Alappuzha

Alleppey And The Backwaters: In Brief

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When you think of Kerala backwaters, what you are imagining is probably Alleppey. Also known as Alappuzha, Alleppey has some of the most naturally beautiful backwaters forming hundreds of channels and waterways. The average elevation of Alleppey is only 1 metre above mean sea level. It covers an area of 1,415 square kilometres and is flanked by the Vembanad Lake covering 2,195 square kilometeres, where six rivers sprwad out before joining the sea. The beautiful city of Alappuzha has many man made canals criss crossing it, much like Amsterdam.

Full of lagoons, backwaters, canals, fresh water rivers and lakes, and oodles of greenery, we spent a good week exploring the waters for a film we were shooting.

Avoid the houseboats, they have become very touristy. Look for a quaint local stay. And eat at the tiny toddy/food joints next to the backwaters.

What to do? Are you nuts. Just sleep, laze, sit by the waters, eat, indulge in sheer bliss in God’s Own Country.

Alappuzha or Alappuzha
Waiting patiently for the meal.
Alleppey also known as Alappuzha
A discarded skin from a moulting snake in Alleppey
Alleppey also known as Alappuzha
The beautiful backwaters are best explored with plenty of time in hand, in a hand rowed boot, much like the one parked here.
Alleppey also known as Alappuzha
Water, coconut trees, bliss, water coconut trees, bliss…
Alleppey also known as Alappuzha
Sebastian (in the blue shirt), our boatman, took us around the unexplored canals and backwaters, knew each of them, by name and description, and introduced us to this most fabulous little eating joint.
Alleppey also known as Alappuzha
That’s Sebastian making sure we are all there.
Alleppey also known as Alappuzha
The best eating places in Alleppey are the tiny toddy joints next to the back waters.
Alleppey also known as Alappuzha
When in Alappuzha eat well.
Alleppey also known as Alappuzha
The photogenic kitchen produces the most mouth watering fish, veggies and rice.
Alleppey also known as Alappuzha
And everything was steaming hot and fresh.
Alleppey also known as Alappuzha
Can’t get over these Kerala rice and fish, chutneys and veggies.
Alleppey also known as Alappuzha
These placid backwaters call for switching off your watch and cell phones…
Alleppey also known as Alappuzha
…and just laying down in a boat which is rocked by the gentle waves of another…
Brother’s, in Alappuzha, is THE place to eat at. Neer dosas, puttus, meat roasts, fish, vegetable torans… everything here is superb. Thalis are served only for lunch. Food runs out quickly so do not delay.
Alleppey Alappuzha
A small cottage amidst the many water bodies. A perfect place to stay.
Alleppey Alappuzha
Numerous walks like this one next to many canals ensure you get a daily dose of bliss.
Alleppey Alappuzha
In the city’s more ‘urban’ district, these old spice route canals criss cross, making many bridges along the way.
Alleppey Alappuzha
The Old Town part of Alleppey has these gorgeous godowns next to canals. Once, ships and boats would form a trade and these godowns were used to store spices and other goods.
Alleppey Alappuzha
Another bridge on one of the many canals.
Alleppey Alappuzha
The old godowns have these gorgeous lanes amongst them…
Alleppey Alappuzha
Beautiful old buildings, plenty of water. Reminds me of Amsterdam.
Alleppey Alappuzha
The old buildings housed offices and godowns along the waterways.
Alleppey Alappuzha Vembanad Lake
Boating along Alleppey, the size of the massive Vembanad lake makes it feel like a sea.
Alleppey Alappuzha
Into the rustic backwaters.
Alleppey Alappuzha
And dense greenery.
Alleppey Alappuzha
The long lazy backwater channels keep inviting us to come back…

[box type=”success” width=”100%” ]How to reach: Fly to Kochi and Alappuzha is about 3 hours by road. Or if adventurous and have time, drive to Alappuzha. It’s a gorgeous drive from most places. Have plenty of good tea an coffee on the way.

Where to stay: There are plenty of stay options, but we loved the Punnamada Backwater Resort and the Kayaloram Heritage Resort. Emerald Isle Heritage Homestay is another option.

Where to eat: Find one of the small eateries next to the backwaters. Or visit Brothers in town. It’s the best restaurant for food in this sleepy town. Don’t expect fine dining here. The KTDC Resort too has an excellent Thali. You could try that as well.

When to visit: June to August it rains a lot. This could be a good time for some people. September is good as the rains are almost out, the backwaters are lush green and full of water. January is another nice time with cooler weather, though don’t expect to wear woollens. [/box]

17 thoughts on “Alleppey And The Backwaters: In Brief”

  4. What I enjoyed most in Kerala was its food, and of course, the Kerala rice! I stayed in a heritage house in Kumarakom, and the half-day backwaters exploration my friend and I did was quite nice too. The ambiance was very peaceful, the kids so friendly and inquisitive.

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  10. Its very nice blog !! I liked this blog so much. This is very helpful information for travellers. I love travelling and want to explore the whole world. This travel blogs is very helpful for travel junkies. This blogs makes my trip more easier and memorable. Backwaters in Alleppey is the best place to travel in Kerala. Apart from Alleppey best places to visit in Kerala are Munnar hills, Kumarakom, Wayanad, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuaries, Thekkady, Wagamon and many more. Pictures are awesome.

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  11. Great post> Thanks for the great information. Backwaters in Alleppey is the best place to travel in Kerala. Kerala is also famous for its amazing Backwaters. Tourist attractions of Kerala are Munnar hills, Kumarakom, Thekkady, Wagamon, Wayanad and many more.

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