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Alleppey is a famous Kerala destination for its beautiful lakes, canals and rivers and the flat and calm waters. Boats are used to travel from one place to other places that are not easily accessible. Kayaking in Varkala is a popular recreational experience that allows a person to see the rural village life of the locals, bird watching, and paddy fields.
How To Reach Alleppey
Photo: Ram Mohan Thangasamy / Wikimedia Commons
Kayaking in Alleppey, Kerala is a must-have experience while you’re here. Reaching the city is quite easy with the following means of transport.
By Air: The nearest airport to Alleppey is Kochi Airport located 53 km away. Taxis and buses are readily available to take you to the city.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is well within the city limits named Alleppey Railway Station. It connects all the major nearby cities well for an easy commute.
By Road: Alappuzha city is connected to other important cities, including Mumbai, Udupi, Mangalore, Kannur, Kozhikode, Ernakulam, Kollam, and Trivandrum, by National Highway 66. You can drive yourself or get there by taxi/cab.
Why Is Kayaking In Alleppey Famous
Photo: Johan Mouchet / Unsplash
Alleppey backwaters are considered to be a natural wonder showcasing the natural beauty and human creativity at its best. The land and sea blend in this area making these backwaters an exciting location to kayak. Other factors contributing to its success are:
- Natural Barriers: There are many sandbars in Alleppey separated naturally from the Arabian Sea. These create a serene and perfect setting for kayaking.
- Network Of Lagoons And Aanals: The city houses a vast maze of canals, lagoons, rivers, inlets and lakes. Cutting through the greenery of Kerala, these waterways link the backwaters with the Malabar coast or the Arabian Sea.
- Human Touch: Most of this waterway network has been shaped by human hands for fishing, farming and transportation. The mix of these human-made elements and natural extravaganza imparts a special character to the place.
- Vembanad Lake: The heart of this backwater destination is the Vembanad Lake which acts as a meeting point of 6 major rivers making it an important and charming part of the backwaters.
- Deltas And Estuaries: There are deltas and estuaries of over 44 rivers in Alleppey backwaters. These act as a home to several endemic plants and animals too.
- Water Sports: The kayaking waters of Alleppey present the stark contrast between the land, water and sky near the lush interiors of Kerala. This makes it especially famous for water sports like kayaking.
Places To Visit In Alleppey
Apart from kayaking in the Alleppey backwaters and enjoying the numerous picturesque beaches of the city, there are several other destinations that one can choose from to visit.
1. Kuttanad
Photo: Sourav Niyogi / Wikimedia Commons
Known as the “Rice Bowl of India”, Kuttanad covers a large part of Alappuzha and Kottayam. The place is home to lush green paddy fields that are divided by dykes. The place is also one of the lowest altitude places in the country due to it being around 2 metres below the sea level. Driving through this area gives a sneak peek into the rural traditional Kerala life. With an average undulation mechanism similar to the Netherlands, the place is one of the only few places in the world where agricultural cultivation is practised below sea level.
Things To Do: Backwater cruising, canoe rides
Best Time To Visit: October to March
2. Alappuzha Lighthouse
Photo: Paulius Dragunas / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Built-in 1862, this is a major tourist attraction of Alleppey. This lighthouse was the first of its kind on the busiest trade routes of Kerala. This lighthouse is over 150 years old and was constructed during the reign of Marthanda Varma-II Maharaja and completed during the reign of Rama Varma Maharaja of Travancore.
Timings: 3 PM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10 (for adults), ₹3 (for kids), ₹25 (for foreigners)
3. Marari Beach
Photo: Mahendra M / Wikimedia Commons
This secluded little-known is the hidden beach destination of Kerala offers a sneak peek into the gentle ways of life of the fisherfolk of Mararikulam. One of the best ways to enjoy this place is to take an evening stroll on the beach which helps a person to immerse in nature’s untouched beauty.
Distance From Alleppey: 11 km
4. Krishnapuram Palace
Photo: Onmyway22 / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Kayamkulam in Alleppey, Krishnapuram Palace is one of the rare specimens depicting Kerala-style architecture with its gabled roofs, dormer windows, and narrow corridors. The place acted as a residence of Kayamkulam rulers for centuries, the age of this place is unknown. This is why the place is today a protected monument. One can explore several rare paintings and antiques while visiting this place.
Timings: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
5. Pathiramanal
Photo: Vis M / Wikimedia Commons
Paradise for bird watchers, Pathiramanal is a small island that acts as a safe haven for hundreds of migrating birds to backwaters. The place is only accessible by road. Meaning “sands of night” literally, the place houses 91 local bird species and over 50 migratory birds. Some of the bird species that one can spot here are Night Heron, Darter, Purple Heron, Pintail Ducks, Cormorant and many others.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Where To Stay & Eat
Photo: Deepal Tamang / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
One can enjoy delectable seafood cuisine, refreshing cocktails and other beverages in restaurants and eateries located in Alleppey. Some popular eating-out options include Kream Korner, Royal Park Hotel, Cafe Katamaran, Thaff, Chakra and Royale Chimney.
Additionally, Alleppey offers a range of options as per all budgets and preferences. Some popular tourist choices in the area are Malayalam Lake Resort, Indiavacationz Houseboats, Zostel Alleppey, Elara Beach View Homestay, Happy Seas Beach Villa and many more.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Goldenwabbit / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit this place is during the winter season which starts in October and ends in February. The temperature is moderate making it the perfect time for exploring the city. Temperatures run as high as 40 degrees in summers causing all outdoor activities to shut down and monsoons attract torrential rain making it highly unsuitable for any adventure activities.
Tips For Travellers
- Be sure to attend the basic guidance course given before the start of the kayaking trip if you are a beginner.
- Wear lightweight clothes as they are sure to get wet during the activity.
- No shoes or slippers are allowed on the kayak.
- Get a waterproof camera to take pictures during the trip.
- Carry an extra pair of clothes to change into if your clothes get wet. Changing rooms are readily available.
- Always wear your life jacket from start to finish of your kayaking tour.
Paddling and kayaking through tiny canals and bridges is a refreshing experience that makes a person feel close to nature. Kayaking in Alleppey can be done by both beginners as well as experienced. If you are planning a kayaking trip to Kerala backwaters, contact TripXL for a memorable experience.
Cover Photo: Johan Mouchet / Unsplash
