Alappuzha (Alleppey) Travel Guide

Facts

Name: Alappuzha (Alleppey)
Area: 46.2 sq. km. (17.8 sq. mi.)
Population: 174,000 (2011)
Language: Malayalam, English
State: Kerala
Currency: Rupee
Time Zone: UTC+5:30 (IST)
Religions and Beliefs: Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity

Alappuzha (Alleppey), the Venice of the East, is often referred as the gateway to the gorgeous backwaters of Kerala. The green fringed city overlooking the majestic sea is one of the biggest attractions of Alappuzha travel, after the much-hyped backwater cruises. Alleppey is also the home to an extensive coir industry – thanks to the extensive number of coconut palms that grow in the region.

According to few, the word Alappuzha is formed by two words - Ᾱlayam meaning home while the suffix loosely refers to as river in Malayalam. Being an ancient trading town, the name Alleppey pops up in different historic Indian and Greek documents. Being the administrative headquarters of the district, the city has one of the highest literacy rates in the state.

Best Places to Visit in Alappuzha

1. Alappuzha Backwaters & Boat House

2. Alappuzha Beach

3. Mullakkal Sree Rajarajeswari Temple

4. Pazhaveed Bhagavathi Temple

5. Mannarasala Temple

6. Krishnapuram Palace

7. Alappuzha CSI Christ Church

8. Thiruvizha Sree Mahadevar Temple

9. Cheriya Kalavur Ayyappa Temple

10. Sree Nagaraja Seamy Temple

One of the biggest attractions of Alleppey travel are its backwaters. The overnight cruises through the intricate network of brackish lakes and lagoons of Alappuzha is simply breath-taking. Although not cheap, these overnight cruises are often dubbed as a must-have experience in Kerala. Apart from that, the Alappuzha Beach is also immensely popular among the tourists. Just 2km off the main city center, the beach gives you a gorgeous view of the sunset. It is not suitable for swimming, but the view is utterly amazing. The nearby Alappuzha Lighthouse is another popular attraction close to the region.

Best Time to Visit Alappuzha: October to March

The climate of Alleppey mostly hot and humid throughout the year. However, during this point of October to March, the climate takes a rather pleasant turn making it the perfect time for Alappuzha travel. Heavy showers during this part is common and carrying an umbrella/poncho comes highly recommended. The average temperature of is around 27℃ (80.6℉). For Alleppey travel, remember to pack light clothes like jeans and t-shirts. Also, carrying traditional Indian clothes is recommended. Layering your clothes on your travel to this region ensures you have a comfortable stay in case the temperature drops a degree or two.

Read more about Best Time to Visit Kerala

Ranking List of Alappuzha Food

1. Puttu And Kadala
2. Idiyappam
3. Ela Ada

During the Alappuzha travel, do sample the stunning cuisines of the city for an extraordinary experience. While the Puttu – coconut steamed rice – served with Kadala or spicy chickpea curry is a cult favorite, the idiyappam is a stringy noddle that is best served with curry. Most of the dishes are cooked with an aromatic blend of spices and vegetables – giving the dish its distinctive taste. Ela Ada, a traditional sweet in Kerala, is a kind of rice packets made of rice flour wrapped in a dough, with sweet fillings, steamed with banana leaves and served as part of an evening snack or breakfast.

Best Restaurants in Alappuzha

1. Meenachi's Thattukada: Beach Rd, Kunnumpuram, Alappuzha, Kerala 688012
One of the favorite destinations for authentic local staples, the restaurant serves vegetarian dishes at most affordable prices.

2. Smile Cat Café: Alleppey Beach, Munnodi Temple Road, near Muthalapozhi, Kanjiramchira, Alappuzha, Kerala 688007
Overlooking the beautiful Alleppey Beach, this restaurant is ideal for a romantic dinner.

3. Cafe Catamaran: Padinjare Kurisadi, Kanjiramchira, Alappuzha, Kerala 688007
In this restaurant, you can usually have almost global treats, which is an ideal choice for European tourists.

Where to Stay in Alappuzha – 70% Tourists Choose Hotels near Alappuzha Beach

Alappuzha Beach – 70%
Homestays nears Backwaters – 28%

Being an important tourist attraction and close to the city center, Alappuzha Beach attracts most tourists to stay close to it. Some great hotels are highly recommended around the Alappuzha Beach, including Alleppey Holiday Beach Resort, Alamada Guest House and Casamaria Beach Resort. Apart from that, there are numerous homestays around the backwater canals of Alleppey, which are recommended to soak in the local culture during the Alleppey travel.

Transportation in Alappuzha

There is no airport in Alappuzha and Cochin International Airport (COK) is the nearest airport to Alleppey, approximately 84 km (52 miles) away. Tourists can take a taxi or bus from the airport to Alappuzha, which respectively costs about ₹1,650-2,080, and ₹220 or so. Alleppey Railway Station is the nearest railway station, located about 4 km (2.5 miles) away from Alappuzha city center. From the railway station, you can hire a cab or get in an auto-rickshaw to reach the main city. And it generally costs ₹50-60 or so by auto-rickshaw.

Boat jetties are one of the mostly used modes of transport for Alappuzha travel and its nearby region. The ferry boats are dirt cheap, and a great way to explore the backwaters of the region without spending the close to US$100 on the trip. Apart from that, the government run buses are available for inter- or intra-town travel. These buses are ridiculously cheap. App-based cabs are available and can be booked for long distance travel.

Top Shopping Markets

1. Pulickattil Handicrafts

Address: Boat Jetty Rd, Mullakkal, Alappuzha, Kerala 688013
Opening time: 9.00 am to 7.00 pm (Sunday closed)

Home to traditional handicrafts of Kerala, the place is haven for people who want to learn more about traditional artifacts. One can buy the quality goods from the emporium, available in different shapes and sizes. Pick some quality wooden handicrafts from Pulickattil Handicrafts on your Alappuzha travel.

2. Canal Bazaar

Address: RGM-273, Thakdari Rd, Tarulia, Krishnapur, Kestopur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700102
Opening time: 8.00 am to 8.00 pm

The most aromatic corner of Alleppey, Canal Bazzar is a hub of sellers trading in aromatic spices. Apart from spices, one can buy local snacks including jackfruit and banana chips.