Alleppey (Alappuzha), Kerala
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If you want to enjoy slow and relaxing cruises in the backwaters or looking forward to staying on a houseboat then 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, and decked-up houseboats, which 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 Tiruvananthapuram, the state capital. Alappuzha has a rail station. The nearest airport is at Cochin, 85 kilometres away.
Nearby Places to See
The Beaches
Alleppey has a beautiful and long stretch of beach which despite the popularity of the houseboats, has held its own in attracting tourists. It is a good getaway from the grind of waterways. An old lighthouse is seen at Vijaya beach, which also has a park. Here the remains of a pier constructed in 1862 can be seen. Alleppey was a main port during Portuguese time and the lighthouse and the pier used to guide the ships.
Alleppey has a beautiful and long stretch of beach which despite the popularity of the houseboats, has held its own in attracting tourists. It is a good getaway from the grind of waterways. An old lighthouse is seen at Vijaya beach, which also has a park. Here the remains of a pier constructed in 1862 can be seen. Alleppey was a main port during Portuguese time and the lighthouse and the pier used to guide the ships.
International Coir Museum
Located within Alleppey city, the museum was established in 2014. The various processes involved in coir netting, the information about the evolution of the industry and various other information are divulged to visitors.
Located within Alleppey city, the museum was established in 2014. The various processes involved in coir netting, the information about the evolution of the industry and various other information are divulged to visitors.
Backwater Cruise
This is the biggest highlight of Alleppey. This would take the visitors through many scenic canals, natural islands, man made islands, and nearby villages. Alleppey visit is incomplete without a backwater cruise.
This is the biggest highlight of Alleppey. This would take the visitors through many scenic canals, natural islands, man made islands, and nearby villages. Alleppey visit is incomplete without a backwater cruise.
Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum
Located in the middle of the city, it is a private museum with a large collection of antique items that includes cars, porcelain materials, sculptures, etc.
Located in the middle of the city, it is a private museum with a large collection of antique items that includes cars, porcelain materials, sculptures, etc.
St. Andrew’s Basilica
Located at Arthunkal about 21 kilometres from Alleppey, this church was built during the initial years of the 16th century. Over the course of its lifetime, it was rebuilt or renovated twice. At Edathua, 27 kilometres in the opposite direction to Arthuncal, is the church of St. George Forane built in 1810.
Located at Arthunkal about 21 kilometres from Alleppey, this church was built during the initial years of the 16th century. Over the course of its lifetime, it was rebuilt or renovated twice. At Edathua, 27 kilometres in the opposite direction to Arthuncal, is the church of St. George Forane built in 1810.
Subrahmanya Temple
Located at Haripad town about 30 kilometres from Alleppey, this famous temple is dedicated to 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.
Located at Haripad town about 30 kilometres from Alleppey, this famous temple is dedicated to 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.
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