Alleppey/Alappuzha - Backwaters of Kerala

Alleppey/Alappuzha district in Kerala, Southern India is incredibly well-known as “Venice of the East” for its lengthy canals which are well connected to many other parts of Kerala, vast lagoons and lakes, also not forgetting to mention about the lush greenery on the both sides of the waterways, let it be paddy fields or coconut plantation on the both sides of the canals, it will never fail to impress us with its splendid countryside view of the gods own country.

Alleppey/Alappuzha is just 70Kms from Cochin (nearest airport), a main hub of Kerala other than Thiruvananthapuram & Kozhikode. A car ride will take approximately an hour and a quarter from Cochin to Alleppey. Train and bus rides frequent to Alleppey from Cochin. Tourist taxis will be the best option for foreign travelers as it will be uncomplicated to travel from one place to another hassle free.

Alleppey/Alappuzha has great weather which is not too hot even during summer, maybe since this district is in close proximity to the ocean. Best time to visit will be between mid August till mid March.

The backwater of Kerala is one of the main attractions in India. Best voyage in the backwaters either starts in Alleppey or Kumarakom compared against few other spots in Kerala. The Houseboats “Kettuvallam” are famous mainly among honeymooners. You can hire the houseboats ranging from ½ a day to few days which include meals on board. There are houseboats which even has 3 rooms in it for a big family. The houseboats are well furnished. 2 tier boats are also available for big groups. There are also small boats which takes you a few hours voyage through the lazing canals. You can get good bargains when you book directly with the houseboat operators rather than depending on touts.

From the boat you can observe the everyday village life of people, stop for a drink & snacks, watch birds, and enjoy this relaxing journey through canals, lakes and lagoons. It is nice to go towards Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala, where rice farming is done below sea level. This unique experience in the backwaters of Kerala will be something remembered for a lifetime!