When the empire of evening has returned to the sand, has vanished from your hand, playing a quiet melody on the serene ripples of the water, there you are sitting in a boat, wondering how creative that God must be…
Alleppey Backwater is that serene experience, when one is transported to paradise. The swaying palm trees, the resplendent rice fields, the fertile countryside, and the warm scents of coastal cooking wafting through the air, welcome every visitor with open arms. Most of the tourists, from India and abroad, who dream of the ultimate tropical experience, put Alleppey at the top of their priority holiday destinations. Winding through the heart of Kerala’s lushness, one can fish for Karimeen (pearl-spotted fish), capture the beauty on canvas or camera lens or simply get lost in the evergreen beauty of the serene surroundings. Discovering those unspoiled experiences in Kerala will be memories for a lifetime.
Kerala’s Kettuvalloms (houseboats) are one of the most coveted boat rides. The ketuvalloms are perfect examples of indigenous techniques and knowledge. Originally designed to transport rice and spices from Kuttanad to Kochi, ketuvalloms are used today for leisure travel. They have been revived as luxurious entities and are sure to provide you with comforts you never imagined possible on a ship! These whimsical kettuvalloms will take you through Alleppey’s network of backwaters. For a few precious hours, Alleppey will gift you the best of her nature on her little journey.
The backwaters are fringed with palm trees and small towns, bustling with activity. Chinese fishing nets are a constant reminder of historical trade links. Alleppey was known to be a central trading point on the Malabar Coast south of Mumbai. The richness of Alleppey’s coastal waters is demonstrated each time by the constant deposit of fish and shrimp on the shoreline.
Alleppey is home to Kuttanad, The Rice Bowl of Kerala, where rice is grown four to ten feet below sea level. A large amount of backwater land has been reclaimed for this purpose and is protected by dikes built around it. A leisurely canal cruise here could leave you spellbound!
On any random day, one might notice a mundu-clad achaayan (man) or an ammachi (old woman) wearing kunukku earrings, rushing to morning mass. Most Malayans will enthusiastically chat with you in a personalized form of English, explaining the best places to visit or a bit of small town history. At a toddy bar, or ‘thattukkada (small eating out)’, you can hear bare-chested men debating communism and politics over steaming milk tea and ‘puttu and kadala’ curry. Alleppey is the place you want to be for a quiet and relaxing holiday.
While traveling to Alleppey, one can also explore the magnificent architecture of Kerala in Ambalapuzha at the Sree Krishna Temple, Karumaadikuttan, Buddha statue and St. Mary Forane Church in Champakulam.
Kerala has the authority, when it comes to Ayurvedic massages. A host of Ayurvedic treatments and packages are available at various centers including The Coir Village and Marari Fishermen Village Beach Resort.
Kerala has a typical tropical climate. But during winters, the temperature takes the perfect dip, and that is when Kerala develops at its best. Plan your visit between October and March. Kerala House Boat is one of the leading houseboat operators in Kerala. However, there are many independent operators, details of which you can ask your hotel for.
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is 75 km away and is connected by almost all domestic and international flights. The other airport is Trivandrum International Airport, which is located 159 km from Alapuzha.
There could not be a more heavenly experience than the Alleppey backwaters. The purity of the environment, and the slow movement through the silence, which awakens your spirit, is what you need to renew your life. Let yourself be touched by nature and you will surely become the Venice of the Orient.