(8) Alleppey Tourism Packages

One of the oldest planned towns in the Alappuzha district, Alleppey is one of the major highlights in the southern state of Kerala. With its numerous canals, plethora of houseboats, lush green belts and perpetual backwaters, Alleppey possesses a tranquillity like no other, and that makes it an absolute delight for travellers from both India and abroad. A journey into the veins of this beautiful town will make you realise that its reputation of the ‘Venice of the East’ precedes it.There is a lot to explore in Alleppey and we at DPauls recognize that all too well. That is why our Alleppey Tourism Packages are focused on ensuring that you get to experience the bountiful sights of this town to your heart’s content.One of the first places you are bound to visit is the Alappuzha Beach. The remains of the sea bridge on the beach make this place historically riveting. The sea bridge used to be well preserved during the 80’s and 90’s and was considered a landmark during those days. The sandy beach is located a mere 1 kilometre from the Alappuzha railway station and has an almost golden hue to it. You can just sit and relax here as the waves ebb through your feet. If historical places intrigue you, then make sure to visit Edakkal Caves. Situated 1200 metres above sea levels, these caves have been formed by smaller rocks splitting from the main rock body. The walls of the cave have stone writing that dates back to the Stone Age. The most interesting feature of these writings as observed by several archaeologists is that they are linked to Harappan civilization. Alleppey boasts of a lot of religious sights as well. One of the most famous ones is the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple. Connected to water on one side, the temple is made of red-tile roofs and overhanging eaves. The temple is famous for ‘paayasam’, a sweet rice and milk pudding. Another renowned temple is the Chettikulangara Devi Temple where the deity appears as Maha Saraswati in the morning, Mahalakshmi in the afternoon and as Durga during evenings.The Mullakkal Temple highlights the old Kerala architectural style and has an open roof shrine. Last but not the least is the St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church which is believed to be one of the oldest Christian churches in India.The Kerala style of architecture is again prominent in Krishnapuram Palace, a museum palace in the Kayamkulam area. Containing gabled roofs, narrow corridors and dormer windows, this palace is a miniature replica of Padmanabhapuram Palace. The palace contains artefacts of Maharaja Marthanda Varma and is maintained by Kerala’s Archaeological Department.While all these sights of interest make for insightful viewing of the traditional side of Kerala, the one thing you will enjoy more at Alappuzha is the experience of navigating through the backwaters while basking in the serene views of the locales. To get the best out of the experience, head down to Vembanad Lake, India’s longest lake and Kerala’s largest lake. Sit on a houseboat and gaze at the vast stretches of rice fields, local villages and green belts.There’s a competitive side as well to the lakes of Alleppey; the boat games. One of the biggest boat races that takes place in the town is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race that is conducted on the 2nd Saturday of August every year. Rowers compete in 100-foot long canoes (known as snake boats) which can hold up to 110 rowers and moves like snakes through the water channel. The synchronization of the rowers and the movement of the boat like a snake is a sight to behold and makes you realize the power of teamwork and endeavour.For the fervent ones who want a slice of the action, you can go for guided kayaking tours through the tapered backwaters with support boat and motorboat transport ever present to assist you when needed.If you love nature and wildlife, then Alleppey won’t disappoint you thanks to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary that is built on a 5-hectare site that housed a rubber plantation before. The sanctuary is a territory for both domestic and migratory birds. You get a glimpse of species like marsh harrier and steppe eagle here. Alleppey is a gastronome’s haven as well. Visit the Chakara Restaurant at Raheem Residency where you can savour traditional Kerala as well as European cuisines. And the views of the beach from the hotel are rejuvenating. The more budget-friendly option in the same place is the Harbour Restaurant where you have good food and cold beer to moot. Also check out the likes of the open-air Mushroom Restaurant for local delicacies and the Thaff which is popular for its shawarma. In essence, Alleppey is a myriad of culture and brilliant backwaters that have to be experienced to be truly admired