Alleppey is one of the nice place in Kerala. People mostly come here to relax and enjoy water life. It is also called Alappuzha but many peoples still say Alleppey only. This place is not about big shopping malls or busy city life. It is more about water, trees, boats and slow slow days.
When you reach Alleppey, first thing you will feel is calmness. Air feels fresh and everything looks green. There are many small things to do here, not very adventure type, but peaceful type. Below are some things to do in Alleppey which most tourist like.
Stay in a Houseboat
Staying in a houseboat is the main thing to do in Alleppey. Almost everyone talks about houseboat when they talk about this place. Houseboats move slowly in backwaters and you can see villages from inside.
Inside houseboat there is room, bathroom and sitting area. Food is cooked by staff inside the boat. Mostly rice, fish curry and vegetables. Food taste is simple but good.
At night, houseboat stop near water side and everything becomes very quiet. You can hear insects sound and water sound. Sleeping in houseboat feels different than hotel.
Houseboat is little expensive, but many peoples still choose it because experience is special.
Take Small Boat or Canoe Ride
If you don’t want big houseboat, you can take small boat or canoe ride. This is cheaper and also nice. Small boats go inside narrow canals where big boats cannot go.
During this ride, you can see people very close. Like washing clothes, fishing, talking, cooking. Children wave hands sometimes. It feels very real and local.
This is good thing to do if you want to see real Alleppey life.
Walk Near Backwaters and Just Sit
Sometimes best thing to do in Alleppey is doing nothing. Just sit near backwaters and watch water. You don’t need ticket or guide for this.
People sit, think, talk or just look at water. Boats pass slowly. Wind feels cool. Mind becomes calm.
Many tourist don’t do this because they want rush, but this is best experience actually.
Visit Alappuzha Beach
Alappuzha beach is nice place to visit in evening time. It is not very clean like foreign beaches but still good. Local people also come here.
You can walk on sand, see waves and enjoy sea air. There is lighthouse also near beach. It looks old and nice.
Sunset time is best. Sky color changes and looks beautiful. Kids play, families sit and eat snacks.
Go to Marari Beach
Marari Beach is near Alleppey and it is more peaceful. This beach is cleaner and less crowd. Mostly tourist from outside India come here.
There is no noise, no big shops. Just sea, sand and trees. You can walk for long time without disturbance.
If you like quiet place, Marari beach is good option.
Explore Village Side of Alleppey
Villages are everywhere in Alleppey. Small roads, canals, houses and farms. You can walk or take cycle.
People are friendly. They smile and sometimes talk also. You can see temples, churches and small shops.
Village life is slow. No hurry. This is very different from city life.
Visit Kuttanad Area
Kuttanad is area full of paddy fields and water. Farming is done below sea level here which is very unique.
You can see green fields, ducks, farmers working and boats passing. It looks very beautiful in morning time.
This place shows real Kerala village culture. No fancy things, just simple life.
Try Local Food
Eating local food is must thing to do. Food in Alleppey is not spicy like north India. Coconut is used in many dishes.
Fish curry is very common. Rice is main food. Appam, puttu and vegetables are also eaten.
Houseboat food taste better because it is fresh and cooked slowly.
Visit Temple or Church
Alleppey has many temples and churches. One famous temple is Ambalappuzha Krishna temple. People go there for prayer and sweet payasam.
Visiting such places gives calm feeling. Even if you are not religious, it is okay to visit and see culture.
See Boat Race if Lucky
If you come in August time, you might see boat race. It is very famous in Alleppey. Long boats race in water.
There is lot of noise, crowd and excitement. People shout and cheer.
If not race day, sometimes you can see practice also.
Take Photos or Just Watch Nature
Alleppey is good for photos. Water, trees, birds, boats all look good in camera.
Morning and evening time is best. Light is soft and nice.
Even if you don’t take photo, just watching nature feels good.
Conclusion
Alleppey is not about doing many activities. It is about slowing down. Sitting, watching water, eating simple food and resting.
Things to do in Alleppey are simple but meaningful. If you want break from busy life, this place is good.
Once you visit Alleppey, you will feel relaxed inside. That feeling stays for long time.