Alappuzha Travel Guide

 Willettsworld Says:  As we neared Kollam, and so neared the end of our Backwaters Tour, we passed by this rather surprising and revealing statue of the Goddess of Light on Ashtamudi Lake. She's bearing quite a lot to the world! 

 Willettsworld Says:  We went past this group of fishermen on a boat who waved at us as we passed by. The Backwaters is big business for fishermen and you'll get to see a lot of them and fishing boats as part of your tour. 

 Willettsworld Says:  I had seen these Chinese fishing nets in Kochi and thought they were only to be found there, so it was a big surprise to see them along the river in the Backwaters. We went past a whole load of them, in a line either side of us, as we passed by some kind of power station... 

 Willettsworld Says:  I did my Backwaters Tour from Alappuzha (Alleppey) to Kollam and it was a fabulous day out. We left Alappuzha at about 10am and made our way south past lush vegetation of coconut trees and palm trees and people crossing the river on small ferries and coracles. Daily life all... 

 Willettsworld Says:  This nice temple is located right in the middle of town. The presiding deity is Goddess Rajarajeswari who, according to legend, is believed to have appeared at the site many times to care for a jasmine plant. 

 Willettsworld Says:  This is the main North Canal in Alappuzha and is where you can catch the Backwaters Tour boat to Kollam (Quilon). This is also where you can take the public ferry to Kottayam from (see transportation tips). 

 Willettsworld Says:  Vembanad Lake is located about 1km east of the town and is where the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race takes place. Every year during the second Saturday of August, thousands of people throng to this place to witness the breathtaking boat race. The lake is India's longest at... 

 1 Review and 48 Opinions  I was not very impressed with my stay at this hotel. The initial impressions are very good - a very... 

 alycat Says:  With an overnight stay on the houseboat and a customised kitchen, had all the 3 meals of the day on the boat, didnt venture out in any of the restro's in town, and with a chef on call 24/7, I jus had exactly what I wanted. Pearl spot fish much recommended, deep fried and... 

 PierreZA Says:  As this restaurant is mentioned in the South India Lonely Planet, I thought of giving it a try. I went there fro breakfast (about 10h00am). The waiter was very friendly and helpful, but unfortunately the food did not arrive after waiting for 30 - 40 minutes. There were no... 

 Willettsworld Says:  There are 5 daily public ferries that go to Kottayam between 7.30am and 5.30pm. The one I took was at around 10.30am but check the times where you're staying. The ferry trip takes around 2.5hrs and costs just Rs10 so it's an absolute bargain as it's a cheaper alternative... 

 Willettsworld Says:  The Keralan name of the house boats you'll see all around Alappuzha and the Backwaters are known as Kettuvallam - in the Malayalam language "kettu" means tying and “vallam” means country boat. A kettuvallam is about 67 feet in length and has a width of around 13 feet in the... 

 Willettsworld Says:  Alappuzha (Alleppey) is surrounded by water and so it figures predominately in local people’s lives. You'll see them fishing, washing and transporting goods on it and one of the best ways to see this up front is by taking the public ferry to Kottayam. 

 alycat Says:  Try cooking some local stuff. While on our mad shopping spree in Alleppy, we were invited to the kitchen of the bakery to see for ourselves the miracle called banana chips!!Fish being the local delicacy in Aleppy, banana chips and home-made chocs is something you will find...