Alleppey – #AtoZChallenge2016

I’m participating in the #AtoZBloggingChallenge 2016 with the theme – Pins on the Map of my Memory – which is about places that bear a special connection with me for reasons mostly personal!

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A for Alappuzha or Alleppey – the Venice of the East!

Green. Calm. Tranquil.

A perfect getaway to unwind, relax and connect as a family! Our very first experience of Alleppey’s green-fringed backwaters!

Best family holiday ever in a long time since we moved back to India from the quiet suburbs of Cheshire! The first of the many trips to follow.

Our most mesmerisingly beautiful experience – staying by the mighty lake, Vembanad, What really helped was that the property we stayed in, was kid-friendly, which meant we had ample space for outdoor sport to keep our little man occupied with plenty of activities during the mornings, so that the rest of the day could be spent in sightseeing.

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The Vembanad Lake beyond the hotel pool

We also loved the sunset cruise, so much so, that we went on it every single day during our stay! What a unique experience it was to witness a spectacular sunset – to see a fiery sun dip right into the sea!

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The view from the cruise!

And, then there were the leisurely boat rides that took us along lush green paddy fields, with the backwaters being almost on the same level as the land, so we got to see a village as we’d never get to, otherwise. Going past the colourful walls of the village houses, men and women going about their daily chores, children marching to school, the well-rounded rice barges and punted canoes and toddy shops – all along a watery world, almost like a passing tableau of sorts!

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A village scene

Seven years since that trip, but seems just like yesterday! Getting to know this amazing place just helps because we know exactly what to expect now and we love it!

If you are planning to take a quiet break, this place comes highly recommended for you! It might be the beginning of many trips to follow, you never know!

 

 

42 thoughts

  1. I too remember our family holiday at Kumarakom on Vembanad Lake. I chose that place because we couldn’t get off the resort without a boat but my husband found it claustrophobic

  2. I have been to Alappuzza beach in 2009. There were very less people there on the beach and we felt the quiet and the peace of the place. Nowhere have we experienced, till date, the same tranquility being on the beach. People say if you want to visit the beaches in India then go to Goa. The beaches are good there but overcrowded. Alappuzza was different. We took the houseboat ride in the backwaters of Kumarkom. It was a lovely experience too. We have to take Dhruv along this time because his questions and observations are going to add new dimensions to the trip. Adding, the view from the hotel, you stayed in, overlooking the lake looks gorgeous.

    1. Oh Archana! I was not done with commenting yet! Still trying to get the pending ones finished by tonight, so please do bear with me! Such a wonderful getaway isn’t it? Been thrice already and can still a few more trips there! Will hop onto yours as well tomorrow!

    1. Thank you so much Angela! If you’re planning a visit to this part of the world, Alleppey is a must! Do come and see for yourself…there’s nothing quite as relaxing and beautiful as this!

  3. Allepey has always been one of my favorite destinations!
    What a wonderful way to start the A to Z Challenge 🙂 Have a look at my post when time permits!
    Following you on twitter and also following your blog!
    Cheers,
    Srivi
    The Piscean Me | Twitter

  4. During my last official visit to Backwaters of Kerala, we had these houseboats passing by our resort and I so wanted to stay and cruise through in one. Kerala is truly beautiful.

    1. The houseboat experience is a very unique one, Shilpa! Even for those who don’t actually stay in one, just hiring one for a day cruise over lunch or evening tea is also a great experience. You must do it!!

  5. The pictures look spectacular Esha.. and Alleppey, I’ve heard so much about it and how serene it is there.. Will visit there soon 🙂

    Love,
    Geets

  6. Hey am so happy to see Kerala featuring on your blog. Am a keralite and glad that you chose Alleppey as the topic. Indeed, Kerala is God’s own country.

  7. Gorgeous pictures and like they say, Kerala is God’s own country. I have to to see Alleppey one day. Your posts make me think I should do that as soon as possible.

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