A Peaceful Escape to Alleppey: Master the Details About This Destination to Avoid Hurdles
Alleppey or Alappuzha is home to the stunning backwaters, the best beaches, and captivating canals and lagoons. Situated on the Laccadive Sea in the state of Kerala, India, attracts millions of tourists from all over the globe. Although the place is popularly known for its relaxing and calming effect, its history dates back to the significant impact of the Dutch and British Colonial era. The magnificent buildings, man-made islands, along with nature's charm, create a view that you are going to admire till your last breath. The paddy fields, palm groves, and coconut-fringed waters make Alleppey extraordinary among various tourist destinations. The admiring view of the waves lures a wide range of birds that will be enough to reduce your stress . The houseboats gliding over the water create a rippling effect that you want to capture in your camera. Besides cherishing the natural sights, Alleppey also has museums that reveal its evolution. From gorgeous churches to intriguing palaces, you can explore it all on a trip to Alleppey. But before diving straight in, review the vital details about Alleppey, so that you can stay relieved and focus on enjoying the trip.
Important Information About Alleppey
- Location: Alappuzha district, Kerala.
- Population: Around 240,991.
- Languages: Malayalam and English.
- Currency: Indian Rupee (INR).
- Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport.
Top Things to Do in Alleppey
Like other travellers, if you are only considering Alleppey a place where you are going to see beaches, or clicking pictures with your loved ones on the streets of Alleppey, then you are mistaken, as this fantastic place is much more than this. As an answer to your curious mind, here we have stated a few of the things that will make your Alleppey trip overwhelming:
- Enjoy the kayaking: Alleppey is nestled in the lap of Mother Nature, offering a suitable spot to experience Kayaking. This water-based activity will immediately release dopamine and challenge you to conquer the stubborn waves. If you are bored with being on the shore and only thinking about how it feels to be on the water, then you must book the slots right away to get the thrill.
- Get on the magical houseboat ride: Alleppey has one of the luxury houseboat cruises that will let you immerse yourself in a world far beyond urban life. Being on a houseboat as it smoothly passes through lush green surroundings has a relaxing effect on the brain. Based on the time you have in Alleppey, you can easily spend 1-2 days, and the ideal spot is the Pukaitha River to Champakulam, and on the Pallaathuruthy River.
- Spend your evening watching Kathakali: Kathakali represents Kerala's rich cultural heritage. The artists depicted the story with their dance moves and facial expressions. The vibrant costumes and amazing makeup of the artists will not let you blink for a moment. Associate with the locals or visit the Kerala Kathakali Centre to enjoy the dance form.
- Relax your body with ayurvedic therapies: For ages, ayurvedic therapies have been known for their rejuvenating features. Whether you are staying in a hotel or any resort, it is effortless to book a session for you. The therapy includes herbal oils, full-body massage, steam bath, panchkarma, and more. By undergoing this therapy, toxins will be flushed from your body, leaving you feeling refreshed and recharged.
- Acquire basic skills of Kalaripayattu: Kalaripayattu is recognised as an ancient Indian martial art that is rooted in Kerala. To learn this, you can find several training centers where you can learn the fundamental moves of this art from experts in Kalaripayattu. This will help you enhance your physical strength, physical coordination, and improve your flexibility.
Best Places to Admire in Alleppey
Breathtaking views, pristine backdrops, and untouched natural beauty are the things that define Alleppey. Also, the place has too many sights to explore, and having too many attractions might be enough to confuse you about what you must see. Well, to reduce the burden of searching for the names where it is mandatory to travel, here are:
- St. Mary's Forane Church: One of the oldest Syrian Catholic churches in India, it features ancient artifacts, intricate architecture, and a soothing appearance. The church is situated on the banks of the Pamba River, and the reflection of the church on the water's surface will fill your eyes with happiness. If you want to witness the Portuguese culture, do not miss praying in this church.
- Alappuzha Beach: For the splendid sunrise and sunsets, arrive at Alappuzha Beach. Kayaking and paragliding are fun, adventurous activities, whether you are with family or friends. Also, the beach hosts sand festivals and beach parties appropriate for the iconic getaways. Near the beach, various small street vendors are selling local seafood you can dig into.
- Marai Beach: White sand, beachside restaurants, cosy cafes, and herds of crabs are the major attractions of being on the Marai Beach. At the moment, the beach is considered a hidden gem. Thus, this is the appropriate time to see the beauty of Marai Beach without spending much.
- Sree Subramanya Swami Temple: The temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanya, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The Lord Subramanya is worshipped as a symbol of power, youth, and virtue. With its spiritual significance, the temple is one of the oldest in this locality. There is an amazing amalgamation of ancient architecture and spirituality.
- Royal Krishnapuram Palace: Its proximity to the Sree Subramanya Swami Temple makes it more accessible for visitors. The palace is where the kings of the Kayakulam dynasty last stayed. Now the palace is open to the public so they can gain insight into the lives of their loving kings. The functional hours of the palace are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it is closed on Mondays.
Best Time to Visit Alleppey
Navigating through Alleppey is an enthralling experience. Due to its serene tranquility, that place witnesses various travellers throughout the year. But visiting in a particular season will definitely offer you a different feel. Thus, understanding the best time for planning a trip to Alleppey is essential, which can be seen below:
- Peak Season: In winter, the temperature in Alleppey ranges from 18 to 33 degrees Celsius. The winter season begins in November and lasts till February. This is considered the peak season to experience the best of Alleppey. During these months, important festivals such as Chakkulathukavu Pongal, Annual Beavh Festival, and Chettikulangara Bharani.
- Shoulder Season: With a temperature of 26 degrees Celsius, the summer season from April to June, in Alleppey. Moreover, the temperature might hit a whooping 39 degrees Celsius. Most of the tourists come to Alleppey to see the Temple festival, which takes place during March every year.
- Off-season: From July to September is the time when Alleppey observes rain. This is not ideal for those who are eager to be a part of Kayaking or boating. Due to the low availability of travellers, the prices of hotels, flights, and buses drop drastically, which can be beneficial for budget travellers.
Foods that You must Try in Alleppey
From special occasions to regular days, Alleppey has numerous dishes to relish. The dishes are mainly prepared with coconut milk, various spices, and much more. In the next points, you are going to know about the dishes that you must not miss in Alleppey:
- Puttu and kadala
- Malabar biryani
- Kerala fish curry
- Kerala sadya
- Idiyappam
- Shappu meen curry
- Ela ada
- Thalassery biryani
- Semi payasam
- Karimeen pollichathu
- Malabar porotta
- Mutton paya masala
- Paal ada pradhaman
- Grilled shrimp
- Ilanur and kallu
How to Reach Alleppey
Alleppey is a major part of Kerala, and thus, reaching this spot is not difficult. There are several ways through which you can travel to Alleppey. Moreover, prominent transportation options can be seen in the upcoming sections:
Air
One quick option to reach Alleppey is by flight. There is no airport in Alleppey; you need to book a flight to the closest airport, Cochin International Airport, which is approximately 60 km away. After arriving at this airport, you need to book a taxi that you can find standing outside the airport.
Bus
It is convenient to travel to Alleppey by bus, as it is well connected to major cities in India via NH 66, including Ernakulam, Kollam, Coimbatore, Trivandrum, and Thrissur. KSRTC buses and private buses run back and forth, making the travel easy. Within a small interval, a wide range of buses are accessible for traveling to this wonderful place. The buses come with various fares; pick the one that suits you.
Rail
If you prefer railways, you need to arrive at Alappuzha Railway Station, which connects Alleppey to various railway networks in India. As you know, most people love to travel by train. Thus, it is advised to book your tickets in advance to travel with utmost comfort.
Things to Keep in Mind While Travelling to/in Alleppey
When exploring a new place, you might get excited, and in that moment, it is easy to forget what actually makes your trip unique. Adhere to the following lines and consider them:
- Make the reservations in advance.
- Share your location with your family, especially for women solo travellers.
- Apply sunscreen.
- Be hydrated.
- Wear comfortable shoes.