kerala, considering the heavy rains of June and July would have passed.

Famous Tourist Places In And Around Alleppey

Alleppey as a famous destination gives you a wholesome Spiritual Experience. Setting foot in this part of the world is an invitation for the spirit of nature to touch you, in tangible and intangible forms. If you further feel a need to amplify your spiritual experience by visiting the house of God, Alleppey will not disappoint you.

The city is host to a number of famous temples like the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, Mullakkal Rajeshwari Temple, Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, and Churches such as Edathua Church, St. Andrews Church, St. Sebastian's Church, Champakulam Church.

Alleppey is one of the places that St. Thomas is said to have visited during his stint in South India for the propagation of Christianity. Also commendable is Kerala's effort to preserve what remains of the advent of Buddhism in the State.

The religion started spreading its influence in Kerala even during the time of Buddha. Not many remains of its glorious past, but a glimpse can be had in the statue of Buddha (Karumadi Kuttan) carefully maintained in the city of Alleppey.

For The Best Of Nature And Its Many Hues

One of the must-see places in Alleppey is Pathiramanal, a small strip of an island that will deliver more than the brochures claim it to. Known for its diverse variety of migratory birds, Pathiramanal is home to a score of rare birds you may not sight again!

This leg of your trip will edify whatever your experience of Kerala so far has been. Entrenched in the Vembanad Lake, this island will provide an excellent vista into the best of Alleppey's landscape.

Enthralled as you might be, don't forget to visit the ‘rice bowl of Kerala’. To get a deeper feel of God's Own Country, make time to visit this countryside for its lush farms and expansive paddy fields, creating a picture-perfect feel for your holiday.

Best Time To Visit Alleppey

The safest period to travel would be anywhere between November and February.

How To Reach Alleppey

To get to Alleppey, one has the option of taking a train or a bus or a flight. The city does not have an airport, the closest one being the Kochi airport. Direct trains and buses are available from many major cities of the country. National Highway NH 47 cuts across the city and provides access to a few cities in the state.

Of Legends, Stories And Myths

If you have a hunger for historic legends and beautiful stories woven in the times of kings and queens, you will find yourself drawn to the Pandavan Rock and the Krishnapuram Palace.

As the name suggests, the Pandavan Rock derives its name from the Pandavas. It is believed that during the time they were banished from their kingdom, the Pandavas sought refuge in this particular cave.

Legends are as true as legends go, but this place is nonetheless a recommended visit for those of us who believe in the magic of the Unknown. The Krishnapuram Palace is the earthly balance to the narrative of the epic, made home by the Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma of Travancore.

Built in the 18th century, the palace has been re-built and re-structured to accommodate the hanging times and the change in its patrons. It is currently overlooked by the Archeological Department of the State of Kerala.

Alleppey Weather

Best Season / Best Time to Visit Alleppey

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • July
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

How to Reach Alleppey

  • By Road
    You can reach Alleppey by bus from selected locations such as Bangalore, Trivandrum, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Kannur, Kozhikode, Kochi etc. There are various private and Government buses that provide these services. This mode might prove to be more expensive and may not make for a comfortable journey.
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  • By Train
    Alleppey is a well connected by railways to most cities of India. Trains are available on a daily basis to major cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore etc. It is an average of 12 hours from Bangalore and Chennai and 36 hours from Mumbai.
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  • By Air
    Alleppey does not have an airport. The nearest airports are Trivandrum International Airport (150 kilometers) and Cochin International Airport (around 84 kilometers). Taxis and buses are readily available to these airports. These are major international airports in Kerala and cater to travellers across the country and abroad.
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