Alleppey Things To Do

The quintessential Kerala holiday experience. Cruise through the canals, rivers, backwaters and lakes of the “Venice of the East”. Cruising the Kerala backwaters is a very rewarding way to observe wildlife, soak up the scenery, and see local people at work. Backwater boats head for Kollam and the atmospheric lakes of Asthamudi, Kayakulam and Vembanad. Cruises on Lake Pariyar offer the chance to see wild Indian elephants. Alleppey backwater cruises range from short day trips to tours lasting several days. Many visitors also hire canoes or romantic kettuvallam houseboats.

 

For relaxed Alappuzha sightseeing head for the Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple and Alleppey Beach with its old pier and 19^th century lighthouse. Walk the short trail to the Eddakal Caves in the Ambukuthis hills. Horse riding and cycling are suitably unhurried ways to explore the lush tropical countryside. Several companies offer guided cycling tours.

 

Kerala is one of the finest regions in India for observing birds like egrets, darters, herons and storks. Scenic protected wetlands make Kerala a favourite stop for rare migratory birds. For a taste of the Kerala birdwatching experience head for the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and the tiny island of Pathiramanal in the middle of Lake Vembanad.

 

Relive the splendour of the rajas in splendidly ornate palaces like theKrishnapuram palace, famous for its vast murals. The 19^th century Kanakakkunnu Palace is another magnificent relic of the raja lifestyle. Kerala temples are wonderfully atmospheric places. Highlights include the Chettikulangara Bhagawathy Temple with its mighty 1000-candle granite oil lamp, and the Sree Krishna Temple, where worshippers give morning offerings of sweet porridge. The 11th century Karaumadikuttan Buddha, the holy shrine of Chavara Bhavan, and the ancient Christian church of St Sebastian also deserve a visit.

 

Kerala festivals are not to be missed. Most months sees a festival within reach of Alleppey. Highlights include the elephants at the 10-day Adoor Gajamela at the Sree Parthasarathy Temple, the colourful dancing at the Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple festival, the elephant processions and traditional arts at the 10-day Sree Krishnaswamy Temple Festival in March, and the famous snake boat races, water battles and harvest festivals in the summer months. Your Alleppey hotel will have details of events in the area.