Alleppey Tour Packages

1. Alleppey At A Glance
2. Tidbits About Alleppey
3. Things To Know Before Choosing Alleppey Tour Packages
4. About Alleppey
   
5. Best Time To Choose Alleppey Tour Packages
6. Top Reasons To Choose Alleppey Tour Packages
7. Top Tourist Attractions Included In Your Alleppey Tour Packages
8. Nearby Cities You Can Visit with our Alleppey Tour Packages
   
9. Shopping
10. Food
11. Art And Culture
12. Dos and Don’ts of Visiting Alleppey

District: Alleppey (Alappuzha)

High Season: October to March

Languages Spoken: Malayalam, English

Famous Tourist Attractions: Backwaters, Alappuzha Beach, Ambalapuzha Temple, Mannarsala Temple, Vembanad Lake, Pathiramanal Island, Marari Beach, St. Andrew’s Basilica.

Famous Food: Karimeen Pollichathu, Seafood Varieties, Malabar Parotta, Ambalapuzha Paal Pradhaman, Duck Mappas.

Souvenirs to Buy: Boat Models, Coir Products, Kasuvu Sarees, Kathakali Masks, Aranmula Mirror

Planning a holiday to the Venice of the East? Call us to learn more about our Alleppey tour packages.

• Alleppey is the anglicised name of Alappuzha, which means broad river.
• Alleppey is nicknamed the Venice of the East.
• Alleppey is part of Kuttanad, the Rice Bowl of Kerala.
• The Vembanad Lake in Alleppey is India’s longest lake.
• Unlike other temples of India, the Mannarasala Temple in Alleppey is managed by female priests called Mannarasala Amma.
• Much of Alappuzha is built on water, as boats and ferries are a major source of transport.
• The Kuttanad region, which includes Alleppey, has the lowest altitude in India – it lies 2.2 metres below sea level.

Call us at +91 9940882200 to learn more about our Alleppey tour packages.

• Since a houseboat experience is a major element of your Alleppey tour packages, visiting the place during the monsoon can be a mood dampener.
  Not all houseboat experiences are alike – check with your tour operator if it is registered and is ecologically viable.
• Most houseboats have Silver, Gold, and Diamond Ratings, depending on the number parameters of the Kerala Tourism Department.
• Do not travel on a houseboat unless it displays a flag with information about permit details and valid safety certifications.
• Carry a sunscreen and bug spray with you during the trip.

Call us or send a message on Instagram to learn more about GT Holidays’ Alleppey tour packages.

The backwater networks are not exclusive to Alleppey alone – you will find them across Kerala, including the south. In fact, houseboat experiences are part of our Kochi tour packages and available in Varkala and Thiruvananthapuram. However, to truly understand how these backwaters are integral to the people living along their banks, you must visit Alappuzha.

Of course, you can enjoy this tranquil tropical paradise in every city that offers backwater tours. But it is only in Alleppey where you experience how the locals navigate their lives around the waters. What seems like a unique experience to you is actually life as usual for them – women washing their clothes and utensils by the banks, children taking the local ferry to reach school, and men fishing for Karimeen, a local delicacy. Read on to learn more about the region’s cultural and tourist attractions. And if you are looking for Alleppey tour packages, call +91 9940882200.

For customised Kerala tour packages that include Alappuzha, please message us on Instagram.

The sobriquet Venice of the East was given to Alleppey by none other than Lord Curzon, who was mesmerised by its beauty. However, Alappuzha’s history dates back long before the colonials set foot in the region. In fact, the city was once at the centre of Kerala’s maritime trade as spices, coir, coconut, and lumber were exported far and wide. Goods from the mountainous regions reached Alappuzha through the Vembanad Lake on Kettuvellams (aka houseboats), and from there, they were taken to the Alappuzha Port through a maze of man-made canals stitched between the sea and the lake. From the port, they travelled to faraway places, including Kolkata and Mumbai.

Much of Alappuzha’s modern history can be attributed to Raja Keshavadas, the Dewan of Travancore, who sought to counter the Dutch and Portuguese and established ports like the Alappuzha port in Kerala.

But Alappuzha’s history dates back to the Middle Ages, when the region had trade relations with ancient Greece and Rome. Later, the Portuguese and the Dutch settled here in the 15th century, spreading Christianity and establishing trade ties. The British later replaced them during the 1700s, ruling the region until its independence in 1947.

The term Venice of the East, although given in good intent, does not do justice to the beautiful water paradise. For one, unlike Venice, Kuttanad’s waterways host a variety of marine animals and plants. The brackish waters provide a lovely contrast to the lush, green, fertile paddy fields and coconut groves that thrive alongside them.

Alleppey is located south of Cochin and lies alongside the Arabian Sea. Nearly two-thirds of the region lies below sea level because most of today’s usable land was reclaimed from the backwaters by creating clay walls. This is a deltaic region formed by the five rivers: Meenachil, Manimala, Achankoil, Pamba, and Muvattupuzha, draining into the Vembanad Lake.

Another important lake in the region is the Kayamkulam Lake, which drains into the Arabian Sea. Being a coastal city, Alappuzha experiences hot and humid conditions along the coast, as well as cool and dry conditions in the interior.

While the region is industrially backward, tourism, agriculture, and marine products are the main drivers of Alleppey’s economy. In fact, Alappuzha is called the Rice Bowl of Kerala. Besides paddy, coconut, banana and yams grow abundantly. Coir and coir products are a traditional industry here – the Kerala government has even set the Coir Research Institute here, along with a coir training and designing centre. Lime shell manufacturing is another traditional industry in Alappuzha.

Alleppey has a tropical, hot, and humid climate, especially from February to May. The region experiences three seasons — summer, monsoon, and winter —but the latter is mild and nothing like the winters of North India. (If you are looking for typical winter vacations, check our North India tour packages)

The average temperature ranges from 25°C to 31°C, depending on the time of the year. Summers are hot, while the monsoon season is characterised by heavy rainfall and humidity. Winters are pleasant and mild, and hands down the best time to choose Alleppey tour packages.

Although temperatures don’t vary much, here’s a quick rundown of the region during the different seasons to help you choose the best time to visit Alleppey.

The average summer temperature in Alleppey ranges from 29°C to 33°C. While the sky is clear, it can get hot and dry during these months. It can even reach 37 °C at times. Temperatures drop at night but not significantly, hovering at around 28°C. If you don’t plan to do extensive sightseeing but are focused on Ayurvedic treatments, this is a good time to visit Alleppey. Since fewer tourists are visiting the city, you are likely to get discounted Alleppey tour packages and personalised service.

The Alleppey Beach Festival is held between March and April, and it is a good time to enjoy the different festivities held on the city’s beaches. The Edathua Perunnal, held in May, is a significant religious festival observed by Christians in commemoration of St. George.

Alleppey experiences monsoon twice: between June and September, and the post-monsoon season from October to November. The season is characterised by heavy rainfall and high humidity. It is still a good time to visit Alleppey, provided you are aware that sudden heavy showers are a possibility.

The region’s unique topography features lush green paddy fields and coconut groves that grow right on the edge of the tranquil waters, creating a striking yet harmonious scenery. This contrasting visual is best enjoyed during the monsoon.

If you are a nature lover or a photography enthusiast planning a staycation, this is one of the best times to book Alleppey tour packages.

Kerala’s famous boat race, the Nehru Trophy, is held in August on the Punnamada Lake. Other, less famous but equally fascinating boat races held during this season include the Payippad Boat Race on the Payyipad River and the Uttradam Thirunal Pamba Boat Race on the Pamba River.

The northeast monsoon clouds bring light to moderate showers in October and November, but the climate is generally pleasant and not as humid.

This is the peak tourist season across Kerala, making it the best time to choose Alleppey tour packages. Winter temperatures range between 25°C and 29°C during the day, with nighttime temperatures dropping to around 23°C. January is also the driest month, making it a perfect time to explore Alleppey’s tourist attractions. However, you must book your Alleppey tour packages in advance as hotels and houseboats will be booked during this season.

Besides Christmas, the Arthunkal Perunnal (Feast) held in January is a major event in Alleppey. Devotees coming from Sabarimala during the Makkaravilakku Festival pass through this route to enjoy the backwaters.

Kerala’s backwaters are so iconic that they’ve been listed on National Geographic’s bucket list of Top 50 Destinations Of A Lifetime. While these famous waterbodies are found across Kerala, they are the lifeline of Alleppey as they are the region’s primary source of transportation and are important for both daily life and trade. Locals depend on the backwaters for rice farming, fishing, cooking, cleaning, bathing, and transportation. The waters also provide livelihood through tourism, fishing, and transportation.

To the uninitiated, backwaters are a complex network of interconnected canals, rivers, lagoons, lakes, and inlets, creating a labyrinth of waterways that stretch up to 900 km, almost covering the length of Kerala.

Interspersed between these water bodies are towns and villages, which serve as starting or ending points for the houseboats.

Close to Alappuzha and in the neighbouring district of Kottayam, lies another famous backwater stretch – Kumarakom. This famous tourist hub is a cluster of islands on the eastern banks of Vembanad Lake. Unlike other places along Vembanad, the lake is widest and longest near Kumarakom. With the huge lake on one side and a network of calm canals on the other, Kumarakom is another great place to enjoy the backwaters. Contact us if you are unsure about choosing between the Kumarakom and Alleppey tour packages.

Along the Vembanad Lake, you will find hundreds of houseboats of different sizes – some multi-storied and featuring up to 10-12 bedrooms and others simple Shikara-type boats found in Kashmir. The Kettuvelloms are houseboats that were once used to transport cargo, including coir, coconut, and rice, along the river. You can choose from single-deck to multi-deck houseboats that come with all the fittings of a modern luxury hotel, including western-style toilets, en-suite bathrooms, a private dining area, and luxurious interiors.

But houseboats aren’t the only way to experience life on the backwaters. You can always board motorboats and passenger boats that locals use to get around. The best part of taking these boats is that they don’t follow a chartered route – you can hop in and hop off any time!

When selecting a houseboat, we recommend verifying that it is registered and complies with standard safety procedures. Since finding reputable houseboat operators can be cumbersome, we’ve conscientiously chosen to work only with registered and experienced houseboat operators so that you can select our Alleppey tour packages without worry.

There are plenty of houseboat cruise tours, but the most popular ones include Alleppey Round Via R Block, Alleppey Kumarakom Alleppey round trip, which covers paddy fields, Pathiramanal Island, and the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Some of the attractions in the popular cruise tours include Pallathurai Lake, Champakulam Church, Edathua Church, Kanjipadam Lake, and Vattakayal.

Kuttanad is a region encompassing the Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, and Kottayam districts and is known as the Rice Bowl of Kerala. But it is also the name of a Taluka in Alappuzha District. A striking feature of Kuttanad is that it lies below sea level, but water from the region’s three main rivers nourishes its expansive paddy fields.

As you drive through winding roads with green paddy fields crisscrossed by waterways, coconut groves, and fields of cassava, banana, and yams. You will also find Chinese fishing nets along these waterways – spend your evenings watching the locals catching fish on these nets.

Travelling to Kuttanad is about enjoying the scenic beauty of coconut groves and paddy fields, admiring the locals as they go about their villages, watching the many toddy shops, and observing the flocks of ducks paddling their way home, all while cruising on a houseboat or shikara. Call us if you’d like to book Alleppey tour packages.

Snakeboats, called Chundanvallam in Kerala, get their name from their boat’s prow that resembles a bird’s peak. They were once used as war boats in naval battles during the 13th century, but later came to be used for races between different villages.

The practice of snake boat racing has its origins in the Aranmula village of Pathanamthitta District, particularly at the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. Legend has it that the priest provided an annual feast to pilgrims visiting the temple. Once, the boat carrying provisions for the Thiruona Sadya was attacked by bandits. Snake boats from the neighbouring villages came to the rescue to protect the provisions. This act gave rise to the tradition of the Aranmula Boat Race, also known as Aranmula Vallamkali.
Unlike in the other places where snakeboat races are held, the Aranmula race is more of a religious affair. Even the snake boats of Aranmula differ from typical Chundam Vallams – they are larger, taller, and feature several religious motifs, including the Navagraha and the four Vedas.

Some of Kerala’s famous boat races include the Nehru Trophy held on the Punnamada Lake, the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race, Payippad Jalotsavam, and the President’s Trophy Boat Race on the Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam.

The Nehru Trophy Race is by far the grandest, with over 20 snake boats competing across the lake. Call us at +91 9940882200 if you’d like to include a snake boat race experience in your Alleppey tour packages, which is held between July and September.

Food is definitely one of the highlights of a Kuttanad tour. For one, unlike other regions like Malabar or South Travancore, the cuisine here is influenced by the ingredients readily available, such as Karimeen (pearl spot fish), Kallumakkaya (mussels), Kakka (freshwater clams), mud crabs, Chemmeen (prawn), and Tharavu (duck).

Kerala’s famous dish Karimeen Pollichathu, made by grilling the pearl spot fish in a bed of spices and coconut milk and wrapped in a banana leaf, originates from the Kuttanad region. Another local favourite, Duck Mappas, is another popular gravy served with steaming hot Puttu or Appam. The best place to relish these is at a local Kallu (toddy) shop, accompanied by some fresh locally brewed coconut toddy. You will find these Kallu shops all over while travelling to Alappuzha by road.

Call us to include a Kallu shop experience in your Alleppey tour packages.

While Alleppey is a popular backwater destination, not many know that it is home to picturesque beaches that are quiet and clean. The Alappuzha Beach is the most popular in the city and is known for its 150-year-old pier, which allows you to walk right into the Laccadive Sea. You can also enjoy various water sports, including parasailing, kayaking, and boating.

Marari is another beach famous for its long stretch of sand and hammocks swinging on the palm trees along the shore. In fact, it was named among the Top 5 Hammock Beaches of the World by National Geographic.

If you’re looking for a quiet beach, head to Thumboly, a nature lover’s paradise and a great place to hone your photography skills.

Punnapra Beach is another quiet beach that’s also connected to the region’s history, particularly the Punnapra-Vayalar struggle of 1946.

Alleppey has a lot to offer if you’re looking for a spiritually rejuvenating experience. The city is home to the famous Sree Krishna Temple in Ambalapuzha, renowned for its beautiful Kerala architecture. The temple’s rice kheer or Pal Payasam is also well-known thanks to its unique colour and taste, which people attribute to the divinity of Lord Krishna. The art form of Ottanthullal is also believed to have been performed in the temple for the first time.

The Mannarsala Nagaraja Temple in Haripad is another renowned temple that has been drawing people seeking relief from Sarpa Dosha. Another highlight of the temple is that it is the only temple headed by a woman priest, called Mannarsala Amma.

The Chakkulathukavu Sree Bhagavathy Temple, situated on the banks of the Pamba River, is dedicated to Bhagavathi Amman, also known as Goddess Durga, and is renowned for its annual Ponkala event, attended by thousands of devotees.

Since Catholicism entered Kerala as early as the first century, the religion has been deeply rooted in the region. You will find numerous picturesque and iconic churches across Alleppey. Some of the famous churches in this area include the Arthunkal Church, Champakkulam Church, Edathua Church, and the Pulinkunnu Church.

The city is also home to a 250-year-old mosque, the Saukar Masjid, built by the Momen community on land granted by the Diwan of Travancore.

Call us at +91 9940882200 to learn more about our Alleppey tour packages.

Kerala, being a land of Ayurveda, is home to several wellness centres and spas that rejuvenate the mind and body. These Ayurveda spas and wellness centres help treat minor problems through treatments like Abhyanga, Panchakarma, and Shirodhara. You can sign up for wellness programs that detoxify the body and help regenerate tissues.

If you are seeking treatments for specific ailments, we recommend consulting an Ayurveda hospital that follows proper diagnostic procedures to diagnose illnesses and provide the appropriate treatment accurately.

If you are looking to include Ayurvedic treatments in your itinerary, we suggest calling us at xxxx before booking your Alleppey tour packages.

With so much to explore and experience, Alappuzha is an ideal destination to visit. Some of the tourist attractions included in most Alleppey tour packages include:

Alappuzha is a popular beach sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the Punnamada Backwaters. The beach’s highlight is the 150-year-old pier, which extends into the sea, offering a panoramic view of the unending water. An old lighthouse near the beach was once a busy place when the port was one of the busiest trade centres in Kerala. It is now a major tourist attraction, allowing guests to climb its spiral staircases for 20 rupees. You can enjoy sunsets and sunrises from the beach or enjoy swimming, kite flying, and motorboat cruising. Call us at xxxx to learn more about Alleppey tour packages and include the Alappuzha beach on your itinerary.

This is a tiny island, measuring no more than 10 acres, located on the Vembanadu Lake, but it is renowned for the migratory birds that visit here from November to February. Some of the birds that visit here from Siberia and the Himalayas include herons, teals, bitterns, and jacanas. It is also home to a diverse range of local flora and fauna, including 90 species of birds, 30 species of butterflies, 160 species of plants, and several species of fish. You can take a motorboat or speedboat to the island, travelling across the beautiful Vembanad Lake.

The Thanneermukkom Bund was built in 1976 to divide the Vembanad Lake and prevent saltwater from the Arabian Sea from entering the lake. The barrage keeps the southern freshwater separate from the brackish water in the north. The bund also ensures road transportation between Alappuzha and Kottayam. It is home to beautiful birds, such as cormorants and darters, as well as several varieties of fish. If you’re planning to visit the Thanneermukkom Bund, we recommend hiring a local tour guide who can educate you about how the barrage helps regulate the mud in the region.

The Krishnapuram Palace epitomises Travancore architecture with its charming windows, gabled roofs, and narrow corridors. The palace was built in the 18th century, during the reign of Marthanda Varma. It is now an archaeological museum that houses bronze vessels and idols, antique mirrors, swords, murals from the Vadakkumnathan Temple, and even antique objects obtained from Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.

The Marari Beach was once voted among the Top 5 Best Hammock Beaches and is an ideal destination for locals and tourists alike. The destination is perfect for long walks along the sandy shores and relaxing in hammocks tied to coconut trees. You can also sign up for Ayurvedic treatments in one of the many spas on the seashore or window shop at one of the many local handicraft shops.

The Vembanad Lake is the largest in India, spanning 2,033 sq km and covering the districts of Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam. It is the lifeline of the people living in the region and is fed by several rivers, including Pamba, Achankovil, Meenachil, and Manimala. The lake is also home to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which spans 14 acres. The best way to explore Vembanad is to take a houseboat or motorboat and enjoy the scenic views.

The Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple is considered one of the seven greatest Vaishnava temples and is renowned for its Palpayasam, a traditional rice kheer. Locals believe that the lord himself visits the temple daily to enjoy this treat. The temple is associated with the renowned art form of Ottamthullal, which originated in this region. The idol of Guruvayoorappan from the Guruvayoor temple in Thrissur was kept here for some time when Tipu Sultan raided the area in the 18th century.

Serpent worship is deeply embedded in Kerala’s religious culture – they are considered guardians of treasures, protectors of family, and controllers of nature. Of all the serpent temples in the state, the Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple in Haripad, Alappuzha, is considered the most important. It is surrounded by several Sarpa Kaavus (sacred groves of snakes) and is home to lifesaving medicinal plants. The Mannarasala Temple is also distinct from other temples in that it is headed by a priestess who is hereditarily appointed. It is also the best place to relieve people from astrological problems related to snakes, i.e., Sarpa Dosha.

The Ravi Karunakaran Memorial Museum was established in 2006 by Betty Karan, the wife of the legendary Ravi Karunakaran, in his memory. It showcases his remarkable collection of artefacts, including Swarovski crystals, porcelain sculptures, Tanjore paintings, ivory sculptures, and statues.

The Edathua Palli, situated on the banks of the River Pamba, is dedicated to Saint George and is part of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. It is a major religious site believed to heal various ailments, including mental disorders. The architecture resembles medieval European churches and was built in 1810. The most important festival in the church is the Edathua Perunnal, which attracts pilgrims from across the state.

This picturesque church has been featured in numerous movies, including the Tamil hit “Vinnai Thandi Varuvaya.” It is among the oldest churches in India and is regarded as the mother church of all Catholic Syrian churches. It was erected in the 9th century and even features a statue of St. Sebastian, believed to have been purchased by Leonard D’Cruz in the 17th century. The architecture of the church resembles the Portuguese and Syrian Christian styles of architecture.

This is a renowned Buddhist pilgrimage centre on the Punnamada Lake. This Buddhist site features a black granite statue of the Lord Buddha, probably dating back to the 9th-14th century. Karumadi Kuttan literally means The Little Boy from Karumadi. Locals believe that the statue lay abandoned for several hundred years in a stream called Karumadi, until it was discovered in 1930. It is the only Buddhist pilgrimage site in Kerala and is believed to have healing powers, attracting people from far and wide.

It is one of India’s oldest Syrian Catholic Churches, established around the 5th century on the banks of the Pamba River. The Champakulam Church, also known as the Basilica of St. Mary’s, is believed to have been established by Saint Thomas.

This beautiful temple is believed to have been established by Lord Parasurama and is thought to be over 1,200 years old. The temple is famous for the annual Kumbha Bharani Festival, during which the Kettukazhcha, a grand procession, is held, featuring chariots and effigies.

Aranmula is a heritage town renowned for its age-old tradition of crafting handmade metal mirrors. The Aranmula Kannadi is crafted from a unique alloy of copper and tin, meticulously polished to achieve its reflective nature. Another famous attraction in Aranmula is the Parthasarathy Temple, believed to be over 1700 years old. The temple holds the unique Aranmula Vallasadya, where the oarsmen of the traditional snake boats are offered an elaborate feast with gratitude. It is part of the Aranmula Boat Race that draws thousands of spectators.

Pathanamthitta:

Distance from Alleppey: 65 km

Famous Attractions: Temples, Culture, Scenic Locations

Top Tourist Places: Sabarimala, Kaviyoor Cave Temple, Aranmula, Konni, Gavi & Adavi, Charalkunnu, Periyar National Park

Kochi:

Distance from Alleppey: 55 km

Famous Attractions: Beaches, Theme Parks, Heritage Monuments, Places of Worship

Top Tourist Places: Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Chottanikara Temple, Paradesi Synagogue, Fort Kochi, Wonderla, Lulu Mall, Cherai Beach, Marine Drive

Kottayam:

Distance from Alleppey: 48 km

Famous For: Places of Worship, Waterfalls, Bird Sanctuary, Backwaters

Top Tourist Places: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Vembanad Lake, Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam Cheriapally, Illikkal Kallu, Marmala Waterfalls, Kumaranalloor Devi Temple, Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple

Munnar:

Distance from Alleppey: 171 km

Famous Attractions: Tea Plantations, Scenic Viewpoints, Spice Gardens

Top Tourist Places: Eravikulam National Park, Kannan Devan Plantations, Anamudi Peak, Kolukkumalai, Mattupetty Dam, Periyar National Park

Thrissur:

Distance from Alleppey: 135 km

Famous For: Places of Worship, Cultural Events, Heritage Monuments, Waterfalls

Top Tourist Places: Guruvayoor, Pooram Festival, Vadakumnathan Temple, Paramekavu Bhagavathi Temple, Thiruvambady Sree Krishna Temple, Sakthan Thampuran Temple, Our Lady of Dolours Basilica, Athirapally

Thiruvananthapuram:

Distance from Alleppey: 154 km

Famous For: Heritage monuments, Places of Worship, Beaches

Top Tourist Attractions: Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Shangumugam Beach, Veli, East Fort, Ponmudi, Varkala, Kuthiramalika Palace, Napier Museum, Poovar, Kovalam Beach

Kuttanad cuisine is renowned for its seafood, particularly dishes such as Karimeen Pollichatu and Kallumakaya Roast. Given that Alleppey is considered the Rice Bowl of India, rice is the primary carb source along with tapioca. It is relished with fish curry, prepared using different souring agents, such as tamarind, Kudampuzhi (Garcinia Cambogia), or Irumban Puli.

Duck is a commonly found protein and the main ingredient in Kuttanad’s Tharavu (duck) curry, or the slightly sweet Duck Mappas served with Appam. You can always find variations of Mappas with chicken and Meen Mappas.

Besides Karimeen (pearl spot fish), another popular fish in the region’s waters is the Kalanji fish, also known as Barramundi. It is made into a delicious curry or fried and served in local toddy shops.

An integral part of the Kuttanadan experience is a visit to the many toddy shops that serve fresh delicacies, such as Kallumakkaya fry, Kakka roast, prawn curry, or fish fry. Not to forget, the Karimeen Pollichatu. The dish is served with boiled Tapioca and a relish made using crushed shallots, Kanthari chillies, vinegar, and coconut oil.

Some of the other dishes you can try in these local shops include Chemmeen Elavanthenga Ularthiyathu, Koondhal Ularthiyathu, Kozhi Kurumelagu, Konju (Prawn) curry, and Matturachi Peratiyadhu.

When it comes to desserts, Kuttanad cuisine offers the best, ranging from the Wattalappam to the creamy coconut pudding.

Call us at +91 9940882200 to discuss your Alleppey tour packages.

Alleppey isn’t a typical shopping haven, but it has plenty to offer for the discerning shopper. From handcrafted coconut shell products and coir products to spices and freshly fried jackfruit and plantain chips, there’s so much to buy.

Besides these, you can also purchase commonly sold items, such as Kathakali masks, Kasuvu sarees, and wood-carved sculptures.

The region is famous for the Aranmula mirror, a hand-glazed mirror used for auspicious occasions.

Two of Kerala’s famous umbrella brands, Popy and St John, are based in Alleppey and still own shops.

Mullackal Market is a great place to shop for spices and handicrafts. It is also a popular place for gold and silver shopping.

To experience a Thailand-like floating market, we recommend visiting the Triveni Market near Vembanad Lake. It is a great place to buy inexpensive souvenirs and artefacts, as well as spices.

The age-old martial art of Kalaripayattu in Alleppey, especially at renowned institutions like Ekaveera Kalaripayattu. Alleppey is home to the age-old tradition of Vallamkali, popularly known as the snake boat race, with the most famous being the Nehru Trophy, held usually on the second Saturday of August.

Ottamthullal, often referred to as the “Poor Man’s Kathakali,” originated in Alappuzha in the 18th century at the Ambalapuzha Temple. This recite-and-dance art form uses satire to highlight social issues.

• While seafood is available in plenty, do not indulge in it without checking with your tour guide.
• Alleppey is a calm and tranquil backwater destination. If your idea of a vacation involves excitement and high-octane thrills, then the city may not be your cup of tea.
• Alleppey’s backwaters have a unique ecosystem that’s vulnerable to pollution and invasive species. When travelling on a houseboat, remember not to throw plastic or other waste into the water.
• When visiting the temples, remember to follow the dress code, which includes dressing modestly and men removing upper body garments.
• Visit the place with an open mind, especially when it comes to food and cultural habits.
• A significant portion of Keralites, including Hindus, consume beef openly. This may be a cultural shock for some—refrain from commenting on food choices.