Alleppey, one of the most spectacular locations in Kerala, is located in the Alappuzha district. Allppey is well-known for its majestic backwaters, houseboats, and adventurous snake boat races. The city is based on the Laccadive Sea and is known for having earned the title “The Venice of the East ” from Lord Curzon.
While Alleppey is generally associated with its canals and water networks, the city boasts incredible historical sites, religious locations, and some beautiful beaches. According to several historical sources, Alleppey is among the oldest planned communities in the country. Alleppey will provide travellers with a perfect escape from the humdrum schedule of their everyday lives and nestle them within the lap of nature.
If you are looking for a paradise to spend your honeymoon, a short trip with your friends, or a long family outing, Alleppey is the ideal location for you!
History of Alleppey: Know More About This Wondrous City of Kerala:
Today, Alleppey is one of the most visited destinations in Kerala. Famous for its canals, Alleppey’s foundation can be traced back to the Sangam regime. Kuttunad was known as the rice bowl of Kerala. Alleppey, which is based in Kuttunad, was renowned from the early days of the Sangam regime due to its lush rice fields, green coconut trees, and backwaters.
Alleppey also has a mention in one of the most prominent mythologies of the country, “The Mahabharata.” It is believed that the Pandavas visited Alleppey when they had to remain in exile and stayed there for months.
Christianity has had a great dominance in the districts of Alappuzha and Alleppey since the 1st century AD. It was with the arrival of the Portuguese and the Dutch in Calicut that the power structure of the place also altered. Several factories were established by them for the production of spices. The Portuguese were especially influential in spreading Catholicism in Alleppey. Alleppey still has several monuments and sites that stand as relics of its colonial past.
The climate in Alleppey:
As Alleppey is situated very close to the Laccadive Sea, it has a fairly moderate temperature all year around. The summers in Alleppey can be quite hot and humid, but the winters are relatively pleasant. The winter months are cool, and their moderate temperature makes them the perfect season for tourists to visit.
Alleppey experiences two seasonal monsoons. The district and the city face the effects of both the northeast and southwest monsoons. Thus, the city has to endure heavy rainfall due to both of these monsoon winds. While the southwest monsoon hits Alleppey from June to September, the wrath of the northeast monsoon is faced by Alleppey from October to November.
The Dishes That You Must Try When You Are in Alleppey:
Kerala boasts some of the best food that you can find in the country. As Alleppey is situated in the coastal region, the seafood here is the most delicious that you will find anywhere in Kerala. Whether you are a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian, there are several options for you to try in Alleppey. Here is a list of delicacies that you should savor when you are in Alleppey:
Idiyappam:
If you are looking for a savoury breakfast, then nothing can beat the idiyappam that you will find in Canal Bazaar in Alleppey. Idiyappam can also be found on almost all of the local streets in Alleppey. The dish consists of the classic appam, served with a finely roasted egg. This combination is served to you in either thin or thick gravy.
The Fried or Grilled Shrimp:
When it comes to seafood, Alleppey will offer you the most authentic and delicious delicacies that you will come across. Perhaps the best fried or grilled shrimp is available in the floating market in Alleppey.
The shrimp is generally served along with chilies, tamarind, and coconut oil, which heightens the flavour of the dish. The Floating Market will offer you the best seafood dishes for you to try, so do not forget to visit it!
Kerala Fish Curry:
Although you can have this fish curry in other cities and districts of Kerala, Alleppey has the best version of the fish curry to offer. Generally served in an earthen pot, the flavours and spices that one can find in the fish curry here are unmatchable anywhere else. You should not miss out on visiting the Canal Bazaar in Alleppey to try out the best Kerala fish curry that will excite your taste buds!
There are several other dishes, such as the pearl spot fish, karimeen curry, ela ada, puttu and kadala, Malabar biriyani, and shappu meen curry, that you should not forget to try. Along with these dishes, Alleppey is equally popular for its special drink known as toddy. If you get a chance, you should certainly try out Toddy!
The Main Attractions of Alleppey!
Alleppey is replete with beaches, backwaters, and lakes, which has earned it the name “Venice of the East.” The city is also famous for its renowned lighthouse and several religious monuments. The following is a list of wondrous spots in Alleppey that you should not miss:
Vembanad Lake:
The Vembanad Lake in Alleppey is the longest lake in India. The highlight of this lake is that it flows across many districts. The Vembanad Lake is known by different names in different districts, such as Punamada Lake, Vembanadu Lake, and Kochi Lake.
The Vembanad Lake is known for its numerous houseboats in Alleppey. You can spend a day or two on the traditional houseboat known as the “kettuvallam.” The crystal-blue and pristine waters will give you one of the best experiences of the wondrous backwaters. The Vembanad Lake in Alleppey is also known for hosting several of the boat races.
Pathiramanal:
If you are an observer of birds, then Pathiramanal in Alleppey is the ideal destination for you. The etymological meaning of Pathiramanal is ‘Sands of the Night.’ It is a small lake island. Pathiramanal is located on the backwaters of Vembanad Lake. Pathiramanal is frequented by about ninety species of local birds and fifty different species of migratory birds. The island is filled with greenery, and the chirp of birds will surely bring tranquility to your mind.
Alappuzha Beach:
This is the most popular beach in Alleppey. The beach is well-known today for the numerous festivals that are held there. One of the most popular among these festivals is the Sand Art Festival. The beach also boasts a 150-year-old pier that merges into the sea.
If you are looking for adventurous sports, then Alappuzha Beach is the ideal location for you. Several water sports, such as surfing and paragliding, are available on the beach. The beach will provide you with the required peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Alleppey Lighthouse:
The Alleppey Lighthouse is among the oldest structures in Kerala. The lighthouse was used in the nineteenth century to provide guidance to the mariner ships that were coming to Alleppey. The Alleppey Lighthouse thus stands as a testimony to its being one of the busiest trade centres in the state.
This lighthouse was built during the regime of Marthanda Varma, the Second. The tower in the lighthouse was constructed in 1862. This lighthouse gives a comprehensive and 360-degree view of the Arabian Sea. The view of the vast expanse of water is sure to provide the visitors with a feeling of tranquility.
Major Religious Attractions in Alleppey:
Mullakkal Rajeshwari Temple:
This temple in Alleppey is an ideal example of an architecture that is distinctively common all over Kerala. It is also referred to as the Mullakkal Bhagwati temple. The temple is characteristic of an open-roofed inner shrine, which is referred to as the sanctum sanctorum.’
The temple also features a small pond and a shelter reserved for the elephants. A highlight of this temple is that people from all religions and caste groups can frequent it. Several deities, such as Goddess Rajeshwari, Lord Hanuman, and Lord Krishna, are worshipped here.
Mary’s Forane Church:
This church in Alleppey is one of the oldest Syrian churches in the country. The church has a vivid mixture of Syrian and Portuguese designs in its architecture. It is believed that the foundation of the church was laid down in 427 AD.
It is believed by many people in Alleppey that this church laid the building blocks for the restriction of friendship between the Jacobian Syrians and the Catholics. The church is frequented by visitors in large numbers due to its rich history and architecture, as well as by the families belonging to the parish.
Conclusion:-
Alleppey is rightfully known as the Paradise of Kerala. With its majestic backwaters, long canals, winding roads, historical monuments, and a rich tapestry of religious history, Alleppey certainly makes for one of the most sought-after destinations in Kerala.
The moderate temperature, backwaters, and beaches, along with the delicious cuisine, serve as one of the primary reasons why so many people are attracted to Alleppey. You should try to visit the wondrous locations mentioned when you go to Alleppey!
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