Alappuzha Beach

Location
Alappuzha Beach is located in the Alappuzha or Alleppey district of Kerala. The place lies sandwiched between the Arabian Sea in the west and the Punnamada backwaters in the east. Alappuzha beach is about 147 kms from the capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum. There are well established rail and road links connecting the place with the rest of the state and India at large.

Beach Overview
The whole of Alappuzha district, including the beach is a great tourist spot. The presence of vast network of canals and backwaters makes the journey through Alappuzha a wonderful experience. The coast on which lies stretched the famous beach used to be one of the busiest in the bygone days. The waterways provided easy means of transportation for the cargo that arrived at the coast. The place is many a times, as such, referred as the 'Venice of the East.' The beach is a popular hangout zone at Alappuzha. Provided with long stretches of white sand, some old monuments and several freshwater lakes in its vicinity, the beach is a perfect place for a quite holiday and a bit of excitement. The beach water is clear and ideal for a number of activities. On a very crowded day one finds a lot of boats cruising down the area and possibly boat races.

Beach Attractions
The beach strip present the laid out golden sands in a tranquil environment, except on festival occasions and particularly boat races. One can enjoy a quite holiday by just lazing in the over head sun or amuse in various activities like surfing, swimming, beach volley ball, etc. There are a number of attractions lying nearby. The 140 years old pier is a great prize located on the beach land. The 1000 ft pier was built in 1862 by Captain Hugh Crawford. Nearby lies the lighthouse which used to guide the vessels reaching here. The upcoming children's park adds to the list of attractions and amusements available at Alappuzha Beach.

Best time to visit
The best time to visit the place is between the months of November and June. The weather during this period is pleasant. However, to witness the great boat races held in the backwaters one has to come during the months July and August. These months are high time for the boat races held annually here.

Where to Stay
Marari Beach Resort and Marari Beach Home are two great places to stay near Alappuzha Beach. Alleppey Beach Resorts also provide accommodation facilities in the region.

How to Reach
The nearest airport for Alappuzha Beach is grounded at Kochi, which is about 86 kms from the place. One can reach, by air, up to Kochi and then board a train or bus. The railway station that provides the service is located some 5 kms from the beach. Some trains including Jan Shatabdi, Ernakulam and Netravati provide the daily services. Buses are available from several neighboring districts like Thrissur (142 kms), Ernakulam (63 kms), Kollam (85 kms) and Trivandrum (147 kms).

Kerala Backwater Tour (10 Days) Features : Kerala Backwater Tour package takes you to the famous backwater destinations that lay stretched out in Kerala. Alappuzha or Alleppey is one such destination. Although, Alappuzha beach trip is not included in the schedule but can be accommodated on request. The tour makes available some other backwater destinations like Cochin, Periyar, Kumarakom and Kovalam. The tour incorporates the beach leisure at Kovalam beach. There are not too many places to be visited which reduces the travel time and as such gives more to the leisure. There are boat rides and cruises, a brief city tour and beach leisure to be had. Good package for those who like to travel less.

Kerala Spice Trail (16 Days) Features : The Spice Trail tour package is in better interests of the tourists visiting Kerala for the first time. The tour covers most of the popular destinations and attractions, including the much reputed Alleppey. There is a complete day and a night devoted to this place. The tour provides for an overnight in the backwaters here. The day schedule may be, however changed from backwater to the beach. The package also features tour of hill stations, plantations lands, local city tours, backwaters and more. The destinations, covered, other than Alleppey, are Trivandrum, Munnar, Madurai, Thekkady, Cochin and Kovalam.

India and the Tropical South (15 Days) Features : India and the Tropical South Tour takes to some of the card carrying tourist places in Kerala. The tour package avails trips for popular beaches, backwaters, hill stations and many more. The package provides for a tour to Alleppey backwaters. A brief sojourn at Alleppey beach is made on request. Other destinations covered in the tour include Kollam, Kochi, Munnar, Madurai, Periyar, Kumarakom and Kovalam. It is one way of exploring the beauty of Kerala and has an extensive coverage.