Visit Heaven on Earth at Alleppey

Anyone who plans to travel to Alleppey is in for a generous slice of Kerala, rightfully known as ‘god’s own country’. Alleppey, or Alappuzha as it is called, slowly grows upon the senses and suddenly overwhelms the visitor. With its long languid stretches of meandering backwaters, the destination makes for a storybook kind of setting. In fact, Alleppey’s long web-like series of canals linking it to the backwaters has rightfully earned it the epithet ‘Venice of the East’. With temperatures usually ranging from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius, Alleppey seems to be naturally air conditioned by some unseen hand. Here is a look at some of the most well known of Alleppey attractions and also a brief look at the nearby places of Cochin and Munnar. Going on Houseboat Tours Almost every visitor stands united in the opinion that the best part of a ‘trip to Alleppey’ is the houseboat experience. Houseboats can be hired for some hours to a few days and make for an indescribably satiating experience. Equipped with all amenities such as bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms, the houseboats still give one the experience of being out in the wild. While the helpful but unobtrusive staff takes care of one’s needs, the constantly changing scenery captivates the senses. In fact, as your boat glides from place to place, the houseboats make for an excellent way of watching the rustic way of life in Kerala’s villages. Hardly surprising that the houseboat experience is a mainstay of Alleppey tourism. An Ayurvedic Trip Indulging in Ayurvedic therapies is another highlight of an Alleppey trip. Be it, particular treatments for spinal diseases or just overall wellness therapies for leisure tourists, there is a world of choice for those interested in Ayurveda. Rejuvenating massages, soothing walkways across landscaped gardens, heavenly spa therapies and well trained therapists - tourists can look forward to some of the most pampering moments of their lives. Amongst quite a few centres, one of the most popular places is Krishnendu Ayurveda Wellness Center (Krishnendu Ayurveda Wellness Center), Chingoli, Karthikappally, Alappuzha , Kerala. A little friendly advice here. Your Alleppey travel planner is not complete if you don’t throw in some Ayurvedic therapy. Touring the Alleppey Beach To make the most of your Alleppey sightseeing experience, make sure that you visit the Alleppey Beach. Although, not a very safe place for swimming, the restless sea makes for a lovely sight. Nearby freshwater rivers, lagoons and lakes all seem to have been beautifully placed by the creator to make a dream like landscape. No less appealing is the nearby Vijaya Beach Park. History also seems to play a part here by way of a picturesque pier that is more than 130 years old. Make sure that you schedule a beach picnic in your Alleppey travel planner. Visit to Krishnapuram Palace Add a bit of historic appeal to you Alleppey travel by checking out the Krishnapuram Palace. Built during the 18th century under the reign of the Travancore king, Marthananda Varma, this structure boasts wonderful mural paintings. So much so that Gajendra Moksham, which is one of the biggest of Kerala’s mural paintings is to be found here. This erstwhile palace has now become a museum with a splendid collection of paintings and sculptures. Easy to see, why history buffs rate the Krishnapuram Palace as one of the best tourist places in Alleppey. Tourist Places Near Alleppey Tourist places near Alleppey are plentiful and you are likely to be spoilt for choice. So, as mentioned before, just a couple of choices are Cochin and Munnar. Here is how you can travel to these places during the course of your Alleppey tour. A Cochin Trip The Alleppey to Cochin distance is approximately 54 km. Some of the top attractions that make your Alleppey to Cochin trip worthwhile are Hill Palace, Kerala Folklore Theater and Museum, and Santacruz Basilica. It will hardly take you an hour’s time to reach the place if you board one of the Alleppey to Cochin trains. Trip to Munnar The Alleppey to Munnar distance is about 172 km. Main attractions include Chithirapuram, Atukkad Waterfalls and Elephant Arrival Spot. Usually, it takes three to four hours to drive down from Alleppey to Munnar.