Alleppey Tourism | Places to Visit | Things To Do

This lovely town of sapphire blue backwaters in the state of Kerela is a most popular tourist destination and a place becomes popular only when people start finding it irresistible. You’ll understand this with regards to Alappuzha when you have cruised on a houseboat in the backwaters. Alleppey, popularly known as the “Venice of East”, is located on the west coast of Kerala. The name of the place has been rechristened to Alappuzha.

The huge backwaters, with a large numbers of canals and lagoons running across them give a Venetian deja-vu effect. An enchanting boat ride in the famous backwaters, the famous Allapuzha beach, and the revered Sri Krishna temple are some of the local delights to be enjoyed.

The mind-blowingly grand Nehru Trophy boat race is held here each year during Pongal on the Punnamada Lake. It is usually held every second Saturday of August has become an important tourist event in Alleppey. Each boat is sponsored by a different village. The long race boats can hold up to 120 rowers, 60 in each row. The rowers are inspired by rousing traditional music. Bated breaths and snazzy snake boats make for a smashing experience and if you are a party person then know this that people of this town party for 10 days straight during the month of December for mullackal chirap.
You must go pay a visit to the beach and let the sight of the Laccadive Sea seep into your mind and body. This place holds plenty of attractions for the religiously devoted souls and also those who are interested in exploring the Indian culture. There are the Mannarasala, Chettikulangara Devi, Haripada Subhramanya Swamy, Mullakal and Ambalappuzha temples. The Mullakal’s presiding Goddess is Ma Rajrajeshwari and the Mannarasala Temple is dedicated to Nagaraj. It is rather interesting to see the 30000 images it has of snakes. This temple organizes the Mannarasala Aayilyam festival which is a very colourful affair.

The churches Arthunkal Basilica Edathua and the Alappuzha CSI Christ are testimonies to the nation’s colonial past. The latter happens to be the oldest Anglican church in God’s own country, Kerala. The Champakulam Valia Palli also forms a part of the same set of lovely churches in the city. The Krishnapuram Palace, with its homely air, ancient relics and fascinating secret escape routes is one interesting place to spend some time at.

Alleppey is known for its coir products from numerous factories all over the area. A tour of such factories can be arranged by Kerala Tourist’s Development Corporation. The coir products like, door mats, souvenirs, etc. are immensely popular in this area.

There are lots of hotels and resorts in Alleppey. The hotels suit any traveler with prices ranging from affordable to the most expensive rates.
Exciting boat rides, delicious Kerala food, relaxation therapy in Ayurvedic Spas, and coir souvenirs to carry back home make the visit tremendously memorable. Alleppey caters to people of several interests and preferences and therefore it’s a place so close to the hearts of the tourists.