Alapuzha (Alleppey)- destination famous for its backwaters.
Historical Background
The roots of Alappuzha trace back to the 16th century, but it was formally established as a planned town in 1762 under the rule of Raja Kesavadas, the Dewan of Travancore. At the time, only a narrow canal ran through a sandy stretch between the sea and the Vembanad Lake. Soon, the area developed into a vibrant water-based trading centre, with merchants arriving from across the globe in search of spices and coir—often referred to as "black gold."
By the 19th century, the silting of the coastline opened up more land for development, allowing the construction of a proper port. In 1859, the first coir factory was set up using modern weaving methods introduced by the British. This marked the beginning of a major industrial phase for the town. Institutions like the first post office (1851) and the first Anglican church (1819) added to its colonial legacy.
Culture and Way of Life
Alappuzha is rich in traditions and continues to thrive with its historic coir and fishing industries. The town celebrates many cultural events, with snake boat races during Onam season being one of the major crowd-pullers. The intricate network of canals, green paddy fields, and coastal charm are closely tied to the daily lives of locals. The town is also well known for its Ayurvedic wellness centres, offering natural therapies that attract health-conscious travellers.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
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Backwaters: The houseboat cruises through Alappuzha’s backwaters provide a unique glimpse into rural Kerala. Guests can enjoy overnight stays, freshly cooked meals, and the serene beauty of palm-fringed waterways.
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Karumadi: A small village just 3 km from the town, home to the mysterious 11th-century black granite statue of Karumadikuttan, believed to be a representation of Buddha.
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Temples and Churches: Places like Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple, Chettikulangara Devi Temple, St. Andrew’s Basilica, and Champakulam Church showcase the town’s religious diversity and architectural charm.
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Beaches and Lakes: Alappuzha Beach, with its century-old pier, and Punnamada Lake, the venue of the iconic Nehru Trophy Boat Race, are must-visits for nature lovers.
Cuisine and Shopping
Alappuzha offers a blend of traditional Kerala flavors and coastal cuisine. Fish curry, prawn dishes, appam with stew, and local biryanis are popular choices. Many houseboats offer freshly prepared meals onboard, giving visitors an authentic taste of the region. Shopping is centered around coir products, bamboo crafts, and spices, often found in local markets or directly from artisans.
Travel and Accessibility
Alappuzha is well connected by road and rail. It is about 62 km south of Kochi and around 155 km north of Thiruvananthapuram. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, approximately 85 km away. Regular buses and trains make travel easy. Within the town, auto-rickshaws, bicycles, and boats are popular modes of transport for short distances and scenic routes.
Stay Options
Accommodation ranges from luxury resorts to budget homestays and traditional houseboats. Many options are located by the backwaters, offering tranquil views and peaceful surroundings. Treehouse stays and eco-resorts also cater to those seeking offbeat experiences.
Getting to Alappuzha
Alappuzha is easily accessible by road, rail, and air, making it a convenient destination for both domestic and international travelers.
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By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), located about 85 km away. From the airport, taxis and buses are available for a direct journey to Alappuzha.
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By Train: The Alappuzha Railway Station is well-connected to major Indian cities like Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, and New Delhi. Regular express and passenger trains operate daily, providing a scenic route through Kerala’s countryside.
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By Road: Alappuzha lies along the NH 66 highway, and buses operated by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private operators connect it to nearby cities. It takes around 2 hours by bus or car from Kochi. Overnight buses from Bengaluru, Coimbatore, and Chennai also run frequently.
Accommodation in Alappuzha
Alappuzha offers a wide range of stay options to suit every kind of traveler — from luxury seekers to budget backpackers.
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Houseboats: The most iconic stay experience in Alappuzha is a traditional houseboat. Cruising along the backwaters while enjoying freshly cooked local meals is a unique way to spend a night or two.
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Resorts & Heritage Hotels: Along the coastline and backwaters, there are numerous sea-facing resorts, eco-lodges, and heritage homestays that offer a mix of comfort and cultural charm.
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Budget Hotels: Travelers looking for economical stays can find several lodges and hotels within the town, especially around the railway station and Mullakkal Street.
Best Time to Visit Alappuzha
The ideal time to explore Alappuzha depends on the kind of experience you're looking for:
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December to February: Cool and pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing, boat rides, and beach visits.
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August to November: Best time to witness cultural festivals and participate in events like the Nehru Trophy Boat Race held in Punnamada Lake.
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June to July (Monsoon): Although travel can be affected by rains, this season attracts visitors looking for Ayurvedic treatments and lush green views of the backwaters.
