So how do I start about my trip to Alleppey ? Well, I am pretty sure you must have heard about this gorgeous and wonderland city “Alleppey“. If not, well let me tell you about it, also if you are just looking for the takeaways, well we got you cover, check the end of article. Shall we begin?
Little bit about Alleppey or Alappuzha
Alleppey or Alappuzha (in the local Malayalam language) is a small yet beautiful city in Kerala, known as Kerala’s backwaters, and is home to a huge network of backwaters and more than a thousand houseboats.
The houseboats you see in the backwaters of Alappuzha are a modernized version of the traditional Kettuvallams that were used in the past. Kettuvallam is a Malayalam term that means “boat with a living structure.” These boats had thatched roofs that covered wooden hulls and were used to transport large quantities of rice and spices. Not just for spices, now it’s a prime tourist attraction and a medium for many to earn their bread and butter.
Now you have a basic idea about what Alleppey is and why it is a great destination for traveling, I want to share my experience with the trip to Alleppey.
Sharing my travelling experience
My first Impression - Bit off but Great Eventually
So, I went to Kochi, Kerala for a random tech event from Delhi. I had no idea what this great place to offer me, or what experience am I going to have there. I had no idea. I went to Kochi in mid of March 2023, and let me tell you if you are planning to travel between March to August, just don’t. At this time Kerala has high humidity and hot winds, I got frustrated at first but after a few hours, I eventually adapt to this weather.
I would recommend you travel in winter and if you want to see waterfalls at their best then visit Kerala just after the monsoon season. You will be witnessing amazing waterfalls and lake views.
Change in Plan - Probably best decision I've made during this trip
So back to the trip, in the beginning, it bit off for me, but after a while when I decided to leave Kochi and visit Alleppey then things get started to change. So I booked the “Royal Enfiled 350 Classic” as I am not going to use any public transport, just a good bike ride for around 60 km.
Before starting touring from “Alleppey” I thought let’s cover the “Athirappilly Fall” first. So the distance from Kochi to “Athirappilly Falls” is about somewhere between 70-80KM and then from there to “Alleppey” is about 100 – 130KM that’s what we can say is a good tour for a single day, as I had a time crunch. I will share the experience of “visiting Athirappilly Falls” in another blog.
So yeah moving back to “Alleppey” had a good ride, and had a good meal between the ride, I finally arrived at Alleppey, and I stayed in this amazing hostel by backpackers. They had great and cozy doms at a really good and affordable price.
So I started my journey in the morning around 11:00 am and it took me around 10-12 hours (as I am covering Athirappilly Falls) to finally reach Alleppey. I reached at night around 9:30 pm, so I had nothing much to do that day.
A day in Alleppey - The Sea, The Backwater and the Moments.
The next day, first I visited the beach as I never saw the beach before, I was really excited, went to the beach had a couple of beers, and enjoyed the sea and the view. The sound of waves coming from the sea, on one hand beer and sea, is just a perfect way to start a day.
After that, I took the Government fairy for the backwaters. Now here is the catch, I opted for a government boat, it’s obvious that was way cheaper and more crowded than a private Houseboat or Shikhara but if you are planning for a honeymoon or you want privacy and you have your buddies or group then I would suggest you book a Houseboat or a Shikara it will cost you around 7,000 – 10,000 INR a day, depending on which type of boat you are opting for.
Cost may go higher or cheaper again depending upon your choice of boat. But let me tell you the experience is something you will never forget.
Government fairy will cost you 120 INR for the upper deck and 60 for the lower deck, go for the upper deck. Had a really great view of Alleppey backwaters, the huge lakes, beautiful palm and coconut trees, and the clear blue sky – a perfect definition of a mesmerizing scene. As I expected while googling about Alleppey.
That's a wrap
After a good ride, I went to local stores for shopping and had a few banana chips (their specialty) and some species. After that shopping and eating, had a fun ride in the city, and explored the city and its culture. So yeah it’s a fun day in Alleppey.
The Takeaways
- One of the must-do experiences is taking a cruise on the backwaters. You can rent a traditional houseboat or a modern motorboat and explore the serene waterways while taking in the scenic views of the paddy fields and coconut groves.
- For beach lovers, Alleppey has some of the most stunning beaches in India, such as Alleppey Beach, Marari Beach, and Andhakaranazhi Beach. You can spend a relaxing day sunbathing on the sandy shores, taking a dip in the warm waters, or simply walking along the coastline.
- If you want to explore the local culture, Alleppey has a rich heritage that you can experience by attending one of the many festivals that take place throughout the year. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a popular event that takes place in August, where you can watch traditional snake boats race against each other in the backwaters.
- Another fascinating experience is visiting the coir factories, where you can learn about the process of making coir from coconut husks, an important industry in Alleppey. You can even purchase some souvenirs to take home with you.
- For those interested in wellness, Alleppey is also a great destination for yoga enthusiasts. You can take a yoga class at one of the many yoga centers in the city to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body.
Overall, Alleppey is a charming destination that offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventure-filled trip, Alleppey has something for everyone.
Also Read : Best Resort for Holidays in Kerala
