Nestled along the coastline of the Arabian Sea, Alleppey (also known as Alappuzha) in Kerala. A Kerala Alleppey tour offers an enjoyable experience for tourists. This “Venice of the East contains a complex network of canals, backwaters, and lagoons. The charming town is the heart of state’s backwater tourism.
It stands out with lush views, serene waterways, and vibrant culture. That range from houseboat cruises to unique rural visits. In short, Alleppey offers a wealth of joys to leave a lasting impact on any tourist. Here are some top things to do while exploring the scenic backwaters of Alleppey.
1: Embark on a Houseboat Cruise
The must have Alleppey experience is no doubt a houseboat cruise through the backwaters. They are known as “kettuvallams” in local language. These houseboats were once used to transport rice and spices but then tuned into floating hotels.
They kerala-tour-packages-trichy further gets complete with good rooms, dining areas, and open decks. A houseboat cruise allows you to drift along quiet waters. That lie amidst the lush greenery, coconut palms, and scenic rural regions.
As you relax on board, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of rural Kerala life. Many houseboats offer meals having local Kerala cuisine.
That firstly adds a cooking element to the Kerala Alleppey tour of yours. Opt for an overnight stay if you want a taste of the calm and scenic life. That further set apart the backwaters.
2: Explore the Village Life
A visit to the backwaters isn’t complete without a deeper look into the ancient village life. That further thrives along the waterways. Many regions are reachable only by boat.
It keeps them refreshingly untouched by urban chaos. Rural people often rely on the backwaters for fishing, farming, and coir making. Above all, they’re happy to share glimpses of their day to day lives with tourists.
Engage in things for example like coir making workshops. There, artisans transform coconut husks into ropes and mats. Watch fishermen using ancient Chinese fishing nets.
You can meanwhile visit local markets to buy handmade goods, spices, and fresh produce. For those looking to dive deeper, many local tour companies offer village tours. During that, you can learn about the rich customs and lifestyles of the backwater people.
3: Canoe Rides Through Narrow Canals
For an ideal experience, try hiring a canoe and go through the narrow canals. That are not reachable by larger boats. Canoe rides allow you to get up close to its vibrant flora and fauna.
Guided by local experts, you’ll be able to spot various bird species. That ranges further from kingfishers and cormorants to herons. You may meanwhile spot water lilies and other marine plants.
Canoeing through the quiet waterways also brings you closer to the local life. During it, you pass by quaint homes, rice paddies, and small temples that dot the landscape.
The calm of these canals, gets mixed with the sounds of chirping birds and flowing water. That meanwhile offers an ideal experience of peace.
4: Visit Kuttanad – The Rice Bowl of Kerala
Kuttanad, often known as the Rice Bowl of Kerala, is a unique region of Alleppey. There, vast paddy fields firstly lie below the sea level. This area is the only place in the world where farming is done below sea level.
For that, they use an ancient system of dykes and bunds. A visit to Kuttanad offers a great insight into the region’s agrarian culture. There farmers further grow rice in a way that has remained same for years.
Take a tour through Kuttanad. It allows you to witness the backbreaking but rewarding work of the local farmers.
You may meanwhile experience the rich greenery of Kerala’s rice fields up close. Kuttanad can be visited by canoe. Further, you can stop there as part of your houseboat journey.
5: Enjoy the Local Cuisine
Kerala is famous for its flavorful cuisine. Alleppey offers a great chance to sample some of the region’s best dishes.
They ranges further from freshly caught fish and prawns to coconut based curries. Alleppey’s backwater regions offer a great array of dishes for food lovers.
Some must try dishes include prawn curry and “Karimeen Pollichathu”. That is a pearl spot fish marinated in spices and grilled in banana leaves. Tourists can try “Appam with Stew” a fermented rice pancake served with vegetable or meat stew.
Many houseboats serve these dishes freshly made by onboard chefs. But, you can also find local restaurants along the waterways. There, you can meanwhile experience an ideal taste of Kerala.
6: Witness the Famous Snake Boat Races
If you visit Alleppey during August and September, don’t miss the spectacular snake boat races. That are held as part of the annual Onam festival. These boat races are a cultural highlight of Kerala.
They are done with long, narrow boats powered by synchronized rowing teams. It firstly create a stunning sight on the backwaters. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is one of the most famous races. That further takes place in Punnamada Lake near Alleppey.
Crowds gather on the banks, and the excitement in the air is palpable. As boats meanwhile compete to the beat of ancient drums and chants.
Above all, watching this vibrant event is an ideal experience. That showcases the competitive spirit and camaraderie of Kerala’s backwater people.
7: Experience Ayurvedic Wellness
Kerala is the birthplace of Ayurveda. Alleppey is an ideal place to indulge in a soothing massage or treatment. Many wellness centers offer treatments aimed at reviving the body and mind. They stand out with treatments for example “Abhyanga”.
That is a full body oil massage. One more of them is “Shirodhara” (pouring warm oil on the forehead). They are designed to promote resting and balance. Spending an afternoon in an Ayurvedic spa is an ideal way to unwind after exploring. That will further leave you refreshed and revived.
Final Thoughts
An Alleppey tour is a unique blend of nature, culture, and ease. It shows the beauty of Kerala’s backwaters and the warmth of its people. You can enjoy all from houseboat cruises to village visits. In short, a Kerala Alleppey tour offers a window into a slower paced life.
That further feels worlds away from bustling cities. Whether you’re seeking peace, thrill, or an ideal cultural experience. Alleppey’s backwaters promise a great journey. That meanwhile stays with you long after you’ve left its tranquil shores.