Alleppey, Kerala, India

Print PDF

Alleppey (a.k.a. Alappuzha)

Houseboat at Alleppey Backwater

Alappuzha is situated between Kollam (85 km south) and Kochi (64 km north) on the Malabar Coast. It forms the central part of the backwater network. The geographical peculiarity of Alappuzha is that the shore water level is the same. This gives you the advantage of getting a closer look at the village life on shore while taking a backwater ride. Alappuzha offers a relaxing boat cruise to Kollam along the small canals that line most every path. Country boats of various types criss-cross paths with passengers from all walks of Kerala’s rural life ranging from the milkman and newspaper boy to local politicians, priests and wedding parties.
Initially, the town had only one canal. This soon grew into a busy waterway with shops and commercial enterprises on either side of the canal. Commercial interests drew traders from other countries. By the mid 19th century the sea receded a mile, offering more land along the sand strip giving shape to modern Alappuzha.

What is it?  – A great jump-off point to make a splash in the backwaters of Kerala
Where is it?  – Kerala, India
When do I go?  – November to March
For how long?  – Two days
City Code:  0477

The day passes reluctantly, as palm fronds wave sensuously in the wind and the sun plays with the water. This is Alleppey or Alappuzha, a district made unique by an intricate network of canals. Home to the coir industry, most of the boats on the canals are filled with huge bales of coconut fibre. But beyond those are the houseboats, villages afloat on the water, the seductive beauty of the water hyacinth and the huge rush of excitement as snake boats race towards the finish line in August and September. Drift reluctantly with the day and do not be surprised if you turn up in the quiet beauty of the Vembanad lake.

Time Planner

Day one: Alappuzha beach, Vijaya beach resort, local sightseeing.
Day two: Sri Krishna Temple, Mannarasalas Sree Nagaraja Temple, Latin Catholic Church, Arthunkal (St Andrews Chruch).
Day three: Krishnampuram Palace, Kottamkulangara Mahavishnu and Devi Temple, Rajarajeshwari Temple.
Day four: Take a local boat cruise.
Day five: Hire a houseboat to visit the Pathiramanal Island.

Climate
Proximity to the Arabian Sea on the west and a network of lakes in between, accounts for the tropical climate of Alappuzha. Summers are hot and a bit unbearable. Temperatures reach up to 35°C (95°F). It is best to avoid the place, which is at its hottest from March to May.
The greens of Alappuzha come alive in the monsoon months of June to October. It can get quite heavy and restrict you to staying indoors. Alappuzha receives an average of up to 250 millimetres every year.
The winter months are probably the best time to visit. It is cool and festive towards the end of the year. Temperatures are a maximum of 32°C (90°F) , and a minimum of 22°C (72°F).

Location of Alleppey

For more information on the following topics, please see our Alleppey travel guide from the link at the end of the article:
- Getting there
- Getting around
- Sights & Sounds
- Excursions
- Accommodation
- Eating Out
- Shopping
- Useful Information
- Survival Guide

Alleppey, Kerala The complete guide to the backwaters-city, Alleppey in the southern state of Kerala in India. Get all the information you need – getting there, getting away, excursions, sights & sounds, things to do, useful information, etc. Price: $3.99