Are you looking for a coastal getaway that offers stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and thrilling adventure? If yes, then you should definitely visit Alappuzha beach in Alleppey, Kerala, India. Alappuzha beach is one of the most popular and picturesque beaches in Kerala, known for its golden sand, azure water, palm trees, and colonial landmarks.
It is also the venue of the famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race, which attracts thousands of spectators every year. Whether you want to relax on the beach, enjoy water sports, explore the backwaters, or witness the boat race, Alappuzha beach has something for everyone.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive and informative guide to Alappuzha beach and its nearby beaches, as well as tips on how to reach, where to stay, and what to do. Read on to discover why Alappuzha beach is the perfect destination for your next vacation.
Alappuzha Beach: The Main Beach of Alleppey
Alappuzha beach, also known as Alleppey beach, is the main beach of Alleppey district in Kerala. It is located about 3 km from the town center and is easily accessible by road. Alappuzha beach has a long and rich history as a maritime and backwater destination in Kerala. It was once a major port and trade center that connected Kerala with other parts of India and the world. Today, it is a popular tourist spot that attracts visitors from near and far.
Alappuzha beach has many features and amenities that make it an ideal place for relaxation and recreation. The beach has soft sand that is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or building sandcastles. The water is clear and calm, suitable for surfing, swimming, parasailing, or boating. The palm trees along the shore provide shade and breeze, perfect for resting or reading. The Vijaya Beach Park near the beach offers entertainment facilities such as toy trains, bicycles, boating, etc. for children and adults alike.
One of the most distinctive attractions of Alappuzha beach is the pier that extends into the sea. The pier is over 150 years old and was built by Captain Hugh Crawford in 1862. It was used for loading and unloading goods from ships until it was damaged by a cyclone in 1964. Now, it is a landmark that adds charm and character to the beach. Another attraction of Alappuzha beach is the lighthouse that stands near the pier. The lighthouse was built in 1862 and is one of the oldest lighthouses in Kerala. It is 28 meters high and has a red and white striped pattern. It offers a panoramic view of the beach and the sea from its top.
The most exciting event that takes place on Alappuzha beach is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. It is a boat race that is held every year on the second Saturday of August on the Punnamada Lake near the beach. It is named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, who inaugurated it in 1952. The boat race features snake boats or chundan vallams that are long wooden boats with pointed ends that resemble snakes. The boats are rowed by hundreds of men who sing traditional songs and cheer each other. The boat race is a spectacle of speed, skill, teamwork, and festivity that draws huge crowds of locals and tourists.
Alappuzha beach is not only a place of beauty and fun but also a place of history and culture. There are some historic remnants that add colonial atmosphere to the area. For instance, there are some old buildings and churches that date back to the British era. There are also some temples and mosques that reflect the religious diversity of the region. Alappuzha beach is a place where you can experience the best of Kerala’s nature, culture, and heritage.
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Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Alappuzha beach is from September to March. This is the peak season for tourism in Kerala, when the weather is pleasant and the backwaters are calm and beautiful.
You can enjoy the various attractions and activities of Alappuzha beach and its nearby beaches, such as the pier, the lighthouse, the boat race, the water sports, the dining out, the sightseeing, and the cruising. You can also witness some of the festivals and events that take place during this time, such as Onam, Christmas, New Year, etc.
Other Beaches in Alleppey: Explore More Coastal Vibe
While Alappuzha beach is the most famous beach in Alleppey district, it is not the only one. There are several other beaches in Alleppey district that are worth visiting for their scenic beauty and diversity. Here is a list of some of them:
Marari Beach:
Marari beach is located about 15 km from Alappuzha town and is named after the fishing village of Mararikulam. It is a pristine and peaceful beach that has golden sand, crystal water, coconut groves, and fishing boats. It is ideal for those who want to escape from the crowds and enjoy nature. It also offers water sports such as surfing, snorkeling, sailing, etc. for adventure seekers.
Punnapra Beach:
Punnapra beach is located about 8 km from Alappuzha town and is known for its serene and romantic atmosphere. It is a great place to watch the sunset and enjoy the breeze. It also has a historical significance as it was the site of a battle between the communists and the Travancore state police in 1946. It also offers ayurvedic massages on the beach for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Thumpoly Beach:
Thumpoly beach is located about 5 km from Alappuzha town and is a hidden gem that is frequented by locals. It is a scenic and clean beach that has canals, fishing villages, and migratory birds. It is a good place to experience the local life and culture of Alleppey. It also has a 2000-year-old Vishnu temple that is revered by the devotees.
Andhakaranazhi Beach:
Andhakaranazhi beach is located about 20 km from Alappuzha town and is a scenic and secluded beach that has a bridge, a lagoon, and a fishing harbor. It is a good place to enjoy the views of the sea and the backwaters. It also has a lighthouse that offers a splendid view of the surroundings.
Thottappally Beach:
Thottappally beach is located about 25 km from Alappuzha town and is a tranquil and unspoiled beach that has a fishing harbor, a houseboat jetty, and a spillway. It is a good place to enjoy the calmness and freshness of the sea and the backwaters. It also has a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna that attracts pilgrims.
How to Reach Alappuzha Beach: Travel Options and Tips
Alappuzha beach is well-connected by various modes of transport from different parts of Kerala or India. You can reach Alappuzha beach by air, rail, road, or water depending on your convenience and budget. Here are some details on how to reach Alappuzha beach by each mode of transport:
By Air:
The nearest airport to Alappuzha beach is Cochin International Airport, which is about 85 km away. You can take a flight to Cochin from major cities in India or abroad. From Cochin airport, you can take a taxi, a bus, or a train to Alappuzha town. The fare for a taxi is around Rs. 2000, for a bus is around Rs. 100, and for a train is around Rs. 50.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station to Alappuzha beach is Alappuzha Railway Station, which is about 4 km away. You can take a train to Alappuzha from major cities in Kerala or India. From Alappuzha railway station, you can take an auto-rickshaw, a taxi, or a bus to Alappuzha beach. The fare for an auto-rickshaw is around Rs. 50, for a taxi is around Rs. 200, and for a bus is around Rs. 10.
By Road:
Alappuzha beach is well-connected by road to major cities in Kerala or India. You can take a bus, a car, or a bike to Alappuzha beach from nearby towns or cities. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates regular buses to Alappuzha from Cochin, Trivandrum, Kottayam, Kozhikode, etc. The fare for a bus ranges from Rs. 50 to Rs. 300 depending on the type and distance.
You can also hire a car or a bike from Cochin or other places and drive to Alappuzha beach. The rent for a car or a bike ranges from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 3000 per day depending on the model and condition.
By Water:
Alappuzha beach can also be reached by water from Cochin or other places through the backwaters. You can take a ferry, a houseboat, or a speedboat to Alappuzha beach from various points along the backwaters. The fare for a ferry is around Rs. 20, for a houseboat is around Rs. 5000 per night, and for a speedboat is around Rs. 1000 per hour.
Where to Stay Near Alappuzha Beach: Hotels and Resorts for Every Budget
Alappuzha beach has plenty of hotels and resorts near it that suit different budgets, preferences, and needs of travelers. You can choose from luxury resorts, mid-range hotels, budget hotels, homestays, or hostels depending on your comfort and convenience. Here are some of the best hotels and resorts near Alappuzha beach that we recommend:
Marari Beach Resort: Marari Beach Resort is a 4-star resort located near Marari beach, about 15 km from Alappuzha town. It offers spacious and elegant cottages with private pools, gardens, and verandas. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa, a gym, a pool, and other facilities. It is ideal for those who want to enjoy luxury and privacy in a serene setting.
Hotel Lake Palace: Hotel Lake Palace is a 3-star hotel located near Punnamada Lake, about 4 km from Alappuzha town. It offers cozy and comfortable rooms with lake views, balconies, and modern amenities. It also has a restaurant, a coffee shop, a conference hall, a pool, and other facilities. It is ideal for those who want to enjoy convenience and hospitality in a scenic location.
Kayaloram Lake Resort: Kayaloram Lake Resort is a 3-star resort located near Punnamada Lake, about 5 km from Alappuzha town. It offers traditional and rustic cottages with lake views, wooden furniture, and antique decor. It also has a restaurant, an ayurvedic center, a pool, and other facilities. It is ideal for those who want to enjoy culture and nature in an authentic setting.
Hotel Royale Park: Hotel Royale Park is a 3-star hotel located in the heart of Alappuzha town, about 2 km from Alappuzha beach. It offers modern and spacious rooms with city views, balconies, and Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a banquet hall, a travel desk, and other facilities. It is ideal for those who want to enjoy comfort and convenience in a central location.
Picasso Hotel: Picasso Hotel is a 2-star hotel located near Alappuzha railway station, about 4 km from Alappuzha beach. It offers clean and cozy rooms with air-conditioning, TV, and Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant, a coffee shop, a business center, and other facilities. It is ideal for those who want to enjoy affordability and accessibility in a simple setting.
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What to Do on Alappuzha Beach: Activities and Attractions for Every Mood
Alappuzha beach is not only a place to relax and enjoy the sun and the sea, but also a place to have fun and explore the various activities and attractions that it and its nearby beaches offer.
Whether you are in the mood for adventure, culture, or nature, you will find something to suit your taste and interest on Alappuzha beach and its nearby beaches. Here are some of the best activities and attractions that you can enjoy on Alappuzha beach and its nearby beaches:
Water Sports:
If you are looking for some thrill and excitement, you can try some of the water sports that are available on Alappuzha beach and its nearby beaches. You can surf, swim, parasail, jet ski, kayak, or boat on the clear and calm water of the Arabian Sea. You can also join the boat races that are held on Alappuzha beach and Punnamada Lake during the Onam festival. You can find various providers of water sports equipment and services on the beach or online.
Dining Out:
If you are looking for some delicious and authentic food, you can dine out at some of the restaurants and cafes that are located near Alappuzha beach and its nearby beaches. You can savor some of the local delicacies such as appam, puttu, fish curry, karimeen pollichathu, etc. You can also try some of the seafood specialties such as prawns, crabs, lobsters, etc. You can find various restaurants and cafes that cater to different budgets and tastes near the beach or online.
Sightseeing:
If you are looking for some culture and history, you can visit some of the sightseeing places that are located near Alappuzha beach and its nearby beaches. You can visit some of the temples and churches that dot the region, such as the Thumpoly temple, the Arthunkal church, the Mullackal temple, etc. You can also visit some of the colonial buildings and monuments that reflect the past glory of Alappuzha, such as the pier, the lighthouse, the Krishnapuram Palace, etc. You can find various guides and tours that offer sightseeing services near the beach or online.
Cruising:
If you are looking for some nature and relaxation, you can go on a cruise on the backwaters that surround Alappuzha beach and its nearby beaches. You can take a ferry, a houseboat, or a speedboat to explore the network of rivers, lakes, and lagoons that make up the backwaters. You can enjoy the scenic views of the palm trees, paddy fields, fishing villages, birds, etc. that adorn the backwaters. You can also experience the local life and culture of the people who live on the backwaters. You can find various operators and agencies that offer cruising services near the beach or online.
Alappuzha beach is a perfect destination for your next vacation if you want to experience the best of Kerala’s nature, culture, and heritage. It is a place where you can relax, have fun, and explore the various attractions and activities that it and its nearby beaches offer.
We hope that this article has helped you plan your trip to Alappuzha beach and its nearby beaches. Happy Travelling!
