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India Gate Thar Desert Omkareshwar Shopping in Delhi Kanyakumari
Location- Alappuzha , South Kerala
Famous as- picturesque beach location
Places to visit- Ancient pier, lighthouse, Vijay beach park and Alappuzha backwaters
Best time to visit- September to March (but can be visited at any point during the year
Timings- 03:00 pm to 08:00 pm
Alappuzha or Allepy beach is a mesmerizing seaside location that is blessed with verdant beauty and majesty. Alappuzha known as the Venice of the east is known and recognized for extensive lanes of backwaters and the various boasts (kettuvalams) that ferry visitors so much so that people tend to forget about the beach. Without even the slightest doubt this beach is one of the most picturesque and heart rendering places that must be visited. The sunrise and sunset at the beach is considered as most amazing as with the open skies one is literally floored with the delightful reflection of colors that ascend and descend on the deep blue waters.
Apart from picturesque beauty the beach is also known for beach house and ancient piers and the lighthouse. These monuments around the beach stand as a living testimony to the bygone era when the region served as a port dating to the medival times through the trade route and the distinctive influence of the Arab, Chinese and Jews and Muslims traders who walked the shores of the region. Apart from that the seaside is also an ideal place for family picnics and is equipped with all sort of amenities that guarantee visitors a day of fun frolic by the sand and waves.
Things to do: Apart from relaxing in calm and soltitude there are wide ranges of activities that can be done both in and around the Beach. For children there are various amusement facilities and toy trains available in the nearby Vijaya beach park. The park also has a swimming pool and other boating facilities. Water sports facilities are available at the Alappuzha beach that include water scooters, speed boats. Swimming is also allowed on the beach without any restrictions. For those seeking to have a family picnic or get together by the seaside there is plenty space by the Lighthouse of the beach which adds to the options of things to do at Alappuzha beach.
Attractions- The main attractions of the Alappuzha beach include
Alappuzha lighthouse
Ancient Piers
Vijaya Sports Park
Alappuzha backwaters
Alappuzha Lighthouse- The Light house built by Captain Hugh Crawford in 1862 lies in complete ruins today. This lighthouse served as a major beacon till the time Allepy fully functioned as a port. The light tower has a furtive feel and one is led to think of the role it played functioning of trade and commerce of the region also building the region as a major commercial center.
Ancient Piers- The ancient piers are a remnant of the glory days of this Venice of the East. These ancient piers almost 150 years old served as a manmade extention for guests to Alappuzha who used it to get a view of the sea without actually having to venture out.
Vijaya Sports Club- the Vijaya Sports Club is a park for children filled with games and various amusement facilities. There is also a swimming pool and a number of boating facilities that are also available.
Alappuzha Backwaters- No travelogue on Alappuzha would be complete without the famed backwaters. Prominent feature of Kerala’s tourist tale the backwaters are extensively placed with the region. Visitors are ferried to and fro the greenish pinched waterways of the region by Kettuvalams. Apart from that there are also vallams (smaller boats). The backwaters are also home to Kuttanad which is the ‘rice bowl of Kerala. This is one of the few places in the world where farming and cultivation is done below sea level. The Backwaters is also known for the snake boat festiva,l or the Jawaharlal Nehru boat race which is conducted in the months of July to September.
Places to eat
There are a number of convenient place to eat in and around Alappuzha beach
Firstly Harbor Hotel that specializes in multicusine dishes and even dishes out authentic Kerala cuisine. If you are fish lover then please do try out the Kerala fish curry served here.
There are also a houseboat that serves authentic Keralite food.
Finally there are a number of Thattukadas. They may look small and at time even dainty by the food is invariably good and is complete value for money. Prepared at homes, the curries and the dishes served are authentic flavors of the region. They not only crackle your taste buds but also fulfill your hunger pangs.
How to reach Alappuzha beach
By Air- the Nedembassery International Airport Kochi is closest to Alappuzha city(85 km)
By Rail- The nearest railhead is Alappuzha which is 5 km from beach
By road- The Kerala state corporation buses connect all major cities to Alappuzha and have frequent services
By water- There are also boat and ferry service from Kochi, Kollam, Kottayam and Changnaserry
