Alappuzha
Venice of the East

Location & Approach

• Location – Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is a coastal town in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is renowned for its extensive network of canals, lagoons, and backwaters.

• Coordinates – 9.4981°N latitude, 76.3388°E longitude.

 

Surrounding Region – Situated on the Malabar Coast of the Arabian Sea, it is located between Vembanad Lake and the sea, with key towns like Kochi and Kottayam nearby. Alappuzha is approximately 53-61 km from Kochi and 45-48 km from Kottayam by road. As the town sits on the shore of Vembanad Lake, the distance to attractions on the lake is very short, typically a 15-minute drive.

 

Approach into Alappuzha

• By Air – Cochin International Airport (COK) is the nearest major airport, approximately 83 km away.

• By Rail – Alappuzha Railway Station (ALLP) has good connections to major cities in India.

• By Road – Well-connected by NH 66 and NH 183, with frequent bus and taxi services from nearby cities.

 

Weather & Best Time to Travel

 

Climate – Tropical monsoon, with three distinct seasons.

• Winters (October - February) – Approximately 17-33°C. It's dry and breezy, making it the most pleasant time for travel and outdoor activities.

• Summers (March - May) – Approximately 25-38°C. Hot and humid, but less crowded and more budget-friendly.

• Monsoon (June - September) – Approximately 22-30°C. Characterized by lush green landscapes and ideal for experiencing Ayurvedic treatments.

 

Best Time to Travel – October to February is the most favorable period for visiting, as the weather is cool and dry, perfect for houseboat cruises, beach visits, and cultural festivals.

 

Best Things to See & Do

Alappuzha offers a rich tapestry of experiences, blending natural beauty with profound cultural and spiritual encounters.

 

Nature & Exploration

• Backwater Cruises – Glide through the narrow canals of Kuttanad on a traditional kettuvallam (houseboat) or canoe, observing paddy fields, toddy tapping, and coir-making.

• Beach Visits – Relax at Alappuzha Beach and Marari Beach, known for their serenity.

• Lighthouse & Pier – Explore the 19th-century pier and lighthouse at Alappuzha Beach.

 

Cultural & Heritage Immersion

• Nehru Trophy Boat Race – Witness this iconic Vallam Kali (snake boat race) on Punnamada Lake every August, a spectacle of synchronized rowing and cheering crowds.

• Classical Arts & Folk Performances – Experience Kathakali, Ottamthullal, and Mohiniyattam at cultural centers or during temple festivals.

• Coir-Making & Handicrafts – Visit coir factories to see how coconut husk is transformed into mats, a craft integral to Alappuzha's identity.

• Museums & Heritage Walks – Discover the town's maritime past at the Alappuzha Port Museum or explore Christian art and local history at the Mar Kurialacherry Museum.

• Colonial Churches – Explore churches reflecting Portuguese and Dutch heritage, such as Champakulam Church, Edathua Church, and St. Andrew’s Basilica.

 

Sacred & Spiritual Journeys

• Chettikulangara Bharani Festival – A visual feast in February-March at the Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, featuring ritual dances (Kuthiyottam) and towering effigies (Kettukazcha).

• Padanilam Shivaratri – An all-night celebration at the Padanilam Parabrahma Temple with ritual processions and oil-lamp offerings.

• Chakkulathukavu Pongala – In November-December, thousands of women offer Pongala (a sweet rice dish) at the Chakkulathukavu Temple, one of Kerala’s largest women-led religious gatherings.

• Temple Visits – Visit the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, famous for its Palpayasam (sweet milk porridge).

• Church Feasts – Attend grand celebrations like the Champakulam Church Feast, Edathua Church Festival, and Arthunkal Perunnal.

 

Wellness & Culinary Experiences

• Ayurvedic Retreats – Many resorts offer personalized Ayurvedic therapies, yoga sessions, and wellness consultations.

• Beach Yoga – Join a local instructor for sunrise yoga on Marari Beach, often followed by herbal tea and meditation.

• Street Food Crawl – Sample local delights like idiyappam, nuller puttu, and payamburi, and witness sweet-making.

• Hands-on Cooking Classes – Learn to prepare authentic Kerala dishes from local families.

• Toddy Tasting – Experience the mildly alcoholic coconut sap drink in local toddy shops.

 

Travel Tips

• Dress Modestly – Wear lightweight, breathable clothing, especially during the day. When visiting temples, remember to dress respectfully.

• Embrace the Waterways – A houseboat, canoe, or shikara ride is an essential part of the experience. Government ferries are a cheap and scenic way to travel between places.

• Time Your Visit – The best time to visit is from October to March for pleasant weather. Monsoon season (June-August) offers lush greenery and lower prices but can have heavy rains.

• Respect Local Customs – Be mindful of local traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.

• Savor Local Cuisine – Don't miss out on authentic Kerala seafood curries and the traditional sweet milk porridge, palpayasam.

• Plan Your Transportation – Auto-rickshaws are widely available for short distances, but it's best to agree on a fare beforehand.