Overview
Venice of the East
Best time to visit (High & peak months) :
October to March
Experiences :
Backwaters, houseboats, temple and churches
City calling code :
0477
Recommended no. of days for a tourist :
A day is sufficient
Best buys :
Coir products
Essentials to be carried along :
Cotton wears, sun blocks, hats, glares
All about the city :
The feature that puts Kerala so strongly on the world tourism map is its backwaters- the USP of this God's own country. The total expanse of backwater stretches over 1500 kms, with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes from north to south. Alappuzha, which forms the main part of this network, has the peculiar geographical feature of having the water in level with the land. This gives the advantage of getting a closer look at the countryside life on shore while on a backwater ride and probably this is the most fashionable way to taste the true flavours of Kerala's rustic life.
Flanked by Arabian sea on the west and crisscrossed by numerous lakes, canals and rivers meandering through it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty, and is very aptly known as the Venice of the East. Authentically designed and luxuriously furnished houseboats, plying on the fabled backwaters give you a chance to absorb the maximum of Kerala beauty and that too without putting in any effort. While gliding at a leisurely pace you pass across the paddy fields, numerous tiny hamlets where you find the villagers busy in their routine work, women coming to the water threshold to haggle with the shopkeeper boatman, flocks of ducks, the water hens which at times seem to be playing hide and seek, some eye catching aquatic plants etc. all of which make for a wonderful sight.
Alappuzha is basically a very quiet place. Infact whatever little crowd you find here comprises mainly of the tourists. But those who want to see the other side of Alappuzha should visit it during the period of its fantabulous boat races when the town comes alive resounding with the cheers of the spectators.
