Alleppey is one of the most beautiful place in Kerala. Its also called Alappuzha, but mostly peoples say Alleppey only. When someone talks about Kerala tourism, Alleppey name will always come first or second. This place is very famous for backwaters, houseboats, beaches and village life. Many tourist from India and foreign countries come here every year.
Alleppey is not a very big city, but it has something special which makes peoples fall in love with it. Life here is slow, calm and peaceful. You won’t see big buildings everywhere, instead you will see water, trees and small houses. If you want to relax and forget busy life, Alleppey is perfect place.
In this article, I will explain about Alleppey tourist places, why they are famous and what you can see there.
Backwaters of Alleppey – Main Attraction
Backwaters are the heart of Alleppey. Without backwaters, Alleppey is nothing. This backwater is like long water roads, with canals, rivers and lakes connected together. On both sides of water, you can see coconut trees, green fields and village houses.
When you sit near backwaters, you can feel fresh air and silence. Sometimes you can hear birds sound and water moving slowly. Local peoples use boats for daily travel, like going to school, market or temple. This is very interesting to see.
Many tourist come only to see backwaters. They take photos, videos and just sit quietly near water. Morning time and evening time is best to enjoy backwaters. This is the most peaceful tourist place in Alleppey.
Houseboat Experience – Very Famous Thing
Houseboats are very very famous in Alleppey. Almost everyone who visit Alleppey want to stay in houseboat. These boats are made of wood and bamboo earlier, now some are modern also. Local name of houseboat is Kettuvallam.
Staying in houseboat is different feeling. The boat moves slowly in water and you can see villages, trees and birds from inside. Inside houseboat, there are bedrooms, bathroom, small hall and kitchen. Some houseboats are luxury, some are simple.
Food in houseboat is cooked by staff and it is very tasty. Mostly Kerala food like rice, fish curry, vegetables and coconut dishes. At night time, houseboat stop near water side and you can sleep peacefully.
Some peoples say houseboat is costly, yes it is little expensive. But if you can afford, you should try once. It is main attraction of Alleppey tourism.
Alappuzha Beach – Simple and Nice
Alappuzha Beach is a nice place to visit in Alleppey. This beach is not very crowded like Goa or other beaches. That is why many peoples like it. The beach is clean and long, with golden sand and coconut trees.
One main thing in this beach is Alleppey Lighthouse. It is very old lighthouse and looks beautiful. You can climb the lighthouse and see sea and town view. Evening time sunset looks very nice here.
Local peoples come here with family in evening time. Children play, some peoples walk, some sit and talk. There are small shops selling ice cream, tea and snacks. This beach is good place to relax.
Vembanad Lake – Big Lake in Kerala
Vembanad Lake is the biggest lake in Kerala and very important for Alleppey. Many houseboats pass through this lake. The lake looks very wide and calm.
In morning time, you can see mist on water and birds flying. Fishermens come early morning to catch fish. This lake is also famous for Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
Tourist take boat rides in this lake and enjoy the view. It is good place for photography. Vembanad Lake makes Alleppey more beautiful.
Marari Beach – Quiet Beach Near Alleppey
Marari Beach is near Alleppey and it is very peaceful. This beach is not crowded and very clean. Mostly foreign tourist come here. The beach is surrounded by coconut trees and small villages.
You can walk on the beach, swim in water or just sit and relax. Sunset time is very beautiful. The sky becomes orange and pink color. Many resorts are near Marari Beach.
If you want calm and silence, Marari Beach is good tourist place near Alleppey.
Kuttanad – Village Area and Paddy Fields
Kuttanad is called Rice Bowl of Kerala. This area is very special because farming is done below sea level. You can see big green paddy fields and water canals everywhere.
Life in Kuttanad is very simple. Peoples wake up early, go to fields, catch fish and do farming. When you travel by boat, you can see ducks, farmers and village houses.
This place shows real Kerala village life. It is not luxury place, but very natural and beautiful. Many tourist like Kuttanad because it feels real.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race – Big Festival
Nehru Trophy Boat Race is very famous event in Alleppey. It happens every year in August month. Long boats called snake boats race in water. Each boat has many rowers.
Thousands of peoples come to watch this race. There is shouting, cheering and drum sound. It feels like festival. Tourist from different countries also come to see this.
If you visit Alleppey during boat race time, you are lucky. It is exciting and full of energy.
Pathiramanal Island – Small Green Island
Pathiramanal Island is a small island in Vembanad Lake. You need boat to reach there. The island is full of trees and birds.
Many migratory birds come here, so bird watchers like this place. It is very quiet and peaceful. There are no big buildings or shops.
This place is good for nature lovers and photography. Not many tourist know about this island, but it is very beautiful.
Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple
Ambalappuzha Temple is famous temple near Alleppey. Lord Krishna is worshipped here. The temple is very old and has traditional Kerala style.
The most famous thing here is Palpayasam, a sweet dish given to devotees. Many peoples come just to taste this.
The temple festivals are colorful and full of tradition. Even if you are not religious, you can visit to see culture.
Krishnapuram Palace – Old History Place
Krishnapuram Palace is an old palace near Alleppey. It shows how kings lived in old time. The palace has wooden architecture and paintings.
The famous painting here is Gajendra Moksham. It is very big mural painting. Inside palace, you can see old weapons, furniture and items.
This place is good for history lovers and students. It gives knowledge about Kerala history.
Local Markets and Village Walk
Walking in local markets of Alleppey is interesting. You can see fish market, vegetable market and small shops. Smell of spices and fish is everywhere.
Village walk is also nice experience. You can see small houses, temples, churches and smiling peoples. Some tourist rent bicycle and go around villages.
This shows real Alleppey life, not only tourist places.
Best Time to Visit Alleppey
Best time to visit Alleppey is from October to March. Weather is nice and not too hot. Monsoon season also looks beautiful but rain can disturb travel.
Some peoples like monsoon because less crowd and cheap price. Ayurveda treatment is popular during rainy season.
Food in Alleppey
Food in Alleppey is simple but tasty. Rice, coconut and fish are main food. Popular dishes are Karimeen Pollichathu, Appam, Puttu and fish curry.
Houseboat food is fresh and delicious. Eating food while floating on water feels special.
Conclusion
Alleppey is not just tourist place, it is feeling. Backwaters, houseboats, beaches and village life make it special. This place teaches you to slow down and enjoy life.
If you want peace, nature and simple happiness, Alleppey is best place. Once you visit, you will remember it forever.