Alleppey

Alleppey is also known as Alappuzha is one of the major holiday destinations in the state of Kerala. This small town is located in the Alappuzha district and is known to be the oldest planned town in this particular region. This town is one of the most beautiful places in all of India making it a famed holiday destination for local and foreign tourists alike.

In Alleppey Tourism is considered to be one of the major revenue generators for the town. It has got some of the most beautiful backwaters, lagoons and canals in the world which led it to be dubbed as “Venice of the East” by Lord Curzon.

Etymology

 The name of the town indicates the physical features and geographical location of the place and it simply means land in between the sea and backwaters.

Historical Significance

This place is known to have had trade relations in the ancient days with the Greeks, Portuguese and Dutch. The British viceroy Lord Curzon was so pleased and spellbound by the beauty that he dubbed it “the Venice of the East”.

Tourist Attractions

An Alleppey holiday should be centered on the following things to do and see:

The Kerala backwaters- the emerald backwaters that make its way inland in a snake like fashion with coconut and palm trees creating a canopy over it is a mesmerizing sight to see. A cruise on this backwater is an activity that simply must be done when on a holiday here. The pleasantness of the cruise is something that will rejuvenate you. A stay on the houseboat is also recommended for an experience such as it cannot be found in other places of the world.

Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple- this is one of the oldest temples in all of Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style architecture and is one of the most sacred ones in all of Kerala. The large pond of the temple is also a good place to see and pay respect to when here.

Alleppey beach- this beach with a light house looking over it is a grand sight to see. One can visit this place to relax and unwind.

Alappuzha CSI Christ Church- this century year old church was built in the year 1818 by the Christian Missionary Society and its architecture is truly a marvel.

Accommodations and Restaurants

There are a large number of hotels and resorts to stay in Alleppey. You can even rent a houseboat and stay on it overnight, an experience that you ought to try out. Other than that some of the famed hotels and resorts here are Seaside Residency, Pagoda Resorts, Arcadia Regency, Orchid Residency, Sree Krishna Ayurveda Panchakaram and the Casamaria Beach resort.

To eat and snack Cassia, Indian Coffee House, Avocado Garden Restaurant, Thaff delicacy, Choola Restaurant and Sisir palace etc are great places.

Getting In

Railways: the nearest railway station is the Alleppey railway station and is located at a distance of 5 kilometers from the main town.

Airways: the nearest railway station is that of Kochi and is located at a distance of 85 kilometers from town.

Roadways: the town being on the national highway 47 is connected to many parts of Kerala making it easy to access. From Cochin it is about 80 kilometers and from Coimbatore it is 235 kilometers.