Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a bustling portside town with a picturesque beach and charming canals. While the city doesn’t quite live up to comparisons with Venice, the area has a green and vibrant beauty all of its own. Hop on a boat and start to explore the region.
In the 19th-century, Alleppey was the main port for the Kerala backwater region. British ships would dock here to load up with spices, nuts and tea. Tour the network of canals around the town and imagine how it must have looked back then.
There are over 1,000 houseboats in Alleppey, many of which are available to rent. All boats come with a driver and many with an onboard chef. Pick your boat and ask your driver to pull up in a scenic spot for the night. Sit on the deck overlooking the water and enjoy a meal of local fish or spicy curry.
If you don’t fancy hiring your own boat, join one of the many tours around the backwaters. Cruise around the calm waters spotting native birds and admiring the green rice fields.
Alleppey is also home to several popular festivals. Come to the Sree Krishnaswamy Temple Festival in March and watch the elephant parade. The year’s main event is the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race, which takes place in August. Watch dozens of brightly decorated boats, each with over 100 singers and oarsmen, compete for the title.
Alleppey’s climate is one of the best in India, with year-round temperate weather. Winter, from September to March, is the best time to visit, with clear skies and moderate temperatures.
The city is located 33 miles (53 kilometres) south of Cochin. There are good rail links from here and several other nearby cities. Once here, you can navigate the small, busy city centre easily on foot. However, the best way to explore Alleppey’s charms is by boat.