Alleppey Holidays

Alleppey at a Glance

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha was, in the 19th century, the main port for the region shipping coffee, spices, tea and cashews. It is now considered by some, due to its narrow streets packed around a grid of canals, to be an Indian version of Venice. That’s where the similarities end, for Alleppey is a vibrant and colourful place filled with people and bazaars and choked with traffic. The highlight of a holiday to Alleppey has to be the houseboat trips that are so popular here.

Explore Alleppey

• If you holiday in Alleppey in mid August, which happens to be the monsoon season, you will be rewarded with the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race, which pulls in crowds from all over India to witness the race and celebrations.
• Try the spit-roast chicken at Thaff, a restaurant in Alleppey serving Indian food with occasional Arabic flavours.
• Take a cruise between Alleppey and Kollam and stop for a lunch of local food and an afternoon chai stop.

Why a Holiday to Alleppey?

• The best way to discover Alleppey is to hire a houseboat. Houseboats are actually designed like a rice barge with boats suitable for both couples and larger groups with up to eight bunk beds onboard. Discover the peaceful palm tree lined waterways of Kerala and eat authentic Keralan food prepared and cooked by an onboard chef.
• Take a trip through the less explored backwaters to discover local life on the lakes and canals and in the villages. With 900km of waterways along the coast and snaking inland it’s the highlight of Kerala and there’s so much to explore. Alternatively take the public ferry between Alleppey and Kottayam, which crosses Vembanad Lake.
• Hop on a kettuvallum or rice barge and head to one of the local villages where you can take a tour with a guide and watch the villagers boat building, fish farming and coir making. If you would rather relax then a pleasant walk will take you to Alleppey’s own beach 2km from the centre. The swimming however is dangerous.
• On any holiday to India the food is one of the highlights. Alleppey has plenty to offer with Indian and Western food served at the beachside Harbour Restaurant. Start the day with a south Indian breakfast at Hot Kitchen, feast on chilli and cashew nut cookies and samosas at Sweet Park at the main market, and dine out in style on the terrace overlooking the beach at Chakara. If you would like a holiday with more amazing cuisine and beaches to offer, then Goa is a must for 2012.