Alleppey / Alappuzha

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha is often called as "Venice of east" because of its numerous waterways. These huge networks of lagoons, canals, and lakes are the lifeline of Alleppey. Founded in 1762 by Divan of Travanacore, Raja Keshawadasan, this pristine back water town with its numerous coconut palms lined waterways & tiny villages has a laid back & relaxed feel to it, as you experience all this while sailing on your house boat! 

Alleppey was amongst the busiest trade centers and it had an excellent port along Malabar Coast. Traders from across the world came searching for souvenirs and black gold. All this was after the British established it as a trade port in the late 18th century to counteract one that was established by the Dutch. Today, Alleppey is still the center for prawn farming and Coir carpet industries. 

Sightseeing in Alleppey-

Karumadi: Only three kilometers east of Alleppey is the village of Karumadi. There is a large black granite statue there that is very famous. This sculpture is known as the Karumadi Kuttan. This statue is a left over remnant from the days that the Buddha religion was very popular in the region. Historians say that this black Buddha was carved in either the 9th or 10th century. Nowadays, Hinduism, is the more popular religion to belong to, but that does not change the beauty of this Buddha statue. The fact that it is made from black quartz makes it even more unusual, since quartz is normally associated with a gray color.

Krishnapuram Palace: The Krishnapuram Palace was built during the reign of Marthanda Varma, a Travancore king. This 18th century building was built in two-stories & crafted with traditional Kerala architectural features which include gabled roofs, dormer windows and narrow corridors. This particular palace is especially famous for its mural paintings as well as its architecture. One of the biggest mural paintings in all of Kerala is located here. This mural is called Gajendra Moksham, which when translated means "The redemption of the elephant". This magnificent piece of architecture has been converted to a museum, housing antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes is also found there at the palace. It is now taken over by the archaeological department for maintenance.

Pandavan Rock: Pandavan Rock gets its name from the Pandavas of Mahabharata who stayed in a cave here during the time of their exile. Pandavan Para, also known as the Rock of the Pandavas, this is an ideal picnic spot. It takes walking to get to this location, but it is not a hard climb. There are several vantage points with magnificent views along the trail. The panoramic view that can be seen when you reach the rocky outcrop at the top is exceptional.

Alleppey Beach: Alleppey Beach is frequently referred to as Alappuzha Beach. There is an old character-filled pier located here that is over 137 years old. Alleppey Beach is one of the most popular beaches of the state of Kerala. One thing that draws people to this beach is the facilities at Vijaya Beach Park. With the Arabian Sea to the west as well as a large network of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers nearby, the beach makes for a picture perfect postcard. The beautiful sand contrasts beautifully with the color of the water, to make for a truly picturesque location & relaxing atmosphere. Picnicking at the beach is one of the best ways to spend the day here.

Backwaters Kumarakom: Various canals, lagoons, and waterways surround Kumarakom's small cluster of islands. These numerous water ways make up what is known as the Backwaters. Tourists love to rent a houseboat here. Each houseboat commonly contains a living room, one bedroom, a bathroom, and a deck too. A local oarsman will pole the houseboat for you as you explore the beautiful scenery in the region. 

Shopping in Alleppey-  Shopping in Alleppey is confined to few small shops scattered around the backwaters. Tourists are specially recommended to buy the coir products like ropes and yarn that are sold by the local vendors. There are no shops per say, but tourists can enjoy shopping for carpets, pepper, coconut oil, areca nut, cardamom, and sugar. The prices of all the items are very reasonable.

How to Reach-

By Air: Trivandrum International Airport and Cochin International Airport are the nearest airport. Trivandrum to Alleppey (150 km) and Cochin to Allepepy (75 km) can be covered by the call taxis. Trivandrum and Cochin are connected to most of the major cities in India and have connected flights to many foreign cities.

By Train: Alleppey is well connected by train to Cochin and Trivandrum. Alleppey railway station is within the city limits.

By Bus: KSRTC buses are plenty which are connecting all the major cities in Kerala. Private luxury coach buses are available to interstate destinations like Bangalore, Chennai and Managlore.