Alappuzha

The city of Alappuzha,  also known as Alleppey, is situated in Kerala. Alappuzha is the smallest district in Kerala with a long coastline and many lagoons and backwaters. It is often called the Venice of the East due to the canals that connect it to Kerala's famous snaking backwaters. The district headquarters is 70 km south of Cochin.

Understand
Alappuzha has a wonderful past that owes its modern existence to the efforts of Diwan Raja Kesavadas in the second half of the 18th century. Diwan Raja Kasavadas was instrumental in making Alappuzha a major port city in his time and for developing the system of inland canals, used for transportation and navigation, that is seen today.

The name Alappuzha means "the land between the sea and network of rivers flowing into it". It is a fitting name: there are a significant number of canals, backwaters, beaches and lagoons in and around the city.

Alappuzha, and Kerala in general, has excellent weather due to its proximity to the ocean. The temperature rarely goes above 35 °C and never below 20 °C. The best time to visit is from September to March. The monsoon, from June to August, always brings heavy wind and rains. This is an excellent time to visit if you want to partake in a bit of monsoon tourism.

By plane
Cochin International Airport. This is the nearest airport. Expect to pay about ₹450 for a taxi to get from Cochin airport to Cochin, and then more for a bus or train to Alappuzha. Another option is to take a local bus from nearby Athani, reachable by rickshaw. Alternatively, there are airports in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kozhikode (Calicut), Chennai, and Bangalore and you can catch a train to Alappuzha.

By train
Train service is available to Alappuzha from different parts of Kerala such as Kochi (Cochin), Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode, and from other major cities in India such as Chennai, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Coimbatore, Mumbai (Bombay), New Delhi, Mangalore, and Kolkata. If you are coming from Hyderabad, you can take the Sabari Express.



By bus
There are bus services operating from Cochin (1 hr 45 min, ₹75 for KSRTC), Thiruvananthapuram (3½ hours, ₹150 for KSRTC), Kozhikode, Chennai, Bangalore (overnight luxury ₹800), Mysore, Coimbatore (overnight ₹250) to Alappuzha.

By car
The entire Alappuzha district is well-connected by NH 66 (formerly NH 47). It goes via the Alappuzha, Ambalapuzha and Cherthala towns. Alappuzha is well connected to other cities Kochi, Kottayam, Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore by road.

Tourist taxis are the most convenient way to travel from attraction to attraction, especially while travelling as a group. They can be found at most airports and railway stations.

By bus
Like elsewhere in Kerala, Alappuzha has a cheap and efficient local bus system. You can catch buses to almost eerywhere from the KSRTC bus stand, Alappuzha.

By autorickshaw
This is a cheap means of transportation between attractions. Make sure you agree on a price first. You can bargain or contact the tourist centre nearby to confirm the auto charges in the area before you set out.

By taxi
Local taxis are also available for what many western wallets would consider cheap. There are car rental companies that offer cars with drivers or self-drive options. Rates often start at around ₹7 per km and increase depending on the extra features you select (i.e. whether you want a driver or a car with air-conditioning). If you are unfamiliar with the area, or with driving on Indian roads, you should get a driver as well, who will also be able to recommend places to eat and visit.

By boat
A visit to Alappuzha would not be complete without making a journey by boat. In some cases, such as visiting Kuttanad, boats are the preferred method of transport as some locations are inaccessible by road.

There are ferry services between places, widely used by the locals, which are a scenic way of getting around.

The government-run Kerala State Water Transport Corporation (KSWTC) boats are there at the boat jetty opposite to Alappuzha KSRTC bus stand. One can use the service and alight at any preferred location at cheap rates by making use of the service. Tourist boat service to the Kollam district is also available from Alappuzha boat jetty at reasonable price.

Boat service is available to Kottayam at every two hours interval starting from 7:30AM. The fare is ₹18 and the trip takes two hours.

By foot
Many of Alappuzha's attractions are easily accessible by foot.

See





 * The city itself is a sight to see. Exploring the city, especially by boat, can often lead to memorable experiences. Bring a camera, there are many photo opportunities on the waterways and beaches.
 * If you are visiting Alappuzha, enquire about the schedule of temple festivals. Alappuzha is one of the few places in Kerala where non-Hindus are allowed enter temple premises. Alappuzha temples are generally more open and accepting, though there might be a few areas inside the temples where entry is restricted. The Ambalapuzha temple festival is particularly impressive. Five elephants carry the Krishna idol, with a music accompaniment, for a distance of about 14 km away from Alappuzha and to the temple. Make sure you try the rose palpayasam a traditional, sweet, milk delicacy made by boiling milk until it condenses and turns into a light pink colour.

Do

 * Activities Overnight canoe trips, bamboo furniture making classes, music lessons, yoga, painting classes etc. are organised daily at the Bamboostix Island Resort. Ayurvedic Massage & courses at Sreekrishna and Keraleeyam. Anil at Seashore restaurant organises boating on small foam boat used by Kerala fishermen and even fishing expeditions
 * Main industry in Alleppey is coir manufacturing. Coir is made of coconut husk. Some of bigger producers organize tours of their facilities
 * A bicycle can be rented to tour the town and surrounding areas although travelers are advised to be alert and cautious of unpredictable traffic.
 * Activities Overnight canoe trips, bamboo furniture making classes, music lessons, yoga, painting classes etc. are organised daily at the Bamboostix Island Resort. Ayurvedic Massage & courses at Sreekrishna and Keraleeyam. Anil at Seashore restaurant organises boating on small foam boat used by Kerala fishermen and even fishing expeditions
 * Main industry in Alleppey is coir manufacturing. Coir is made of coconut husk. Some of bigger producers organize tours of their facilities
 * A bicycle can be rented to tour the town and surrounding areas although travelers are advised to be alert and cautious of unpredictable traffic.

Houseboat touring
Alappuzha is inlaid with channels that support thriving backwater tourism. A houseboat cruise along the backwaters can be a great way to see and do all that is available in Alappuzha. Houseboats can be rented for 12 hr to few days. There is a new hop-on, hop-off service through remote backwaters in a shared-houseboat. These boats come equipped with a furnished bedroom, sit-outs, kitchen, modern bath and toilet facilities. Some of the house boats even sport an air-conditioner. The houseboats are manned by drivers and a cook. From the boat, you can observe the everyday village life of people, stop for a toddy (traditional mildly alcoholic drink made from coconut sap) with grilled prawns, watch birds, and relax in the middle of the lake.

It's advisable to book a houseboat through houseboat operators rather than depending on touts. Touts take commissions between ₹500 to ₹2000. Book on the internet if the option is available; it is far better to not wait until the last minute during the high season. Booking on the internet can sometimes earn you a lower price and most, reputable operators have good online service and support. Average pricing is variable, depending on season and demand, but you can expect a base price in the range of ₹8,000 overnight (21 hours) for standard non-a/c, ₹10,000 for standard a/c and ₹12,000 for Premium. If you are lucky, you can sometimes get last minute bargains from houseboat operators whose boat does not have business on that particular day and can get a 2 a/c bedroom houseboat for one night even for ₹6,500-7,000.

Some contacts for houseboat booking are:


 * Beebe Events: Provides houseboat services, transportation with professional guides, custom tour packages. mail to:Info@BeebeEvents.com, Tel.: +91 94000 73030, +91 47722 43030.




 * Indigenous Houseboats Houseboat cruise operator which have won the “Best Exhibit Award” at the International Boat Show.








 * Venice of East Tours Provides cruises deep inside the backwaters. Run by some local guys from western Kuttanad; directly contacting them will reduce the cost. They have a wide variety of vessels including house boats and canoes. Email: veniceofeast@gmail.com. Tel.: +91 9447596476. They normally arrange food from local restaurants (mainly toddy shops), the only place where you can get naturally grown fresh water fish and other items. The food is delicious and a bit spicy.

Eat

 * Arcadia Regency, a 4-star hotel has just opened in 2006 but has priced meals at really low prices to attract customers.
 * Vembanad Restaurant - At the Alleppey Prince Hotel, it's well worth making the trip out here. One of the better-eating options around, you can dine poolside to live music (nightly from 6:30PM).
 * Vembanad Restaurant - At the Alleppey Prince Hotel, it's well worth making the trip out here. One of the better-eating options around, you can dine poolside to live music (nightly from 6:30PM).
 * Vembanad Restaurant - At the Alleppey Prince Hotel, it's well worth making the trip out here. One of the better-eating options around, you can dine poolside to live music (nightly from 6:30PM).
 * Vembanad Restaurant - At the Alleppey Prince Hotel, it's well worth making the trip out here. One of the better-eating options around, you can dine poolside to live music (nightly from 6:30PM).
 * Vembanad Restaurant - At the Alleppey Prince Hotel, it's well worth making the trip out here. One of the better-eating options around, you can dine poolside to live music (nightly from 6:30PM).
 * Vembanad Restaurant - At the Alleppey Prince Hotel, it's well worth making the trip out here. One of the better-eating options around, you can dine poolside to live music (nightly from 6:30PM).
 * Vembanad Restaurant - At the Alleppey Prince Hotel, it's well worth making the trip out here. One of the better-eating options around, you can dine poolside to live music (nightly from 6:30PM).
 * Vembanad Restaurant - At the Alleppey Prince Hotel, it's well worth making the trip out here. One of the better-eating options around, you can dine poolside to live music (nightly from 6:30PM).
 * Vembanad Restaurant - At the Alleppey Prince Hotel, it's well worth making the trip out here. One of the better-eating options around, you can dine poolside to live music (nightly from 6:30PM).
 * Vembanad Restaurant - At the Alleppey Prince Hotel, it's well worth making the trip out here. One of the better-eating options around, you can dine poolside to live music (nightly from 6:30PM).
 * Vembanad Restaurant - At the Alleppey Prince Hotel, it's well worth making the trip out here. One of the better-eating options around, you can dine poolside to live music (nightly from 6:30PM).

Sleep

 * Bamboostix Island Resort claims to have been 'built by backpackers, for backpackers" is a new eco-resort on an island. Unique construction with bamboo, thatch and coconut with unique activities like bamboo furniture making, music lessons, overnight canoe trips and shared houseboat cruises contact +91 9895407909
 * Raheem Residency, classic Indian colonial villa refurbished in a grand style by European owners; now a recognised Heritage Hotel of India; swimming pool imported from France; rooftop restaurant overlooking the Arabian Sea; Ayurveda.
 * Malayalam Resort is a small (4 rooms) place must be the most photographed (but amazingly least stayed at!) along the edge of the backwater. It is run by a friendly family who cook the best meals in candlelight. www.malayalamlakeresort.blogspot.com +91 9895407909 Next to the bigger, more popular Keraleeyam which has ayurvedic massages.
 * Raheem Residency, classic Indian colonial villa refurbished in a grand style by European owners; now a recognised Heritage Hotel of India; swimming pool imported from France; rooftop restaurant overlooking the Arabian Sea; Ayurveda.
 * Malayalam Resort is a small (4 rooms) place must be the most photographed (but amazingly least stayed at!) along the edge of the backwater. It is run by a friendly family who cook the best meals in candlelight. www.malayalamlakeresort.blogspot.com +91 9895407909 Next to the bigger, more popular Keraleeyam which has ayurvedic massages.
 * Malayalam Resort is a small (4 rooms) place must be the most photographed (but amazingly least stayed at!) along the edge of the backwater. It is run by a friendly family who cook the best meals in candlelight. www.malayalamlakeresort.blogspot.com +91 9895407909 Next to the bigger, more popular Keraleeyam which has ayurvedic massages.
 * Malayalam Resort is a small (4 rooms) place must be the most photographed (but amazingly least stayed at!) along the edge of the backwater. It is run by a friendly family who cook the best meals in candlelight. www.malayalamlakeresort.blogspot.com +91 9895407909 Next to the bigger, more popular Keraleeyam which has ayurvedic massages.
 * Malayalam Resort is a small (4 rooms) place must be the most photographed (but amazingly least stayed at!) along the edge of the backwater. It is run by a friendly family who cook the best meals in candlelight. www.malayalamlakeresort.blogspot.com +91 9895407909 Next to the bigger, more popular Keraleeyam which has ayurvedic massages.
 * Malayalam Resort is a small (4 rooms) place must be the most photographed (but amazingly least stayed at!) along the edge of the backwater. It is run by a friendly family who cook the best meals in candlelight. www.malayalamlakeresort.blogspot.com +91 9895407909 Next to the bigger, more popular Keraleeyam which has ayurvedic massages.
 * Malayalam Resort is a small (4 rooms) place must be the most photographed (but amazingly least stayed at!) along the edge of the backwater. It is run by a friendly family who cook the best meals in candlelight. www.malayalamlakeresort.blogspot.com +91 9895407909 Next to the bigger, more popular Keraleeyam which has ayurvedic massages.

Go next

 * Edathua
 * 18th century Krishnapuram Palace is 47 km south of Alappuzha on the way to Kollam. Its two-storey building is typical of Kerala architecture. It contains impressive murals worth watching. The palace also housed a museum of antique sculptures and artefacts.
 * Padanilam Temple - a famous Parabrahma temple located 14 km from Mavelikkara.
 * Sree Nagaraja Temple in Mannarasala is 32 km south of Alappuzha near Harippad. It is a Brahman family owned snake temple featuring beautiful stone carvings of snakes throughout its territory. It is headed by a priestess. The temple deity is credited with restoring fertility in women. The turmeric paste available there supposedly cures many diseases. This is believed to be capital of Snake God- the Vasuki (Naga Raja) and his consorts- Naga Yakshi (Snake Ghostess) as well as Naga Rani (Snake Queen) along with a huge battalion of Snake army. Naga aradhana(worship of snakes) is very unique to Kerala's culture, as its believed Kerala is derived out of Naga Empire and most of the people do worship snakes as a Thanksgiving for lending their land for humans to live. Snakes are believed to keep the vision of eyes as well as preserving fertility of humans. Hence they are worshiped for bestowing children as well as curing blindness. Manarsala temple is a wonderful place, built within a natural forest with trees and creepers covering the area, where snakes live. The only temple, where its a lady priest who worships and do rituals. A special ceremony, by which an Uruli (a brass open vessel used for cooking) is turn up-side down before the sanatorium, to seek bestowing children by childless couples. Its believed that they get conceived within 21 days of time.
 * Sree Subrahmonia Swamy temple :  Sree Subrahmonia Swamy temple, at Haripad, is one of the oldest and most important temples devoted to Lord Subrahmonia. It is situated at the 53rd Kilometre on the Kollam-Alapuzha highway. The image of the deity with four arms is also the biggest of the kind. It is believed to have been originally worshipped by Parashurama. In 1921, a fire destroyed the temple. It was rebuilt with the anakottil  (elephant's head), kuttambalam, a big tank etc. Several annual festivals are celebrated in this temple the Avani Utsavam in Chingom (August- September), Markazhi Utsavam in Dhanu (November- December), Chitra Utsavam in Medom (April–May), Kartika in Vrischikam (November- December) and Taipuyam (January- February). Kavadiyattam dance with Kavadi is the most important offering here. Kavadi is a bow-shaped wooden structure decorated with tapestry and peacock feathers carried on the shoulders of pilgrims as an offering to God Subrahmanya. The peacock in the temple and the procession with the golden peacock throne are very attractive.