A part of the God’s Own Country, Alleppey is known as Venice of the East for its winding narrow canals that connect the water bodies. The quaint town is brimming with sun-kissed beaches, canals and age-old coves. Each entity would spellbind to the extent that leaving this place won’t be easy.

The picturesque waterways would direct a visitor to the riverside houses of the villages that live a simple yet unique lifestyle. They can be seen modeling a boat or working in the rice fields or even fishing. Each one of them is a great host and would love to introduce a guest to his state and its specialties. But let us unveil the mesmerizing Alleppey and know how to explore the lush green forest to its fullest.

Take A Village Tour

Sail through the skinny canals of Alleppey to reach the local villages while listening to the sound of water and chirping birds. As per your budget, you can choose from a canoe, shikara, motorboat or a luxury cruise in a traditional houseboat. Take a break and meet the local people; watch them do fishing, coir making and mussel farming. You can also relish authentic Kerala food in a local hotel.

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Find the Religious Side of Alleppey

Alleppey is not just about backwaters, it has some of the oldest churches and temples in the country with impeccable architecture. St. Mary’s Forane Church Champakulam area was built in 427 AD and one of the oldest churches in India. Similar to it is St. Andrew’s Forane Church at Arthunkal which attract lakhs of followers. The place also has Hindu pilgrimages like Mullackal Rajarajeswari temple, Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple and Sree Krishna temple in Ambalappuzha.

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Night Walk and a Campfire

Walk on the bank of the backwaters during night and listen to the sound of flowing water. In the silence of night, it is truly mesmerizing! Spend some fun time in a peaceful place to sing and dance around a campfire. You can also enjoy a Kerala dinner.

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Get Yourself a Rejuvenating Ayurvedic Massage

When it comes to Ayurveda, Alleppey is arguably the best. The place is full of Ayurvedic Resorts and Spas which guarantee ultimate rejuvenation and relaxation. They even have therapies for chronic illnesses and this is the reason, the place is visited by throngs of Indians and foreigners.

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Catch a Glimpse of the Gorgeous Sunset

End of a day can also be beautiful and Alleppey proves it. A treat to the eyes, the beach of Pozhiyoram offers the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises that is a perfect muse for avid photographers. The beautiful beach is also a popular haunt for water sports.

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Do Museum Hopping in Revi Karunakaran

Art lovers will love this museum; which houses the collections of Revi Karunakaran family. Here you will find many mural paintings, crystal items, Swaovski crystal collection, antique furniture and almost 3000 items. Immerse yourself in history and know the people of the land.

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Go Bird Watching

The backwaters of Alleppey, is home to the rarest migratory birds in India. While on a bird watching safari, a visitor will find Asian Palm Swift, and Stork Billed, White Breasted Waterhen, Black Drongo, White Throated Kingfishers and Jungle Myna. Some canoe tours also include bird watching and photography.

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Attend the Nehru Trophy Boat Race

A tradition since 1952, this fun filled event held on the 2nd Saturday of August has been attracting people from India and abroad. On a huge boat, 120 oarsmen cruise on the Punnamda Lake, thus winning the Nehru Trophy. Music and folk dances are also a part of the event.

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Relish Kerala Seafood at its Best

Your visit to Kerala is incomplete without a taste of the famous Karimeen which is a local delicacy. Alleppey is full of restaurants that serve Masala Crabs, salmon ravioli, sardine fish curry and tapioca. If you are an angling enthusiast, then some local shacks can also cook your fresh catch in a traditional way.

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Kerala is also Heaven for the Vegans

Are you a vegetarian and not a seafood person? Then don’t worry; Kerala is known all over the world for its vegetarian dishes. Idiyappam with Sambar, Erissery (Pumpkin and Lentil Stew), Puttu and Kadala Curry, Appam with Ishtu (Stew), Ela Sadya and the ultimate Idli and Dosa can be relished here. You may have tried Kerala food in many parts of the country or abroad; the taste you would find here is simple out of this world.

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Alleppey’s Popular Markets!

Take back a piece of Kerala and go shopping in the Zakariya Market. Here you will find maritime items alongwith South Indian jewelleries, trinkets, artifacts and traditional handicrafts.

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It really doesn’t matter how you wish to explore the Alleppey backwaters, but this is inarguably the authentic Kerala in a piece of land. Imbibe the striking shades of this beautiful land and behold its tranquility forever in your heart and soul.