“Venetian Capital of Kerala”.
Where is Alleppey?
The city of Alleppey also referred to as Alappuzha is on the Laccadive Sea coast in the State of Kerala. Known for houseboat cruises along the backwaters, a network of lakes, lagoons and freshwater rivers.
The backwaters are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kerala. Attracting millions of domestic and international tourists. They also host thousands of birds such as Brahminy Kite, Indian cormorant, Indian pond heron, White-throated kingfisher, Darter- also referred to as the snake bird because of its long slender neck, Red-wattled Lapwing and Egret.
Apart from houseboat services, the Kerala State Water Transport Department (KSWTD) provides a State ferry boat service within the district.
If you are on a budget, this is considered the best and cheapest way to see the backwaters. The KSWTD boat jetty in the city is close to the KSRTC bus station.
Getting there
Our journey from Champakulam to Alleppey was on the backwater river ferry.
Our accommodation
During our time in Alleppey, we chose to stay at the Haven Alleppey Beach Villa, booked through Booking.com. An alluring brand new boutique hotel located 50m from Alleppey Beach. Each unit comes with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, tea and coffee making facilities, a private bathroom with toiletries, and good WiFi.
There is a modern swimming pool with jacuzzi jets at one end. An on-site traditional Ayurveda Massage centre and games zone with table tennis, badminton, chess, and dartboard. The on-site restaurant provides traditional Kerala and continental dishes and a complimentary breakfast.
Restaurants
A 15-minute tuk tuk journey is Brews & Burgers Bistro, where they serve excellent burgers and milkshakes. Walking distance from our accommodation was Cafe Catamaran right on the beach, serving a good selection of fresh food.
Alappuzha Beach
Alappuzha Beach is a beach in Alappuzha town. The beach has an old pier that extends to the sea is over 150 years old. Alappuzha beach host many events annually like the Alappuzha beach festival, Sand art festival, and many more.
Places of interest
Alleppey Lighthouse
Built in 1862 the lighthouse is a major tourist attraction. Visitors are permitted to visit between 1500 and 1630 hrs every weekday. Entry is 20 Rupees for Indians and 50 Rupees for foreigners. This is the first lighthouse of its kind in the Arabian sea coast of Kerala.
Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple
A Hindu temple, also known as Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple and Mullakkal Bhagwati Temple. Open to devotes from all castes and religions. Different festivals are celebrated in the Temple. The biggest festival is Mullakkal Chirappu.
A 41-day duration festival commenced at the beginning of the first of Malayalam Month Vrishchikam and ending on the eleventh of Malayalam month of Dhanu. The last 11 days of the festival are called the Chirappu festival. The last two days being the most special and sacred. When nine elephants with colourful processions participate and thousands of devotees come to visit.