Posted 17 February 2023 in Travel Wanderlust

Why Alappuzha is a perfect holiday destination in the South

Known as the Venetian Capital of Kerala, Alappuzha is a town on the banks of the Laccadive Sea in southern Kerala. The Laccadive Sea is a body of water that circumferences India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is popular for its beaches, boat races, and houseboat cruises. The city takes pride in being a popular tourist destination in India that is known for its backwaters.

George Curzon, the Viceroy of India in the 20th century, described Alappuzha as the Venice of the East since it is home to several backwaters, canals, lagoons, and beaches. Enjoy a ride at Alappuzha’s backwaters and get lost in the peacefulness of the place. If you want to unwind away from the chaos of city life, Alappuzha is the place for you. The place defines tranquillity and serenity.

While here, do try the houseboat cruise along the pastoral Kerala backwaters, a system of serene canals and lagoons. A sunset view at the Alappuzha Beach will fill your heart with pleasure and calmness. There is so much to do and many places to visit here, in addition to enjoying the ambience of this city.

Some of the things to do for a fulfilling and relaxing vacation in Alappuzha are:

1. Loosen up at the backwaters of Alappuzha

Considered as the Mecca for tourists, Alappuzha is a strikingly beautiful city in Kerala with boundless lagoons, lush coconut groves, and silent backwaters. If you want a serene and peaceful vacation in Alappuzha, you should visit its backwaters. The pristine beauty of the Alappuzha backwater is adored by one and all, making it one of the must-see tourist attractions.

The backwaters of Alappuzha are suited for every type of traveller, from honeymooners and leisure seekers to adventure enthusiasts. The backwaters promise unforgettable memories of the place.

2. Experience sailing in a luxury houseboat through the backwaters of Kuttanad

One of the best things to do in Alappuzha is to experience sailing in a houseboat through the backwaters of Kuttanad. Kuttanad promises an experience of a lifetime. The place is beautifully dotted with lakes, canals, rivers, and a spectacular lagoon.

Kuttanad is a scenic village that is sprawled across both Alappuzha and Kottayam districts of Kerala. Also referred to as the Rice Bowl of Kerala due its immense paddy cultivation, Kuttanad is a fascinating place to visit in Alappuzha. It is one of the few places in the world where rice cultivation is done below sea level.

The experience of floating along the unspoiled backwaters on a houseboat is unfathomable. Sailing on a houseboat in Kuttanad offers exquisite views of the Western Ghats, and the guide present on the houseboat will explain to you about the rich flora and fauna of Kuttanad.

If you are taking a package for a houseboat tour, through the backwaters of Kuttanad, you are likely to get a free meal comprising delicious South Indian dishes.

The best time to enjoy sailing on a houseboat is from November to February when the weather is soothing and pleasant for a tranquil vacation.

3. Calm your senses with sunset views on Alappuzha Beach

There is no better way to unwind and escape the chaos of city life than by watching a sunset. The sunset views at the Alappuzha Beach are phenomenal. Take a break from the backwaters and dive into the beauty of the beach at Alappuzha.

The place is a paradise for beach lovers. The alluring beauty of the beach attracts visitors and is one of the major tourist places in Kerala. Alappuzha Beach will fill your heart with harmony as it is less crowded, enchanting, and peaceful. Glittering sands, beautiful waves, crystal clear water, and enchanting sunrise and sunset views make the Alappuzha beach one of the best places to visit in Kerala.

There is a park near the Alappuzha Beach which is a bonus point for families with children. After the beach, head to the park and enjoy a picnic spot and spend some quality time with your family.

4. Attend the spectacular Snake Boat Festival

One of the cultural highlights of Kerala is the Snake Boat Festival. The sight of long boats racing down Lake Punnamada is truly remarkable. For all the adventure enthusiasts, the Snake Boat Festival is undoubtedly a superb chance to try something new and exciting. The race is known as a snake boat race because of the boats’ shape - it is long and snake-like.

There are over 20 to 50 participants on each boat. These participants are usually fishermen. The enthusiasm with which they row the boats is worth applauding. The festival takes place during Onam in the month of August. In fact, there are practice sessions for this competition.

5. Explore spirituality in Alappuzha

Alappuzha is also known for its religious and spiritual sites. The many temples here attract a large number of tourists every year.

For a religious tour in Alappuzha, explore places of worship such as the Latin Catholic Church, Nagaraja Temple, Florence Forane Church, Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, and St. Mary’s Church. One of the must-visit temples is the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, which is the oldest in the city. There is a pond inside the temple complex, and the evening prayer is popular among both locals and tourists. The temple has beautiful, intricate carvings on its wall and its architecture draws many tourists.

Travel tips

Respect the culture and traditions of Keralites.
Carry bottled water for drinking.
Before taking any photograph of local people, make sure to take their permission.

How to reach?

By air: The Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Alappuzha. Located at a distance of 82 km from Alappuzha, the airport connects Alappuzha to all key destinations. From the Cochin International Airport, tourists can book a cab or a taxi to reach Alappuzha.
By train: The Alleppey Railway Station serves the city of Alappuzha. Located at a distance of about 4 km from the city centre, the junction connects Alappuzha to major cities like Cochin, Trivandrum, Vellore, Chennai, Delhi, Coimbatore, and Mumbai. There are buses, taxis and cabs available outside the railway station to reach Alappuzha.
By road: Reaching Alappuzha via buses is easy. There are several state-owned and private buses that run between Alappuzha and other key places. The National Highway 66 connects Alappuzha to major cities. Buses are a cheaper and economical mode of transport. You can also reach the city by car as both self-drive and cabs are available easily.

Best time to visit

The best time to explore and visit Alappuzha is during the winter season from October to February. The town experiences pleasant weather during these months, especially in November. The waterways are open in the winter months, allowing boat and houseboat rides.

Climate/ Temperature

Alappuzha enjoys a humid and temperate climate. The weather is comfortable and pleasant during winters with an average temperature ranging between 20°C to 32°C. Summer season in Alappuzha starts from March and lasts till May. The climate is humid during this season and the temperature is around 30°C.

Conclusion

Alappuzha is one the best places to visit if you want tranquillity and are wishing for an escape from busy city life. Enjoy a luxurious stay at a houseboat in Alappuzha and witness the surreal beauty of the place like never before. If you want to cover everything in the town, visit Alappuzha for at least seven days.