Nicknamed as the “Venice of the East”, Alleppey is home to several of Kerala’s backwaters and houseboats. It is located in Kerala – known as God’s Own Country – along the western coast of India, running parallel to the Arabian Sea.
Today, Alleppey is renamed as Alappuzha. It is popular for houseboat cruises on the backwaters of Kerala, a network of canals and lagoons.
It is at a distance of 55 km from Kochi. So, if you’re planning to visit this place, you can check for Philadelphia to Kochi flights via Indian Eagle.
Here are some places to visit in Alleppey in 1 day.
Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple
Mullakkal Temple is dedicated to the goddess Rajarajeswari and is known for its customary Kerala-style architecture. The primary element of this place is its main roof, which was made specifically for Vana Devi.
The other deities depicted in this temple are Krishna, Nagas, Ayyappa, and Hanuman. In the ground where the Shivling resides, a banyan tree stands.
The Rajarajeshwari Temple is at least 500 years old, with numerous legends and folktales build around it. One suggests that the idol of Vana Devi was brought there by a group of soldiers who were exiled from Thekkumkur territory. Lore says that they were the ones who placed the symbol of a jasmine in the garden. Eventually, King Devenarayana of Chembagasery built a temple in this very same spot.
Another story – and this is more well-known – is that when Tipu Sultan of Mysore won Kerala, a group of Namboodiri Brahmins escaped from Malabar, taking with them the symbol of Annapurneswari. They spotted a jasmine garden and chose to put the symbol there and built a shrine, as well. Later, they constructed a temple around this shrine.
There are various celebrations that occur in this temple. The best is the Mullakkal Chirappu, which falls during the months of November and December. The celebration goes on for 41 days. On the final two days, there are elephant parades and light shows. The locals also celebrate Navarathri grandly during the month of October.
Alleppey Houseboat
Alleppey Houseboat is one of the best places to visit in Alleppey in 1 day in Kerala’s lovely backwaters. houseboats range in size from one to ten rooms. Houseboats (also called Kettuvallams in Malayali) were once cargo boats that shipped rice, spices, etc.
Exploring Alleppey’s peaceful backwaters on a houseboat is a unique experience. The houseboats for the most part arrived in a bundle with a space for the evening and incorporate hot drinks, cold drinks, snacks, and meals.
Also Read: Travel by Bike: Reasons Why You Must Try It Once
Vembanad Lake
The Vembanad Lake is one of the most amazing places to visit in Alleppey. It is guided by an enormous network of waterways and trenches that pass through Kottayam. It is indeed an incredible spot for a cookout and a famous backwater escape. There are also chances of boating, fishing, and sightseeing.
The most effective way to experience Vembanad Lake is on a houseboat. Book a day’s voyage on the dazzling waters and witness every one of the sights of its glorious natural sights. Take photographs. While on the journey, the best things to do in Alleppey are to taste the food, the strong Kerala coffee, and relaxation.
Marari Beach
The name of this beach comes from the nearby Mararikulam community, which is a fishing community. Hence, this beach is best known as a fishing site. If you truly want some alone and quiet time and do not mind a couple of water sports, you should try Marari Beach in Kerala. Water clear as crystal, sand white as snow, and shore filled with coconut trees… it is a true paradise!
The highlights of Marari Beach are swaying palm trees, gorgeous blue waters, and fine white sand. The best time to visit this beach is in August; you can come at this time and watch the Snake Boat races.
Spice Farm
Kerala, back in the day before colonization, was well known for its spices. People from all over the world—mainly, Portuguese, Dutch, and British—came here to trade various things for its spices. Today, too, one of the most popular things to do in Alleppey is to visit one of its spice farms!
Even today, businessmen and tourists come here to explore the spice farms. It is a tropical paradise and one of Asia’s most sought-after tourist destinations.
These are five unique places to visit in Alleppey in 1 day. You can start planning your trip now.
