About

Alappuzha also is known as Alleppey is one of the destinations in Kerala, which any traveler will never miss, while his trip to this 'God's Own Country'. Alappuzha is a Land Mark between the broad Arabian sea and a network of rivers flowing into it. Alleppey, with its labyrinth, of canals, bridges along silver beach, makes for a memorable holiday. Built in the 9th century AD, Alappuzha lies on the edge of the great Ashtamudi Lake. With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast labyrinth of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers crisscrossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. The never-ending panorama of lush green paddy fields, towering coconut trees, shimmering water and long canals around Alappuzha make a delightful setting for the town.  Alappuzha is considered to be the oldest planned city in this region and the lighthouse built on the coast of the city is the first of its kind along the Laccadive Sea coast.

Alappuzha is situated 62 kilometers to the south of Kochi and 155 kilometers north of Trivandrum. A city with picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons, it was described as one of the places known as the "Venice of the East" by Lord Curzon. the boats are known as Kettuvallam for the transport of goods from Kodungallur to Trivandrum. When the road transport developed, this transport activity lost its relevance and the former boats were converted as traditional Houseboats. Surrounded by the blue-green waters of the Arabian Sea on the West and a vast network of lakes, freshwater rivers, and canals; the waterways are the lifeline of the people of Alleppey. Alappuzha is an important backwater destination attracting several thousand tourists every year. Cruise along the palm-fringed waterways of Kerala in a luxury houseboat is the most enchanting holiday experience in India today. In this world of simple pleasures, you'll skim past ancient Chinese fishing nets, water lilies, lush paddy fields, coir villages, rustic homes, temples, and coconut groves. 

Alleppey is also known for its spectacular snake - boat races held on the second Saturday of August, every year. This competition - the Nehru boat race takes its name from India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who inaugurated in 1952. It is excitement all around as snake - boats, each manned by over a hundred oarsmen, cut through the waters like wind. The event is a tremendous success with tourists and the local population alike.  A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. The land of lush paddy fields, Kuttanad is called the rice bowl of Kerala and is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.

Alleppey backwaters are selected as one among the 10 must-see honeymoon destinations in the world. During the 16th century small principalities like Kayamkulam (presently Karthikappally and Mavelikkara taluks), Purakkad which was often called Ambalappuzha or Chempakasseri (present Ambalappuzha and part of Kittened taluk) Karappuram comprising two principalities called Moothedath and Iledath (present Cherthala taluk) emerged into power. In the 17th century, the Portuguese power declined and the Dutch had a predominant position in the principalities of this district. As a result of several treaties signed between the Dutch and the kings of Purakkad, Kayamkulam, and Karappuram, the Dutch built factories and warehouses in various places of the district for storing pepper, ginger, etc.  Alleppey Pepper and Alleppey Turmeric are international brands.

History

Raja Kesavadas, the architect of modern-day Alappuzha had a very humble beginning. He was born at Kunnathur on March 17, 1745, in the erstwhile state of Travancore as the son of a peasant woman and a police constable. His parents named the boy Kesavan. Very little is known about his early childhood. Though he lacked a formal education he exhibited a high degree of shrewdness, intelligence, honesty, and industriousness. A local merchant named Poku Moosa Marackar was so impressed by the young boy's diligence and temperament that he employed him as a tally clerk in his firm.

Raja Kesavadas, the architect of modern-day Alappuzha had a very humble beginning. He was born at Kunnathur on March 17, 1745, in the erstwhile state of Travancore as the son of a peasant woman and a police constable. His parents named the boy Kesavan. Very little is known about his early childhood. Though he lacked a formal education he exhibited a high degree of shrewdness, intelligence, honesty, and industriousness. A local merchant named Poku Moosa Marackar was so impressed by the young boy's diligence and temperament that he employed him as a tally clerk in his firm.

As Poku Moosa was a rich and influential merchant he made periodic visits to the royal palace. It so happened that the young Kesavan once accompanied Pokku Moosa to the royal palace. Poku Moosa was on very cordial terms with the then Maharaja of Travancore, Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma, who was affectionately called by his subjects as Dharmaraja. The Maharaja was very much impressed by the intelligence and hardworking nature of Kesavan that he soon promoted him in his service and conferred on him more and more responsibilities, which Kesavan carried out in the most efficient manner. The trust and faith that the king reposed in Kesavan were fully justified. Dharmaraja found in him a God sent emancipator for saving the country from the prevailing troubles and turmoil. The joining together of Dharmaraja and Raja Kesavadas was an epoch-making event in the history of Venad.

Kesava Pillay had a very fast rise while in the service of the king and reached its culmination point when the king by a proclamation, made him the Valiya Divan in the year 1789. The then British Governor, Lord Mornington conferred on him the title of Raja in appreciation of his administrative talents. But out of humility he linked his name with the word Dasan and liked to be called Raja Kesava Dasan with his own name at the center. He was also a well-trained soldier and led the army several times under Captain Dillanoi. After the death of Dillanoi, Raja Kesava Das became Army Chief of Travancore and was credited with victory over Tipu Sultan in the battle of Kaladi. His greatest achievement, however, was his contribution in Making Alappuzha one of the busiest ports of the time and developing a system of inland canals for transportation and navigation. He found Alappuzha very suitable, because of geographical and oceanic reasons. Being a far-sighted statesman he knew the importance of having a port town to trade with the western countries. Raja Kesavadas was unique in having such a splendid vision, much far ahead of his time. He became very successful in materializing his dream and the first ship embarked at Alappuzha in 1786.

Raja Kesavadas made further headway in attracting businessmen from various parts of the country including those from Bombay, Gujarat, Rajasthan, etc. He encouraged them to settle in the land and bestowed upon them every favor that they required for setting up their business and for building up their industrial empire. Two parallel canals, commercial canal, and vadaicanal with the ramifying system of waterways were built for the easy transportation of goods to the port as well as to the western countries.

Getting Around

since Alappuzha is also known as the 'Venice of East' Boat is the best mode for transportation for sightseeing, would give you a lot more flexibility to explore and do your own thing.

since Alappuzha is also known as the 'Venice of East' Boat is the best mode for transportation for sightseeing, would give you a lot more flexibility to explore and do your own thing.

• By bus: - Alappuzha has an excellent local bus service system and it is cheap.
• By autorickshaw: - This is a cheap way of transportation between attractions.
• By taxi: - Local taxis are also available at cheap rates. There are many Car rental companies offering cars with drivers or self-drive. Rates are around Rs 7 per km but there are all sorts of extras.
• By boat: - When you are visiting places like Kuttanad, it's better to opt for boats, as many places in Kuttanad are inaccessible by road.  There are also good ferry services between places that are widely used by the locals, a cheap and scenic way of getting around.
• By foot: - Many of Alappuzha's attractions are easily accessible by foot.

Rentals

Alappuzha is full of houseboat cruises along the rustic Kerala backwaters, a network of tranquil canals and lagoons, also adorned with dozens of places to see.  This makes Alappuzha a destination that is loved by tourists from abroad. The best way to go to Explore Alappuzha is by self-driven cars or bikes. renting Bike is less Expensive compared to Hiring Taxi also you will be having a lot of freedom. 

Alappuzha is full of houseboat cruises along the rustic Kerala backwaters, a network of tranquil canals and lagoons, also adorned with dozens of places to see.  This makes Alappuzha a destination that is loved by tourists from abroad. The best way to go to Explore Alappuzha is by self-driven cars or bikes. renting Bike is less Expensive compared to Hiring Taxi also you will be having a lot of freedom. 

Renting Bike: There are many bike rental companies from where you can get self-driven bikes for as low as 25 INR/ hour or 300 INR/ full day and it will go up to 700 INR  (morning 9 to evening 8) depends on the model you choose. They have a fleet of different bikes starts from Honda Activa to Royal Enfield Classic 350. Be spoilt for choice, to choose from the likes of Harley Davidson, Royal Enfield, Pulsar, Honda Navi, Honda Activa, KTM Duke and many more.  you can also rent a bike from Kochi which is just 60Km away. 

Renting Car: There don't seem to be any chain operating in Alappuzha. However, self-drive cars can be rented from Kochi. There are many Companies in Kochi from whom you can choose based on your requirements. it will take you about 50 to 90 Min drive to Reach Alappuzha from Kochi.

Things to Pack/Carry

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• Security Belt with Hidden Pocket: This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off. This is hands down the best way to hide your cash.
• Moisturizer and hair oil: when the beach water will make your skin and hair dry and rough and these will come handy carry the travel size of these.
  
• Insect repellent cream: Do not forget to carry an insect repellent cream. because you are going to be mostly outdoors after sunset. It is highly recommended to pack insect repellent for your Goa holiday.
• Camera and Camera accessories: To capture all special moments you need this bad boy and you'll regret it forever. Goa is a photography paradise don forget to catch the sunrise, the water is clearer in the mornings as well. If u don't have a camera can pack Mobile with a selfie stick.
• Adapters: Don’t forget the adapters If you do need them, save on the crazy airport prices by buying them ahead of your trip.
• Travel Water Bottle: Always travel with a water bottle – it’ll save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. Travel Water Bottle is lightweight and maintains the temperature of your beverage – so you can enjoy a cold Pepsi, or a hot coffee, no matter where you are. 
  
• First Aid: In case of any emergencies, you should always carry a first aid box. From hangover pills to headache medicines, it’s safe to carry medical aid when you’re traveling.
  
• MEDICINES: Any medication that you'll need during your travels is perhaps the most important item to pack here. For any prescribed medicines or a tablet, you take daily, set an alarm on your phone so that you remember to take it. It's so easy to forget when you're backpacking.
  
• Google map: All right you might say its there in your smartphone, but wait a minute. We recommend you to download the Map of the Hampi where you are going, it will work even in offline mode. It's very handy when there are no signals. - Trust us its a life saver.
• Copies of your Documents: Make copies of your passport, visas, and tickets before departing, make an electronic copy and a physical one. Provide an extra copy to your family member.
  
• BODY WASH, TOOTHBRUSH, TOOTHPASTE, Shampoo, and conditioner: Small, portable bottles are better for traveling and a lot lighter than the big plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles. It would be useful to fill up smaller sized bottles with your hair products if you find you're running out of space in your backpack.
• HAIRBRUSH, COMB, HAIR GEL, SPRAY, DEODORANT: The essential hair products that will come in handy when getting ready for the hostel bar crawl.
  
• PHONE CHARGER/PORTABLE PHONE CHARGER: We all know the feeling when our phone runs out of battery on the road. So bring a portable phone charger.
• Don’t predict the weather: weather forecasts are either your holiday’s best friend or biggest foe. Come rain or shine, meteorologists will always give you the best idea of what weather to expect on your holiday. Check the day before you fly and pack accordingly, and save room for that trusty umbrella you hope you’ll never have to use.
• Towels: Towels! Yet another pesky space-filler you need to think long and hard about whether you actually need. Check ahead of time to see if your holiday accommodation will be providing them (they probably will) and pack accordingly.
• Microfibre Towel: It’s always worth packing a proper towel. Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
  
• Wet Wipes and Hand Sanitizer: Not just in Goa, you need these hygienic products every time you’re packing for traveling somewhere. Apart from keeping you fresh, the wipes and sanitizer will keep you miles away from germs.
• Powerbank: Your checklist for Goa is incomplete without a power bank. Vacations become all the more exciting when you’re able to upload pictures to your social media channels. Therefore, don’t let the battery drain out and keep a power bank with you at all times.
• Backpack: Talking of the bags that you need to carry to a place like Goa, the large comfy totes or backpacks are the best bet. These bags can be of canvas or of any other light material which can be easily carried for the day out.
• Headtorch: Even if you only end up using it once, a decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. Currently, I’m using the Petzl LED headlamp with a red light.
  
• Emergency contacts and important addresses
• Carry your own snacks: Once you are out for sightseeing, you will find very few places that offer decent food. Coconuts are, however, easily available in many places. You can carry some snacks of your choice to beat sudden hunger pangs.

Weather

The climate of this small town is temperate and humid in general and relatively more pleasant in the winter season. The temperature ranges from 22 to 35°C in summer and 20 to 32°C during winters. The best time to visit Alappuzha is during the winter season. The months from August-September and February-March are ideal for a visit to this place.

The climate of this small town is temperate and humid in general and relatively more pleasant in the winter season. The temperature ranges from 22 to 35°C in summer and 20 to 32°C during winters. The best time to visit Alappuzha is during the winter season. The months from August-September and February-March are ideal for a visit to this place.

Summer: The summer season starts from March to May which remarks the end of freezy climate in Kerala. The temperature increases slightly with a greater level of hot and humidity. During the summer season, the temperature varies from 28°C-32°C. Since many tourists don’t visit Allepey during summer, this is a great time to enjoy Allepey minus the crowds and also get great deals on hotel rooms. make sure to carry cool cotton clothes and sunscreen lotions along to avoid inflammations from the sun.

Monsoon: The monsoon season started from the months of June to August. The temperature varies from 26°C-30°C.  June marks the beginning of the monsoon season in Allepey and is a great time to enjoy this little town in its rain-washed glory. Sometimes heavy rain affects tourism, many times Even houseboat rides are not available in the monsoon, this is a great time to sit back, relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Allepey. Make sure you carry an umbrella or raincoat along as rain showers are frequent and heavy.

Winter: The Winter season started from the months of September to March. The temperature varies from 27°C-32°C in the winter season. Winters are the best time to visit Alleppey as the weather is mild and pleasant. The cold breezes in the evenings make your day. The climate would be pleasant and mild through the winter season. This is the major time for all tourism-related activities in Kerala and people crowd the place to enjoy the day-nights in backwaters. This is the perfect time to go on a houseboat ride and explore the backwaters of Allepey. but also remember there will be a massive increase in the hotel room and Houseboat price and Alleppey will be flooded with tourists from across the Globe.

Must Try Food/Restaurants

Typical Kerala food has an abundant amount of coconut, rice, spices like black pepper, cloves, ginger, and tapioca. The use of coconut oil and coconut milk in Kerala cuisines is as natural as salt and sugar. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes have a special place in the Kerala food. Some of the authentic top Kerala cuisines that you should never miss are

Typical Kerala food has an abundant amount of coconut, rice, spices like black pepper, cloves, ginger, and tapioca. The use of coconut oil and coconut milk in Kerala cuisines is as natural as salt and sugar. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes have a special place in the Kerala food. Some of the authentic top Kerala cuisines that you should never miss are

• Sadhya - traditional vegetarian feast of Kerala usually served as lunch on Banana Leaf. Along with Rice sadhya consists of many side dishes like  Erissery, Avial, Koottukary, Olan, Mampazha Pulissery (  Mango  Pulissery), Sambar, Kichadi and a different Variety of Payasams.
• PUTTU and KADALA CURRY: Puttu and Kadala curry is a famous vegetarian breakfast savored in homes and restaurants alike, across this Southern region of India. It is made of rice powder mixed with coconut and water and then steamed in cylindrical steel or coconut shaped mold. You can have this cuisine with kadala curry, ripe bananas, and grated coconut!.
• Idiyappam with Curry: This cuisine is also known as Noolappam in Kerala. This famous dish ‘Idiyappam’ is made of rice flour, salt and water with a number of thin strands or sevai entwined together to give a beautiful texture to this dish.
• Appam: made of rice powder, coconut milk, coconut water, and a little bit of sugar. It looks like a thin pancake-like bowl with crispy edges and can be enjoyed any time breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It can be combined with vegetarian gravies such as stew, and sometimes also mango pieces.
• Puttu: A popular breakfast dish, Puttu is made in a cylindrical mould placed atop a pot in which water is boiled to provide steam for the Puttu to cook. A long stick is used to push it out of the mould. Puttu is enjoyed in two contrasting ways – either with a spicy curry of black chickpeas or with small yellow bananas and sugar.
• Podi Pathiri : There is extensive variety in pathiri but this is the basic one. Specific to northern Kerala, Podi Pathiri is eaten with either fish or meat curry. Since it is made of rice flour, which is more delicate as compared to wheat or refined flour, the dough must have the right water-flour proportion. The boiling ensures that you get supple dough, which yields soft pathiri.
• Payasam: Payasam, Kerala’s favorite dessert, contains very simple ingredients. A lentil or cereal cooked in either milk or coconut milk, sweetened with sugar or jaggery, flavored by cardamom and dry ginger and garnished with cashew nuts.
• Karimeen Fish: A dish where the fish is wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed, there are many other delicious variations as well. You can enjoy your karimeen fried, simmered in a wonderful coconut gravy or grilled with Southern spices.
• Aval Puttu - A sweet dish made with pressed rice that is usually made during festivals. This is a very simple snack prepared with aval and jaggery.
•  Kozhukkata: The sweet rice flour dumpling filled with a mixture of grated coconut and jaggery is similar to the modak - a snack popular in other parts of India. A plain version without any filling is also a common breakfast dish in Kerala. 
• Idiyappam and Egg Curry: Idiyappam is made up of a dough of rice flour and hot water. The dough is then squeezed down to make noodles and the noodles are steamed.  Egg Curry is prepared a bit spicy and it is the best mate of Idiyappam.  
• Malabar Chicken Biryani: A well-cooked chicken and Basmati rice along with the Kerala special spices will take your imagination of Biryani to the different level. A complete meal that can be had for lunch or dinner, Malabar Chicken Biryani is famous and must try dishes in Kerala.
• Dosa-Sambar: This is one of the famous dishes in south India. This is made with rice and sour spicy curry.
  

Tips

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• You can get authentic Ayurveda treatments in Kerala. However, always remember to choose to go only to those Green Leaf & Olive Leaf classified Ayurveda centers that are approved by the Kerala Tourism Department.
  
• Carry enough water with you and water will be available in most of the shops in Kerala. Always use purified water. Drinking & eating from roadside vendors is not advisable. Keep yourself hydrated with water and other juices when you are sightseeing. On some days heat in Kerala can be intense and can sap your energy. Avoid Cut fruits.
• You are not allowed to touch/ take pictures of idols in temples of Kerala so make note of it.
• Avoid wearing Provocative or Revealing clothes in Public Places during your trip to Alappuzha.
• Public display of affection is not recommended in Alappuzha and other parts of Kerala.
• Usually, Elephants don’t harm you but we suggest you not to touch/feed them in the absence of their Mahout (Master of Elephant).
• Entry for non-Hindus is not permitted by some temples in Kerala and there are strict dress codes that need to be followed. You may have to leave the footwear outside the temple which is a strict rule in most of the temples.
•  Carry Cotton outfits; hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, etc. and footwear that is appropriate to both the climate and the activities you have planned.
• There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that visitors can bring but limit the amount of precious jewelry and gold you carry and wear to the bare minimum.
•  Liquor in Kerala is available only from 5-star hotels and the shops of Kerala Beverages Corporation running by Govt. of Kerala, remember to limit the amount you drink.
• Main hotels, restaurants and shopping centers honor major credit cards and don’t carry too much cash. Banks are open for transaction from 10 AM to 15:30 PM on weekdays and till noon on Saturdays and you can always carry debit or credit cards.
• In beaches always listen to the lifeguard and tourist police. The waves may be good for bathing and surfing, but there may be rocks underneath and they could hide a current or a sudden depression.
• Kerala food is medium spicy and it may take some time for your taste buds to get adjusted. Check with your resort/ chef/ waiter about the spices and other ingredients in the food you want to order.
• You can book the taxis directly from airports at a reasonable rate if you take any prepaid cabs and you can also take rental cars or other vehicles including bicycles. In such cases make sure that you return them on the preferred date and time and they don’t take extra charges for unnecessary reasons.
• People expect tips in Kerala and the usual standard is ten percent of the service amount. You may have to do tipping in Kerala in taxis, Hotels, cafes, porters, tourist guides, travel assistance, and restaurants.
• International Driving Licenses (IDL) also known as International Drivers Permit (IDP) is mandatory for foreigners who want to hire or drive bike in India.
•  It is better to carry a pair of Slippers along with Normal Shoes, especially during Monsoon Seasons.
• Light cotton clothes are recommended for your Alappuzha travel. Heavy woolen clothes are not required in Kerala.
• Smoking is banned in public places in Kerala by court order and you are liable to be prosecuted if you smoke in public.
  
• Tickets to most sightseeing places are on a first come first served basis and there are separate queues for foreigners in most sightseeing attractions in Kerala.
• Kerala is well known for law and order and is generally a peaceful state. However, don’t travel to remote areas in night hours. It is better to stay the night in a better hotel or resort and continue the journey in the early morning than traveling at night.