Alappuzha – fondly remembered as Alleppey – is home to Kerela’s backwaters. The vast waterways network and numerous houseboats make it a must-visit destination. If you take a tour of this quaint town, you will come across a grid of canals.
Alappuzha - Places to Visit
No wonder it is known as the ‘Venice of the East’. But once you make your way to the backwaters, you will discover another side to Alappuzha. The greenery-fringed locations, quaint villages, punted canoes, houseboats, and of course toddy shops, will definitely take your breath away. Alappuzha definitely ranks among Kerala’s most relaxing experiences. Apart from the houseboat cruises and picturesque locales, the district is renowned for its communist traditions. It is famous for the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising against the British as well as a revolt against the Feudal Raj. Alappuzha is connected to other parts of Kerala through waterways, including Kumarakom. Alappuzha is renowned for its backwater holidays, boat races, sandy beaches, marine coir industry and marine products. If you are looking to enjoy a quiet picnic in the midst of nature and sea, Alappuzha beach should be your go-to destination. The pier, which stretches into the sea, is about 137 years old. If you are looking for entertainment, head to Vijaya Beach Park. A visit to the lighthouse is a must. To truly appreciate Alappuzha, one should take a houseboat cruise. The cruises you may stumble across in the backwaters of Alappuzha have upgraded versions of the Kettuvallams of yesteryear. The original Kettuvallams, also known as rice barges, would carry a large volume of rice and spices. This ' boat with knots' were literally held together with the support of coir knots. Nowadays, houseboats come with a host of creature comforts, akin to a hotel. They include furnished bedrooms, living rooms and a kitchen. Some boats even come with a balcony for angling.
Accommodation in Alappuzha
The best time to visit Alappuzha is between November and March. There are a host of cultural events that take place during this period. Finding affordable accommodation in Alappuzha will help pave the way for a memorable experience. With OYO Premium, you can now find budget hotels in the district. One can find a host of premium and budget hotels near Alappuzha railway station, Arthungal church, the Beach Light House and Alleppey Beach. Most of the hotels ensure privacy as there are located in the heart of nature and proximate to the backwaters. If you are looking for a peaceful stay away from the madding crowd, book an OYO room in Alappuzha.
Events in Allappuzha
Champakulam Boat Race
: June Witness by far the oldest snake boat race organized in the beautiful state of Kerala in the month of June by visiting Pampa River at Champakulam, near Alleppey. Set against the backdrop of the serene river Champakulam, you are in for a treat your eyes to beautifully decorated and carved water floats and boats decorated with flowers racing against one another! The Champakulam Boat race is an event you cannot afford to miss while in Kerala while we at OYO will take care of all your stay needs. Customized rooms according to your taste, we have it all figured out while you sit back and relax to watch this thrilling procession.
Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race
: August This snake boat race is undoubtedly the most exciting boat race of the year in Keral held in memory of India's late Prime Minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru. It all started out with an impromptu snake boat race that took place back in 1952 when the Prime Minister visited Alleppey. Apparently he was so smitten and overjoyed with the welcome and the race that he donated a trophy. The race has continued on ever since. It takes place annually on the second Saturday of August and around 70 plus boats usually participate in it. Catch this edition of this amazing boat race like never before by booking your OYO now! With us providing you with the best of amenities, you are sure to have one very enjoyable time just like our former Prime Mister!
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Questions and Answers
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1.
What is the best time to visit Alappuzha?
Also known as Alleppey, Alappuzha is a place that can be visited throughout the year. However, the months of November till February are the best ones because the average temperature around this time ranges from 17 to 32 degrees Celsius. This temperature is perfect to explore the backwaters and enjoy the houseboat rides.
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2.
What can the travellers do on their visit to Alappuzha?
You can stay in Kuttanad to experience the real South Indian village life. Known as the Rice Bowl of India, here you can find activities like fishing, coconut lines, dense paddy fields, spice cultivation, waterways, and duck farming. Bird lovers can go bird watching at Canoe or Kayak. You can find Jungle Myna, White Breasted Waterhen, White Throated and Stork Billed Kingfishers, Asian Palm Swift, and Black Drongo. You can explore the beaches around here and the sunset is a sight worth your time. What’s more, you can also swim through the sunset at Pozhiyoram beach.
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3.
What are some of the budget and premium accommodation options in Alappuzha?
If you need a place to stay at Alappuzha, you should look out for an OYO here as their properties have some of the nicest views at the best prices. Have a look:
Budget accommodation: OYO 12179 Hotel Raiban, OYO 9668 Chilanka Lake View Resort, OYO 13315 Kottaram Beachway Resort
Premium accommodation: OYO 28400 Relax In Kerala Pamba 3bhk Sharing Houseboat, OYO 1889 Hotel AJ Park, OYO 28401 Relax In Kerala Diamond Houseboat
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4.
What is the best food that you can eat in Alappuzha?
Alappuzha is known for its lip-smacking street food. If you are visiting, you must try these things - The Kerala sadya, puttu and kadala, grilled shrimp, semiya payasam, thalassery biryani, kanji and payar, karimeen pollichathu, malabar porotta, mutton paya masala, illanur and kallu, Kozhi curry, paal ada pradhaman, cheera parippu thoran, and pulissery. You can find all these around the beaches of Alappuzha, Floating Market, and Canal Bazaar.
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5.
Is Alappuzha covered by metro/bus network? What is the best way to travel across the city?
There is no metro network in Alappuzha. As for buses, there are lot running in and around the city by KSRTC, but they are not local buses. You can also get autos and prepaid cabs. The popular prepaid cab services include Savaari cabs and Alleppey cabs. There are car rentals available to see through the city. Moreover, you can also get rented two-wheelers.
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6.
What are some of the best economy and luxurious accommodation options near the airport?
The nearest airport to Alappuzha is The Cochin International Airport which is about 78 km away. If you wish to stay close by it, go for OYO as you will get the best options according to your budget.
Have a look: OYO Home 14953 Nature View 3BHK Villa, OYO 26495 Executive Tourist Home, Home 15726 Spacious Stay
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7.
What are some of the best economy and luxury homestay and hotel options near the Railway?
OYO hotels around Alappuzha railway station have some of the best properties in term of comfort as well as budget. Check out:
OYO 16663 Plaza Suites Hotel, OYO 30084 Hotel Seagate, Palette Resorts-Periyar
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8.
What are the best temples and churches to visit in Alappuzha?
If you are a history nerd or a photography nerd, even if you are not spiritual, you will love exploring the churches and temples in Alappuzha. The prosperity of Hinduism and Christianity is very much apparent in Alleppey. They are well maintained and are a treat to the eyes in term of the architecture. The best one to visit are - Ambalapuzha Krishna Temple, Nagaraja Temple, St Andrew’s Florence Forance Church, Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Latin Catholic Church, St Mary’s Church.
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9.
What are the best places to shop in Alappuzha?
If you are visiting, you just cannot leave the place without shopping. You can find some of the most beautiful and exquisite and beautiful South Indian jewelry, handicrafts, little trinkets, and artefact. You can also find some of the best spices in the country here. Just make sure you are good at bargaining. You will find all of these at Alappuzha Zakariya Market.
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10.
What are the boat races to enjoy in Alappuzha?
There are 2 boat races to not be missed in Alappuzha – Snake Boat Race and Nehru Boat Race. During Onam festival, there is a boat race on snake boats which include 20-25 people pulling with their own roars.The Nehru Boat Race was originated in 1952. People from all around the world come to see it. This also happens on the second Saturday of August on Punnamda Lake in Alappuzha. On this day, you can also enjoy music performances and folk dances by the locals.