More than Backwaters....Alappuzha (Alleppey)

'Venice of the East'...is how alleppey is often referred as. I was in Kochi for a trade fair show that I could wind up in two days. And then i decided to spend the next two days travelling around kochi, specifically to the backwaters of India. So the thing that was on the top of the list was obviously House Boat in the Punnamada lake or Alleppey backwaters subject to availability and suitability provided I was making reservations on the spot. Language is one problem in Kerala but the humble hospitable locals make it quite insignificant and thats what I love about any place. Since alleppey doesnt have many activities as such, except for the backwaters, coconut palm trees, canoeing and paddy fields, one has to travel a few hours for more spots.

Day 1: Reach Alleppey from Kochi check in at Ramada, Alleppey

Day 2: Tour in the locality and spend the night in a House boat

Day 3: Head to Krishnapuram Palace and then to Pandavan Para

Day 4: Pathirmanal Island.

Ramada Alleppey

I am a regular for Ramada and that is one of the reasons why I chose to stay here. In addition to this, Ramada-Alleppey over looks the mind blowing Punnamada lake. Spend some time at leisure by the lake which is almost in walking distance.

Krishnapuram

The Krishnapuram Palace is a palace and museum located in Kayamkulam near Alappuzha. The palace holds its importance as the palace of the Maharaja of Travancore. Adjacent to the palace is a large pond which is believed to also contain in it a hidden tunnel which was used as an escape route. The access to this tunnel is prohibited by the archaeological department.

pandavan para

Pandavan rock is associated withthe pandavas of Mahabharatha, as the name itself suggests. Pandavas stayed in a cave here during the time of their exile. Its also known asthe rock of the pandavas is an ideal picnic spot. A foot print of Rama is still existing in the southern sland of the rock which is one of the attractions to this spot.

Backwater Trips

Because the first thing I did on reaching Alleppey was taking a boat ride into this backwater. As much as it seems, its a true beauty. Lush green to any which side you see.

Pathiramanna

This small island is on the backwaters of alleppey. Very suitable place for birdwatchers and otherwise as hundreds of different kinds of birds fly into this island. This island is not over 10 acres but those 10 acres are sheer beauty to spend sometime just by sitting there with very few or no activities.