Alleppey
or
Allapuzha has a large network of inland canals. It has been
one of the best-known ports along the Malabar coast that earned it a
position as the busiest trade center of the state. The centre for coir
carpet industries and prawn farming,
Alleppey is the ideal
headquarters for backwater tourism and cruising to Kottayam with its
lovely churches and Aranmula featuring the world-famous annual event of
Aranmula Snake Boat Race.
Alleppey's very own Nehru Trophy Boat
Race is held on the second Saturday of August, every year and is a
tremendous success with tourists and the local population alike. The
boat cruise along the backwaters of Alleppey offers one the most
intimate and first-hand experience of rural Kerala life style including
toddy tapping, fishing, coir making and prawn farming.
The narrow, shaded streets of the colorful market town of
Alleppey
are built on canals and are surrounded by coconut trees. It has Arabian
Sea on its west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and several
freshwater rivers and rivulets crossing it lending it immense natural
beauty. The unique architecture of the city impresses one and rice,
green coconuts, red chillies, and fat rough skinned jack fruit abounds
in the region. While cruising through the backwaters, you may also get a
chance to spot a few rare migratory birds and diverse animals.
