The “Venice of East” Alappuzha makes for an impressive and wonderful holiday for the tourists.

With its picturesque greenery, mirror still lagoons, visit Alleppey to get an experience of a slice of Venice. Alleppey has a maze of canals and is the most popular place to venture into the backwaters in Kerala. The amazing panorama of the palm-fringed lakesides, the unmatched magic of the narrow, quaint streets makes for a delightful setting.

History of Alleppey

The history of Alleppey unfolds its wonderful past. The city owes its existence to Divan Raja Kesavadas in the latter half of 18^th century.  The city was under Portuguese before it came under Dutch control. It became a busy commercial place and attracted merchants all over the world. According to historians, Alleppey is believed to have trade relations with Greece and Rome. Alleppey is a centre of coir industry. Allapuzha is a hub of backwater tourism in India however it is unique as it is the only district in Kerala without forest.

Tourism in Alleppey

As an enchanting backwater destination, Alleppey has a lot to offer to its tourists. Whether it is boating or fishing, or even just a stroll at the seaside, Alapuzha is unmatchable in its experience. Holiday packages on the houseboats offer an incredible experience. Alapuzha is a great option for all the seasons be it summer, winter or even monsoon. If you are planning to spend your New year in India, Alapuzha makes for a great travel destination. Alleppey Beach is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kerala. Alapuzha beach has a long sandy stretch with lighthouse and a pier extending into the sea which is believed to be of around 140 years old.

Situated at a distance of 14 kms from Alapuzha, Ambalappuzha Krishna temple devoted to Lord Krishna displays a typical Kerala style architecture. This temple is also famous for its delicious sweet palpaysam (milk desert) made as the daily offering for the Gods. Located at a drive of around one and half hour from Alapuzha, Pathiramanal beach is home to many exotic migratory birds. So, if you would like to add bird watching into your travel itinerary, Pathiramanal beach is a great option to go for.

Krishnapuram Palace is a protected monument which is worth seeing around Alleppey. It also houses largest mural painting displayed in the premises. If you are interested in archaeology, then this palace might open new doors for you.

Karumadikkuttan village which is situated about 12 km away from Alleppey, is named after a black granite figure of the great Buddha dating back to 10th century.

If you would like to experience a Venice market, the best place for you would be Chamakulam. This water logged village market will surely give you an experience of a life time.

The local Holland, Kuttanad is a span of water-logged land below sea level. It is called a local Holland because it has a strong semblance to Holland in its geographical features.

Punnamada Kayal is a place famous for annual boat festival. Christened as Nehru Trophy, thousands of spectators throng to witness this boat festival. The boats are shaped like snakes and the competitors sweat it out for the prestigious prize. It began in 1952 on the event of the visit of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, to Alleppey.

A trip to Alleppey is incomplete without a trip to these places. So make sure that your package tour includes all these places while you are holidaying in India.