Alleppey

Quick Facts
Location : Alappuzha district of Kerala
State : Kerala
Area : 1414.00 sq.kms
Trip Highlights : Backwaters, House boats and Boat races
Ideal time to visit : August - March
Languages : Malayalam, Tamil, English and Hindi
Alleppey STD Code : 0477

Alleppey is one of the most important tourist centers in the state of Kerala. Situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake, the town's commercial centre lives in a maze of canals. Set in the labyrinth of Backwater channels, the town is one of the best gateways to explore the unspoilt countryside.

A historic and romantic name from Kerala's past, Alleppey was once one of the best known ports along the coast of Malabar. The Backwaters of Alleppey can be best experienced in a country boat. Alleppey is a bustling, messy town of ramshackle wood and corrugalated roof houses, chiefly significant in the Coir industry. The large network of canals provides Alleppey its lifeline. It has a spectacular long sandy beach. At one end are the dense palm groves that are so characteristic of Kerala's landscape.

Tourist Attractions in Alleppey
Alleppey Beach
Alleppey Beach has grown in importance as a Backwater Tourist Centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alappuzha is also famous for its Boat races, Houseboat Holidays, Beaches, Marine Products and Coir Industry.

Karumadikkuttan
The small village near Ambalapuzha is popular for the black granite idol of Lord Buddha known as Karumadikuttan. The idol dates back to 10th century

Champakulam
A water-logged village, Champakulam boat race is the first in the list of all boat races that are held in Kerala. Champakulam St. Mary's Church is believed to be one of the seven established by St. Thomas. The annual feast at this church falls on the 3rd Sunday of October every year.

Ambalapuzha
It is an ancient Shri Krishna temple which is famous throughout the Kerala for the milk porridge, 'palpayasam'. In Ambalapuzha 'Pallipana' is performed by Velans once in twelve years.

Paithiramanal
Pathiramanal is a 10 acre island on the backwaters and acts as an abode to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. This little island on the backwaters is a favorite spot of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. It is only accessible by boat.

Climate and Best time to visit
Alleppey experiences an enjoyable atmosphere throughout the year. The temperature ranges from 22ºC - 35ºC in summers and 20ºC - 32ºC during winters. This place mostly has marine climate. The months from January to april and August to October are the ideal months to visit it. Alleppey also experiences heavy monsoon showers.

Alleppey Air/Rail/Road Links
Airport : Alleppey does not have an airport but the nearest one is Cochin International Airport (60 kms and the second one is (150 kms) away from Alleppey.

Railway Station : The Ernakulam Railway Station has trains from numerous places linking this place to the rest of Kerala and India.

Bus Station : There are a number of national highways that pass by Alapuzzha and connect it to the rest of Kerala.