Alleppey
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Alleppey

Alleppey, Kerala, India

Alleppey: Where Kerala's Backwaters Whisper Serenity Alleppey, officially known as Alappuzha and fondly called the "Venice of the East," is a captivating destination nestled in the heart of Kerala, India. This enchanting…

#Backwaters#Houseboats#Canals#Coconut trees#Kerala cuisine
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Alleppey.

Top Hotels in Alleppey

Top Flights to Alleppey

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Alleppey.

Tours

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Tour

Witness diverse species of birds in their natural habitat at the scenic Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

Alleppey Beach and Sea Bridge

Stroll along Alleppey Beach and explore the historic Sea Bridge with its rich history.

Explore the Alleppey Lighthouse

Visit the iconic Alleppey Lighthouse, climb to the top for a panoramic view of the coastal city and learn about its maritime history.

Alappuzha Lighthouse Visit

Climb the historic Alappuzha Lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the Alleppey coastline.

Shikara Ride through Alleppey Backwaters

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon Shikara ride exploring the serene backwaters of Alleppey, witnessing the lush green landscape and traditional lifestyle along the canals.

Alleppey City Walking Tour

Explore the vibrant streets and markets of Alleppey, discovering local culture and historical landmarks.

Explore Krishnapuram Palace

Visit the magnificent Krishnapuram Palace, known for its mural paintings and heritage architecture. Explore the museum and stroll through the lush gardens.

Backwater Canal Cruise

Explore the serene backwaters of Alleppey on a traditional houseboat, experiencing the picturesque landscapes and tranquil waters.

Visit Revi Karunakaran Museum

Explore the renowned Revi Karunakaran Museum, which showcases a unique collection of art and artefacts in Alleppey.

Kathakali Dance Performance

Experience the rich tradition of Kerala's Kathakali dance, a classical form known for its elaborate costumes and expressive gestures. Held at a local cultural center in Alleppey.

Explore the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple

Visit one of Kerala's iconic temples, known for its traditional Kerala architectural style and its offerings of sweet rice pudding - 'Palpayasam'.

Explore Marari Village

Stroll through the quaint Marari village, known for its traditional fishing culture and serene ambiance. This sightseeing tour allows you to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race Experience

Experience the thrill of watching the famous snake boat races held annually on the Punnamada Lake.

Shopping

Mullakkal Street Shopping

Explore the bustling streets of Mullakkal, a shopper's paradise with a variety of local products.

Outdoor

Marari Beach Excursion

Enjoy the golden sands and gentle waves of Marari Beach, a perfect spot for relaxation and leisure activities.

Pathiramanal Island Adventure

A short boat ride to Pathiramanal Island for nature walks and bird watching amid lush greenery.

Morning at Marari Beach

Relax and unwind at the beautiful Marari Beach in Alleppey, known for its serene environment and scenic views.

Sunset Houseboat Tour

Enjoy a relaxing sunset tour on a traditional Kerala houseboat, experiencing the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey.

Sunset at Punnapra Beach

Relax and enjoy a scenic sunset at Punnapra Beach, one of Alleppey's beautiful coastal spots.

Kayaking at Vembanad Lake

Experience the tranquility of the largest lake in Kerala by kayaking through its serene waters. Enjoy the lush greenery and local wildlife sightings during this exhilarating adventure.

R Block Kayaking Adventure

Explore the scenic backwaters of Alleppey by kayaking through the R Block area. Enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the narrow canals.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Alleppey.

Currency
₹ | INR | Indian Rupee
Population
Alleppey's approximate estimated total population is about 177,000.
Languages
Malayalam, Malayalam, English
Average weather
Alleppey
Jan
sun
31°23°
Feb
sun
31°24°
Mar
hot
32°25°
Apr
hot
32°26°
May
rain
31°26°
Jun
rain
29°25°
Jul
rain
28°24°
Aug
rain
28°24°
Sep
rain
29°24°
Oct
rain
30°24°
Nov
cloud
30°24°
Dec
sun
31°23°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Alleppey.

What people love

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a popular tourist destination in Kerala, India, known for its picturesque backwaters, network of canals, beaches, and houseboat cruises. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Alleppey:

  1. Houseboat Experience: Alleppey is famous for its houseboat cruises on the backwaters, offering a unique and peaceful way to explore the region. You can enjoy the serene beauty of the backwaters while relaxing on a traditional houseboat.

  2. Scenic Beauty: The backwaters of Alleppey are stunning, with lush green landscapes, coconut palms, and tranquil waterways. It's a great place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature.

  3. Beaches: Alleppey is home to several beautiful beaches, such as Alappuzha Beach and Marari Beach, where you can relax, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports.

  4. Water Activities: In addition to houseboat cruises, Alleppey offers opportunities for activities like kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on the backwaters.

  5. Cultural Experience: Alleppey is known for its rich culture and heritage, with traditional dance performances, festivals, and local cuisine that give visitors a glimpse into Kerala's vibrant culture.

  6. Ayurvedic Treatments: Alleppey is a hub for Ayurvedic treatments and wellness retreats, where you can rejuvenate your mind and body with traditional Ayurvedic therapies.

  7. Delicious Cuisine: Kerala is famous for its delicious food, and Alleppey is no exception. Don't miss the opportunity to try local specialties like seafood dishes, appam with stew, and banana chips.

Overall, Alleppey offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and relaxation, making it a fantastic destination for travelers looking to unwind and immerse themselves in the charm of Kerala's backwaters.

Enjoy your trip to Alleppey!

What to know

Traveling to Alleppey, located in Kerala, India, can have a few cons to be aware of:

  1. Monsoon Season: Alleppey experiences heavy rain during the monsoon season (June to September), which can affect travel plans and outdoor activities. Flooding and waterlogging can also be common in certain areas during this time.

  2. Crowded Houseboat Tours: Alleppey is famous for its backwaters and houseboat tours, but during peak tourist season, these tours can get very crowded and noisy, detracting from the peaceful experience that many travelers seek.

  3. High Humidity: Kerala, in general, has a tropical climate with high humidity levels throughout the year. This can be uncomfortable for some travelers, especially those not accustomed to such weather conditions.

  4. Mosquitoes and Insects: Being a coastal region with many water bodies, Alleppey can have a higher presence of mosquitoes and other insects. Travelers should take necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

  5. Limited Connectivity: Some remote areas in Alleppey may have limited internet connectivity and mobile network coverage, which can be inconvenient for travelers who rely heavily on staying connected.

  6. Tourist Crowds: Alleppey is a popular tourist destination, especially for its backwaters and houseboat experiences. During peak tourist seasons, the town can get crowded, leading to long queues at popular attractions and busy streets.

While Alleppey has its cons, it is also a beautiful destination with unique experiences to offer. It's essential to plan your trip considering these factors to have a smooth and enjoyable visit.

Alleppey, known officially as Alappuzha, is a city in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is renowned for its picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons, and is often referred to as the "Venice of the East." Here's a detailed history of Alleppey:

Ancient and Medieval History

  • Ancient Times: The region where Alleppey is located has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of trade links with ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome.
  • Medieval Period: During the medieval period, the area was part of the kingdom of the Chera dynasty, which was known for its extensive spice trade.

Modern History

  • 18th Century: The modern history of Alleppey begins with its development as a trade center under Raja Kesavadas, the Dewan of the Kingdom of Travancore, in 1762. He recognized the location's potential for trade due to its proximity to the Arabian Sea and worked on developing the port.
  • 19th Century: The British colonial period saw the further development of Alleppey as a major port town. The introduction of a network of canals facilitated the transport of goods, particularly coir, which was a significant industry in the region.

Post-Independence

  • 1947 Onwards: After India gained independence in 1947, Alleppey continued to grow, with the decline of the port being offset by the rise of the coir industry and later, tourism.
  • 1957: The formation of the state of Kerala on linguistic lines saw Alleppey become a part of this new state.

Significant Events

  • Kuttanad Development Scheme: This was undertaken to address the issues of waterlogging and to improve agriculture in the Kuttanad region, which is part of Alleppey.
  • Floods: Alleppey has faced several floods due to its geographic location, with significant ones occurring in recent years, impacting the livelihood and infrastructure.

Historical Figures

  • Raja Kesavadas (1745–1799): As the Dewan of Travancore, he is credited with the development of Alleppey as a major port and trade center.
  • Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma: The last ruling Maharaja of Travancore, his period saw various infrastructural developments in the region.

Important Landmarks

  • Alleppey Lighthouse: Built in 1862, it is one of the oldest lighthouses on the western coast of India.
  • Krishnapuram Palace: Located near Alleppey, this 18th-century palace is known for its architecture and the mural, Gajendra Moksha.
  • Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple: Famous for its architectural beauty and the Palpayasam (sweet milk porridge) served here.
  • Backwaters and Houseboats: The backwaters are a hallmark of Alleppey's geography and have become a major tourist attraction, with houseboat cruises providing a unique experience.

Cultural Significance

  • Nehru Trophy Boat Race: Held annually on the Punnamada Lake, this is one of the most popular snake boat races in Kerala and attracts tourists from all over the world.

Alleppey's blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it a unique and significant part of Kerala's heritage.