Alleppey Travel Guide

Arrival in Alleppey:

• • Check-in at Neela Waters Hotel in Alleppey.
  • Description of the room:
    • Spacious with an old-school cupboard.
    • Clean washroom with a large mirror.
    • Beach view from the room, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
  • Overall impression: The room and the hotel vibe are excellent and perfect for a chill stay.

Lunch at Raheem Residency:

• • Famous for authentic Kerala cuisine.
  • Ordered chicken curry with Kerala rice.
  • The restaurant has a garden-like setting, providing a peaceful dining experience.
  • Highly recommended for anyone visiting Alleppey Beach.

Exploring Alleppey’s Backwaters:

• • Alleppey is renowned for its beaches and backwaters.
  • The town has a small, village-like feel with narrow roads and charming houses.

Ways to Explore Backwaters:

1. 1. 1. Canoe:

         • Small boat rowed by a man using a bamboo stick.

      2. Shikara:

         • Motorboat costing ₹500 per hour, with a minimum hire time of 3 hours (₹1500 total).
         • Complete backwater exploration takes 4-5 hours.

      3. Houseboat:

         • Available for day trips or overnight stays, providing a unique experience.

Shikara Ride Experience:

• • Booked a shikara boat with a guide named Jayan.
  • The boat is spacious, accommodating 6-7 people.
  • The ride starts through the scenic backwaters of Alleppey.
  • Notable sight: Government-run boats that serve as local transport in the backwaters.

Local Drink: Toddy:

• • Toddy is a coconut-based alcoholic beverage with low alcohol content, similar to beer.
  • Available at Toddy shops along the backwaters.
  • The taste is a mix of tart and sweet flavors.

Snake Boat and Boat Races:

• • Observed a snake boat, capable of accommodating 100 people (50 on each side).
  • Snake boat races are held annually in September—an event worth witnessing.

Meenapalli Lake:

• • A significant lake in the backwaters, surrounded by resorts and accommodation options.
  • Ideal location for those wishing to stay near the backwaters.

Lunch Stop During Shikara Ride:

• • Stopped at a small local restaurant recommended by the guide.
  • The menu included a variety of Kerala dishes:
    • Papaya curry, lemon pickle, banana curry, brinjal curry, rice, sambar, and fish curry.
  • The food was unexpectedly delicious, especially the fish curry.
  • Most shikara boats stop here; request your guide to stop at this spot for lunch.

Visit to the International Coir Museum:

• • Located between Marari Beach and Alleppey Beach.
  • The museum provides insights into the coir industry, its history, machinery, and current state.
  • Live demonstrations of coir-making are available.
  • A good spot to visit for something different around Alleppey.

Evening at Alleppey Beach:

• • Spent the evening at Alleppey Beach, although the weather was cloudy, so no sunset was visible.
  • Visited Catamaran Café, recommended by locals, known for its starters, snacks, and drinks.
  • Ended the day with a beautiful, albeit cloudy, sunset at the beach.

Morning Kayaking Adventure:

• • Early morning kayaking session in the backwaters, starting at 5:30 AM.
  • The session lasted 3 hours, involving half an hour of practice before venturing into the backwaters.
  • Kayaking requires some physical strength but is a highly enjoyable experience.

Fish Collection on Alleppey Beach:

• • Witnessed a unique phenomenon where a large quantity of fish washed ashore.
  • Locals collected around 12,000-13,000 kgs of fish from the beach—an extraordinary event.

Exploring Alleppey Lighthouse:

• • The lighthouse is a popular attraction opposite Alleppey Beach, with a nominal entry fee (₹20) and photography fee (₹10).
  • The climb to the top provides panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the beach, backwaters, and railway tracks.
  • Recommended for visitors who can manage the stair climb.

Marari Beach:

• • Marari Beach is located 13 km from Alleppey Lighthouse, about a 25-30 minute ride by scooty.
  • The beach has a more relaxed vibe with beach chairs available for rent (₹100 for 2 chairs).
  • Several shacks and cafes, such as Café Ecstasy, offer good snacks and drinks.