Alleppey, India
Region: Kerala
Geographic Coordinates: 9.490000, 76.330000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with high humidity and heavy rainfall during monsoon season.
Population: 177079
Language: Malayalam
Alleppey, Also known as Alappuzha, Is a coastal town situated in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The town is famous for its serene backwaters, Scenic canals, And lush paddy fields. It has earned the nickname Venice of the East due to its network of waterways that meander through the town. One of Alleppey’s main highlights is its backwaters which cover over 900 km and comprise interconnected lagoons and lakes. These peaceful waters are lined with coconut palms and feature traditional houseboats called kettuvallams that visitors can take leisurely cruises on to explore this beautiful region.
The boat ride offers an opportunity to observe daily life in Alleppey as locals go about their activities along the banks. Alleppey’s beaches are another popular attraction with Marari Beach located just outside the town being a favorite among tourists from all over India and beyond. This pristine beach features miles of golden sand fringed by swaying palm trees and clear blue waters ideal for swimming or sunbathing. The town has some historic landmarks worth visiting such as St Mary’s Forane Church built-in 427 AD which is one of India’s oldest churches still standing today.
Another notable attraction is Krishnapuram Palace constructed during Maharaja Marthanda Varma’s reign in the 18th century. Several festivals take place throughout the year in Alleppey including Nehru Trophy Boat Race held every August where thousands gather to watch traditional snake boats race each other along Punnamada Lake. Other festivals include Onam celebrated between August-September where people dress up in traditional attire and participate in various cultural activities like boat races, Flower carpets etc.
no visit to Alleppey would be complete without trying some local delicacies especially seafood like Karimeen (pearl spot fish) usually cooked in spicy coconut gravy served with rice or appam (pancake made with fermented rice batter). Other popular dishes include Kerala-style biryani, Puttu (steamed rice cake), And kappa (tapioca). Alleppey is a picturesque town that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, Cultural heritage, And culinary delights making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.
Important Landmarks
- Backwaters of Alleppey
- Alappuzha Beach
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Pathiramanal Island
- Krishnapuram Palace
- Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple
- Nehru Trophy Boat Race
- Marari Beach
- St Mary’s Forane Church
- Vembanad Lake
Primary Industries
- Tourism: Alleppey is known for its backwaters, beaches, and houseboats which attract a large number of tourists every year.
- Agriculture: The fertile land of Alleppey is ideal for paddy cultivation. Rice cultivation is the main agricultural activity in the region.
- Fishing: The coast of Alleppey provides ample opportunities for fishing activities.
- Coir Industry: Coir products like mats, carpets, and ropes are made from coconut husk fiber which is abundant in Alleppey.
- Handicrafts: Handicrafts like pottery, wood carving, and shellcraft are also popular in the region.
- Ayurveda: Ayurvedic treatment centers have been established in recent years to cater to tourists seeking traditional Indian medicine treatments.
- Education: There are several schools and colleges in the city that provide education to students from nearby areas.
- Healthcare services: Several hospitals and clinics provide healthcare services to residents as well as tourists visiting the city.
Noteable History
- The Backwaters of Alleppey are a beautiful network of interconnected canals, lagoons and lakes that run parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. They have been used for transportation and fishing for centuries.
- The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is an annual event held in Alleppey every second Saturday of August since 1952. It is named after India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
- St. Mary’s Forane Church is one of the oldest churches in Kerala, dating back to the 9th century AD. It is located in Champakulam village near Alleppey.
- The Punnapra-Vayalar uprising was a peasant revolt against British colonial rule that started in Punnapra village near Alleppey and spread to nearby Vayalar village in 1946.
- Arundhati Roy, an Indian author, activist and Booker Prize winner spent her childhood years living with her mother at Aymanam near Kottayam before moving to Delhi with her father.
- The V.K Krishna Menon Museum situated at Kottayam district showcases various personal belongings of Krishna Menon who was one among India’s greatest diplomatists ever lived.
- Nedumudi Venu (born as Kesavan Venugopal) is a Malayalam film actor from Kerala who has acted over 500 films including Tamil films as well. He hails from Nedumudi, Alappuzha district.
- Vasantholsavam festival celebrated during April every year in Alleppey associated with Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple known for its colourful processions, cultural programmes and fireworks.
- Kayamkulam Lake is a large freshwater lake located near Alleppey known for its scenic beauty attracting tourists from all over.
- Cochin Port Trust established in 1928 near Alleppey played an important role in the economic development of Kerala by facilitating trade and commerce with other countries.
Museums and Things To See
- Krishnapuram Palace Museum
- Alappuzha Beach
- Mullakkal Rajeshwari Temple
- Pathiramanal Island
- Nehru Trophy Boat Race Finishing Point Stadium
- St Mary’s Forane Church, Champakulam
- Marari Beach
- Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple
- Karumadi Kuttan Statue
- Alleppey Lighthouse
Sports Teams
- After conducting research, it appears that there is limited information about sports teams and their histories in Alleppey, India.
- However, the town is renowned for its water sports such as boat racing and kayaking.
- The Nehru Trophy Boat Race held annually on Punnamada Lake in Alleppey draws a significant crowd of tourists and locals alike.
- Additionally, there are numerous clubs and associations that promote various sporting activities within the town.
Cultural Events
- Nehru Trophy Boat Race is an annual event held in Alleppey on the second Saturday of August. It attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world who come to witness the boat race.
- Alappuzha Beach Festival takes place in January and offers cultural programs, food stalls, and various competitions for visitors to enjoy.
- Mullakkal Chirappu Mahotsavam lasts for ten days during October-November at Mullakkal Temple in Alleppey. The festival includes religious rituals, cultural programs, and a grand procession.
- Ambalapuzha Temple Festival is held every year in July-August at Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna temple to celebrate Lord Krishna’s birth anniversary.
- Chettikulangara Bharani Festival features a grand procession with decorated elephants and traditional music performances at Chettikulangara Devi Temple during February-March.
- Arthunkal Perunnal Feast attracts devotees from all over India who come to seek blessings from St Sebastian at St Andrew’s Basilica Church every year in January.
- Champakulam Boat Race takes place annually on the fourth Saturday of June along Pamba River near Champakulam village.
- Kuttanad Duck Curry Competition is a unique competition that involves preparing duck curry using traditional methods and ingredients found only in Kuttanad region of Kerala during August-September every year.
Cuisine
- Karimeen Fry (Pearl Spot Fish Fry) – served at many local restaurants and street food stalls.
- Kerala-style seafood dishes – served at Thaff Restaurant, Harbour Restaurant, and Halais Restaurant.
- Appam with stew – a traditional breakfast dish served at Indian Coffee House and Hotel Prince.
- Puttu with Kadala Curry – another popular breakfast dish available at Indian Coffee House and Hotel Prince.
- Kappa (Tapioca) with fish curry – a traditional lunch or dinner dish available at Vembanad Restaurant, Cassia Restaurant, and Thaff Restaurant.
- Banana chips – a popular snack available at many street food stalls in Alleppey.
- Filter coffee – a must-try beverage available at Indian Coffee House and other local cafes.
- Coconut-based desserts like Payasam (rice pudding) or Ada Pradhaman (rice flakes pudding) – served as dessert options in most restaurants in Alleppey.
- Kerala Sadya- A traditional feast of Kerala which is usually vegetarian consisting of rice accompanied by various vegetable curries like sambar,rassam,pachadi etc .Served on banana leaf ,this is one of the must try dishes when you visit allepepy.There are several hotels that serve this speciality like Vembanad restaurant ,Halais restaurant etc
Parks and Recreation
- Alappuzha Beach
- Vembanad Lake
- Marari Beach
- Krishnapuram Palace
- Pathiramanal Island
- Ravi Karunakaran Museum
- Punnamada Lake
- Nehru Trophy Boat Race
- Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple
- Kuttanad Backwaters