Alleppey (Alappuzha), Kerala
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If you want to enjoy slow and relaxing cruises in the backwaters or are looking forward to staying on a houseboat, there is no better place than Alleppey, the Venice of the East. The city is known worldwide for its enchantingly beautiful waterways and houseboats. The coconut trees that line up on either side of the waterways add such a charm to the locales it looks unreal. If we are to look at the map, then it can be noticed that many rivulets snake towards Alleppey. These natural waterways have surrounded the city and, on their way to the sea, have created heavenly waterways that are ideal for houseboat tourism. The city has probably the largest number of bridges in India because of these waterways. If you go on a cruise then it is a feast for the eyes with coconut trees, paddy fields, heritage buildings, green hyacinth cover, small bridges, coloured boats, decked-up houseboats, mind you it is a different world altogether. November to March is the best time to visit Alleppey. The city is about 55 kilometres from Cochin and approximately 145 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital. Alappuzha has a rail station. The nearest airport is at Cochin, 85 kilometres away.
Nearby Places to See
It’s a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the canals. Vijaya Beach features a park and a historic lighthouse. The 1862 pier that was built here is now only a shell. The lighthouse and pier at Alleppey helped guide ships into the port back when it was used by the Portuguese.
International Coir Museum
The city of Alleppey now hosts the International Coir Museum, which opened in 2014. Visitors are given insight into the production of coromandel netting, the history of the industry, and other topics.
The best thing to do in Alleppey is to go on a cruise through the backwaters. This route would take tourists past a number of picturesque canals, islands (both natural and man-made), and towns. Backwater cruising in Alleppey is a must for any visitor.
This historic temple dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries and can be found in Ambalapuzha, 15 kilometres from Alleppey. The renovated temple has a beautiful pond in front.
In the heart of the metropolis is the Revi Karuna Karan Memorial Museum, a private institution housing an extensive collection of antique automobiles, ceramics, sculptures, and other objects.
The St. Andrews Basilica was constructed in the early 1600s and is situated in Arthunkal, about 21 kilometres from Alleppey. Two separate reconstructions or refurbishments were performed on it over the course of its existence. The church of St. George Forane was constructed in 1810 and is located at Edathua, which is 27 kilometres away from Arthuncal.
Subrahmanya Temple
Haripad town, about 30 kilometres from Alleppey, is home to the Subrahmanya Temple, a well-known shrine dedicated to the god Nagadeva. The revered temple has nearly a thousand sculptures of Nagadeva all along the path and in the precincts. It is one of the largest temples dedicated to Subrahmanya.
Things to Buy
Things to buy include Spices, Pepper, Carpets made of coir, Other materials made of Coir, Artefacts, Carved materials.
Foods to Relish
Appam, Seafood, Stew, Karimeen Delicacies (Various dishes prepared from freshwater fish), Konchu delicacies (dishes prepared from prawns), Various fish curries, Non-vegetarian Biryanis.
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