It wouldn’t be an overestimation to say that every place in Kerala is like the bliss of nature and that God himself crafted every bit of it. One such enchanting place in Kerala, where you could lose yourself to the beauty of nature, is Alappuzha. Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is referred to as Venice of the East. Yes, you guessed it right! This district has a long stretch of beautiful backwaters surrounded by lush green forests and bordered by coconut trees. The clear blue sky and the soothing environment give you the perfect setting to relax and rejuvenate. The picturesque landscapes will help you get come Insta-worthy snaps which are ought to make your followers’ jaws drop! So, if you are convinced to visit Alappuzha, here is an overview of everything you need to know about the place. Continue reading.

History & How Was Alappuzha Named The Venice Of India

In the early 20th century, the then British Viceroy Lord Curzon visited Alappuzha and was mesmerized by the scenic beauty of the place and declared that it would be referred to as the Venice of the East since that very day. Alappuzha was initially built for trade purposes by Travancore’s Dewan Raja Kesava Das in the second half of the 18th century, as he has trade relations with Greece and Rome. Travelers and authors like Ptolemy and Pliny have mentioned Alappuzha in their work and did not shy away from describing the beauty of the place in detail.

Things To Do In Alappuzha

There are countless things that you can do while in Alappuzha. Whether you are visiting with your friends, family, partner or solo, there is something for you to make your trip all the more memorable. Listed below are a few of the many activities you can do in Alappuzha. You can choose your pick depending on your likes.

Take A Boat Ride

If you do not want to spend most of your day lazing in the lagoon, you can take a normal boat ride around the backwaters. These rides generally last for 3 to 4 hours. This is the best option if you want to enjoy the beauty of the place while keeping your schedule free for other things on your itinerary.

Ride A House Boat

Houseboats are the highlight of Alappuzha. These houseboats can be rented for over 12 hours or a few days depending on your needs. These boats come well equipped with furnished bedrooms, sit-outs, and a kitchen along with modern bath and toilet facilities. Some even have air-conditioners. However, the rustic beauty of the houseboats with lanterns cannot be beaten which is why they are most popular. You can cruise on these boat houses with your entire family or group and enjoy the scenic beauty of the backwaters, watch birds, and fish if you like and simply enjoy your time to the fullest.

Hang Out At The Alleppey Beach

Another calming place to hang out with friends and loved ones while in Alappuzha is the Alleppey beach. You can stroll along the promenade, have a few drinks (especially the traditional toddy if you like), eat some local cuisine for dinner, and sit at the beach to enjoy the calming waves, open sky with twinkling stars, and the peace.

Best Time To Visit Alappuzha And Other Things To Keep In Mind

The best time to visit Alappuzha is during the end of monsoons and throughout winters, that is between September and March. The weather during this time is pleasant and you get the best of nature. The lagoons and backwaters are full and surrounded by lush greenery. This makes the view of Indian Venice more charming and splendid. While visiting the place, ensure that you don’t go swimming anywhere you do not spot a lifeguard or any locals. Always ask the locals if swimming is safe because most often the waters are too deep with an aggressive undertow.

If you are someone who enjoys a couple of drinks occasionally, you must try the mildly alcoholic local beverage – toddy. As a safety precaution, stick to a single drink if you are traveling.

We hope these pointers help in making your trip to Alappuzha memorable. Do share your experience with us in the comments below.