Alappuzha (Alleppey),Kerala

Alappuzha (Alleppey) is famous for its intricate network of backwaters, earning it the nickname 'Venice of the East'. It is an important center for Kerala's coir industry and has played a key role in maritime trade and colonial interactions (Dutch, Portuguese and British influences). The region's low-lying paddy fields in Kuttanad — some of which are cultivated below sea level — and the vast Vembanad Lake make it ecologically significant for wetland biodiversity and migratory birds.

Places to visit

Alappuzha Backwaters and Houseboat Cruises (Vembanad Lake and the canal network)
Nehru Trophy Boat Race (Punnamada Lake) — major annual snake boat race
Alappuzha Beach and Pier with the historic lighthouse
Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple — famed for palpayasam prasadam
Marine Drive, Alappuzha — scenic waterfront promenade
Nearby: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Marari Beach (short drive away)

Unique Aspects

Extensive inland waterways and canals — ideal for multi-day houseboat stays
Kuttanad's unique below-sea-level paddy farming
Vibrant coir industry: mat and rope-making villages and coir markets
Colorful snake-boat (chundan vallam) culture and boat-building traditions
Rich wetland birdlife and seasonal migratory species

Things to do

Overnight or day houseboat cruises through canals and paddy fields
Watching or participating in vallam kali (boat races) during season
Sunset walks at Alappuzha Beach and visiting the lighthouse
Temple visits (Ambalappuzha, Mullakkal) and experiencing local rituals
Cycling or leisurely drives through village roads and paddy fields
Birdwatching and short boat safaris near Kumarakom
Shopping for coir products, spices and local handicrafts

Festivals & Events

Nehru Trophy Boat Race (first Saturday of August) — centerpiece event
Local temple festivals (e.g., Ambalappuzha annual festivals) with traditional arts
Statewide Onam celebrations featuring boat races, cultural programs and feasts

Best Time to Visit

October to March — pleasant, cooler and relatively dry. For boat races and cultural spectacle, plan around early August (Nehru Trophy).

Weather Conditions

Tropical monsoon climate: hot and humid from March to May, heavy southwest monsoon rains June–September, milder and drier October–March.

Accessibility

Nearest major airport: Cochin International Airport (Kochi) — roughly 1.5–2 hours by road. Alappuzha Railway Station is well connected by train to major Kerala cities (Kochi, Trivandrum). Regular state buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws connect local towns. Road access via NH66; ferries and local boats link many canals and settlements.

Recommended Duration

2–3 days to explore Alappuzha town and a day/night houseboat; 4–7 days if including Kumarakom and leisurely backwater exploration.

Clothing & Gear Tips

Light cotton clothing, a light rain jacket or umbrella in monsoon months, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), comfortable sandals, mosquito repellent, and a small daypack.

Local Food & Souvenirs

Try local seafood specialties (e.g., karimeen preparations where available), Kerala sadya, appam with stew, and Ambalappuzha's palpayasam. Souvenirs: coir mats and rope products, handloom textiles, spices, and locally made handicrafts.