At a distance of 152 km from Trivandrum and 63 km from Kochi, Alappuzha is a magnificent destination in Kerala with mix of Backwaters and Beach. Alappuzha also known as Alleppey is situated on the shores of Arabian Sea close to the banks of Vembanad Lake. It is the administrative headquarters of Alappuzha district and 6th largest city in Kerala. This is also one of the ideal weekend getaways from Kochi & Trivandrum and also one of the best Kerala tourist places.
Along with Kumarakom, Alappuzha is among the most famous destination of Backwaters in Kerala. A houseboat cruise in these backwaters is a delightful experience. It connects Kumarakom and Cochin to the North and Kollam to the South. The never-ending panorama of lush green paddy fields, towering coconut trees, shimmering water and long canals around Alappuzha make it a delightful destination. It is popularly known as the 'Venice of the East'. Alappuzha - Kumarakom, Alleppey - Kottayam, Alleppey - Pathiramanal Island, and Alleppey - Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary are the some popular Alleppey Houseboat places.
Alleppey was founded by the Diwan of Travancore, Raja Keshawadasan in 1762. In the past, Alappuzha port was amongst the busiest trade centers and traded with the Persian Gulf regions and even Europe. It 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.
Alappuzha is also known for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race held on the Punnamada Lake on the second Saturday of August every year. This is the most competitive and popular of the boat races in India. The Mullakkal Chirap is also one of the attractions of Alappuzha which is the festive season held 10 days every year in the month of December.
Kuttanad, known as 'The rice bowl of Kerala' is part of the Alappuzha district. Kuttanad is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below the sea level. Alappuzha beach, Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Arthunkal Church, Mannarasala Temple, Chettikulangara Devi Temple, Thakazhy Shree Dharmashastha Temple, Mullakkal Temple, Champakulam and Krishnapuram Palace are nearest tourist place which attracts many tourists.
Kochi airport is the nearest airport to Alleppey which is 84 km away. Alleppey is a major rail station on Malabar Coast line which is connected to cities like Bangalore, New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Coimbatore, Vijayawada, Kolkata, Kochi, Trivandrum, etc. Alappuzha is also well connected by road. NH 47 passes through the city connecting the city by bus to major cities like Coimbatore, Ernakulum, Thrissur, Kollam, and Trivandrum.
The best time to visit to Alleppey is November to February. It usually takes 1-2 full days to visit Alappuzha.
