| Location | Alleppey is 85 Km from Kochi in the state of Kerala |
| Also Known as | The Venice of the east |
| Prime attractions | Snake Boat Races in the Backwaters |
| Temperature | Max – 35°C and Min – 20°C |
| Population | 21,05,349 (2001 census) |
| Area | 1414 sq. Km |
| Altitude | Sea level |
Alleppey Travel Info
Founded by Raja Keshawadasan, the Diwan of Travancore in the year 1762, the town of Alleppey is engulfed by the Arabian sea with vast lakes, lagoons and water rivers surrounding it. Alleppey, a small but wonderful district of Kerala, India is bounded with immense natural beauty. Nicknamed all over the world as the Venice of the East, this backwater town lies in close proximity to the sea. The cheerful people of the town adds charm to its pristine beauty and makes it one of the popular travel destination of South India.
Alleppey has gained eminence as a fascinating travel destination of India of lot of tourists due to its magnificent backwater sceneries, boat races, house boat holidays and the enthralling beaches. The region of Kuttanad, that fall in Alleppey which is entirely covered with lush green paddy fields, towering coconut trees, shimmering water canals is called the Rice Bowl of Kerala and it is one of the least places in the world where farming is done below sea level.
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Major Travel Attractions of Alleppey
Alleppey Beach : The Alleppey beach or Alappuzha beach has achieved the distinction of being a Backwater Tourist Center attracting foreign visitors to view the Boat races and enjoy the relaxed houseboat holidays. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is around 140 years old. Alleppey comprises of a long stretch of shores densely populated with the swaying palm groves. The surrounding landscape offers a fascination to the beach, not to be found else where. The Vijaya beach Park for the children with toy trains and bicycle is a real entertainment.
Ambalappuzha Krishna Temple: The ancient temple dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna is situated 8 miles south of Alleppey. The payasam of the milk porridge served to the devotees is known for its delicious taste all over Kerala. The rituals of Palipana is performed by velans or sorcerers in the temple premises once in twelve years. There is to be found an image of Buddha in the nearby Karumadi.
Krishnapuram Palace: A rare specimen of the Kerala style of architecture decorated with gabled roofs, narrow corridors and dormer windows it was the residence of the King of the Kayamkulam kingdom. A protected archaeological museum in present days , it exhibits the widely admired 49 sqm Gajendra Moksham, the largest single band of Mural paintings discovered in Kerala.
Karumadikkuttan Village: 12 kilometers far from the Alleppey, this village is held in high esteem for the magnificent black figure of the great Buddha which dates back to 10th century.
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Champakulam: The St Mary’s church in Kerala is believed to be one of the seven holy churches established in 427 AD by St. Thomas. The annual feast celebrated on the month of October is a great occasion for the tourist to attend.
Snake Boat Races: The annual Snake Boar festival held at Alleppey before the arrival of the Onam Festival is another major attraction which brings thousand of visitors to the back water town. The most amazing display is between the giant snake boats commonly called as Chindanvallams. The Punnamada back water race take place between the giant sized boats to win the coveted Nehru Trophy. Exciting from beginning till its finish the unmatched power of the team is rivalled in parallel with the other teams. The Vallamkali Snake Boats are about 100 feet long and has a capacity of 150men within it.
Other Nearby Travel Attractions of Alleppey
Krishnapuram Palace : 47 km from Alappuzha, the grand palace was built by Marthanda Varma and is highly regarded by the tourists for the exquisite murals that depicts the story of Gajendramoksham dating back to the 18th century. It is one of the largest murals in Kerala. Apart from paintings, the museum houses antiques, sculptures and bronze medallions.
Accommodation
Alleppey offers a relaxed and wonderful stay in the lap of nature. Some of the prominent hotels offering luxurious amenities are the 3 star Prince hotel, 52 villa air conditioned Marari Beach resort, House boats or Kettuvalams and the heritage styled Kereleyam Ayurvedic Resort.
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How to Reach
By Air: The nearest domestic airport at Kochi. The Trivandrum International Airport is a 3 hour drive from Kochi.
By Rail: Alleppey is well connected by train and even has a small railhead of its own.
By Road: Alleppey is well connected to all the cities of South India. Regular bus services operate from Alleppey to other important towns.