Alappuzha (aka Alleppey) is a pleasant
market town, surrounded by canals and coconut trees. It’s the major center
from which to explore the backwaters, although the
waterways are busy here, Kollam is much less
crowded. It’s a nice place to spend a few days.
Alappuzha is a town you can easily walk around.
There are lots of shaded canal areas (although some of the neglected canals are
mosquito farms), and you find traditional trading warehouses about. There
is a surprisingly nice beach 2kms away, which is a nice walk. The
beach is undeveloped, and swimming can be dangerous. There are a few
guesthouses near the beach, as well as snack stalls.
There are plenty of ATMS and Internet places in town.
Activities
- Backwaters
– this is the major backwaters hub, which lots of choice. Kollam is generally
quieter, but has less choice. - Walks – it’s a
nice place to stroll about - Beach – the beach is a 30 minute walk from the town
Accommodation
There are quite a few guesthouses about, although
they are spread out. A lot of the town area is noisy, so go further from the
center and the jetty/bus station if you want some quiet.
Lemon Tree
tel: 9895543080
e: [email protected]
A nice home stay
run by two young guys, one of which used to work for the tourist information
office. There are 3 rooms which are clean, have bathrooms, cold showers,
mosquito nets. There is nice shaded communal area. The house is on
the corner of 2 nice canals, and is quiet. It’s a 10 minute walk to the
bus station/jetty or town. These guys can arrange anything in town, but
there is no hard sell. They often meet boats at the jetty.
INR400.
Getting to and from Alappuzha
There are regular trains and buses to the major towns in
Kerala. The railway station is on the main line, with trains to major
Indian cities.
There is a pleasant cruise between Alappuzha and
Kollam. It leaves Alappuzha at 10.30am and arrives at Kollan at
6.30pm and costs INR300. It’s a nice way to see the backwaters.
There are also shorter cruises from Alappuzha-Kumarakom and
Alappuzha-Kottayam.