Alleppey is one of the most
important tourist centres in Kerala. It’s the headquarter for backwater tourism
and has a large network of inland canals. We were travelling by train and I can
assure you that while travelling itself you will get to know why Kerala is
called the “god's own country”. The landscape, architecture, greenery... all
falls in place to give it a picture perfect view. The pattern is very different
what we see in normal cities. Each house had a hut structure and was surrounded
with a large garden. To me, it felt like the first landscape I had ever drawn
in childhood......with a hut ...path... coconut trees and a river. And it just completed the picture for me.
How to Reach:
By air: the nearest airport is Cochin(64kms). Thiruvananthapuram is the nearest international airport at 159 kms.
By road: Alappuzha is on the NH47 highway and is
connected to all the major towns in South India.
By train : Alappuzha is linked by rail to cities
like Cochin
If travelling by train, prepaid
auto stand is just outside the station. The people at prepaid counter are very helpful
and are always ready to serve you. You can book auto from there if your hotel
is not very far.
For accommodation, there are
two options available. You can either book a hotel or experience living in a houseboat.
There are hotels located at the lake side having magnificent view. But most of
the people coming to Alleppey opt for houseboat because it’s a onetime
experience and is what Alleppey is famous for.
In-fact : A fascinating fact of this land is the
region called Kuttanad" The land of lush paddy fields" also called the rice
bowl of Kerala and is one of the few places in the world where farming is done
below sea level.
Houseboat: The houseboat has
two options. Either you can take one day package or half day. They serve you
meal on the boat. It is advisable to book the boat after reaching there. There
are many options available and that way you can also check the design and
cleanliness on the boat. Weather travelling couple or in group, there are
houseboats with one to many number of rooms. So, you can all enjoy together. If
booking a houseboat, don’t worry about the luggage. Some of the boathouse
packages also include complementary room booking.
The journey of houseboat starts
in the morning and ends up the next morning. The houseboat takes you through
many interior backwaters and also gives an opportunity to get a close view of
the local tribal lives. You also get an opportunity to buy some really
inexpensive local craft works (jewellery, art piece, coir artifacts etc) being
sold by tribal people.
I also got a chance to try my
hand on the local boat. It was really exciting and must say I did quite well.
Alleppey is famous for coir
industry. You will find handicraft shops in the local market. People also like
to buy spices from Alleppey which have an indigenous aroma and makes food more flavorful.
Alappuzha Beach: This is a very
popular picnic spot and you will always see a lot of people standing on the
beach. The beach is very near to Alappuzha market. But it is advisable to visit
in the evening as the day time is very hot.
I was there on a weekend to
take a break from the hectic schedule of office. So, now I was all geared up
for the next week and of course planning for a next eventful outing.
Tell me what is your idea of
weekend gateway. Waiting for your ideas
to include in my itinerary.Till then keep talking and keep
touring.
