Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha was described by Lord Curzon as the “Venice of the East”.
Alleppey is an important tourist destination in South India. Alleppey is situated 62 kilometres (39 miles) to the south of Kochi and 155 kilometres (96 miles) north of Trivandrum.
A town with picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons, it was described as the “Venice of the East” by Lord Curzon. These huge networks of lagoons, canals and lakes are the lifeline of Alleppey. Founded in 1762 by the Divan of Travanacore, Raja Keshawadasan, this pristine backwater town, with its numerous coconut palm lined waterways and tiny villages, has a laid back and relaxed feel to it.
The backwaters of Alleppey are the most popular tourist attraction in Kerala. A houseboat cruise in these backwaters is a delightful experience. It connects Kumarakom and Cochin to the North and Quilon to the South.
Alleppey was amongst the busiest trade centres and it had an excellent port along Malabar Coast. Traders from across the world came searching for souvenirs and black gold. All this was after the British established it as a trade port in the late 18th century to counteract one that was established by the Dutch. Today, Alleppey is still the centre for prawn farming and Coir carpet industries.
This town was established on a narrow land spit between Arabian Sea and Vembanad Lake. Paddy fields are plentiful in the area thanks to the manmade islands created by the mud walls. One of the most popular drinks churned out of these fields is the delicious rice wine made here.
Numerous tourists come to Alleppey to enjoy the impressive natural beauty that can be seen there. It is also a perfect location for spotting birds and animals, and a place to soak in the many religious and historic sites. The mirror like lagoons, palm fringed waterways, sandy beaches, houseboat holidays & the popular boat races are the reasons why tourists flock to this tranquil town on the backwaters of Kerala.
Click on one of the sections on the right for more information about Alleppey.
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