A warm welcome to Alleppey which is a beautiful town on the peaceful backwaters of Kerala which is often called the Venice of the East. Alleppey is not a destination; it is an experience that calls all who are adventure lovers, nature lovers and culture lovers, in its tall dark palms, the calm blue waters, and the colourful hearts. With a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural traditions, this quaint location is a well-visited tourist hotspot.
So grab your bags & let’s dive in to explore the resourceful culture of Alleppey, which is a feast for the senses.
How to Experience Alleppey’s Local Culture ?
Alleppey’s culture is a vibrant tapestry of tradition, art, and spirituality. Another elegant way of getting involved with the local practices is by attending the famous Snake Boat races. Raced during the festival of Onam, they are a heart-pounding performance of long, narrow boats skimming the backwaters, drawing crowds from across the country. It’s not only the race; the energetic chanting and drumming create a feeling of togetherness and celebration that you will cherish.
Alternatively if you prefer a more calming experience we highly recommend a visit to a local temple. The Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple, dedicated to the serpent god, is a spiritual haven embraced by dense foliage. The serene experience adds a touch of spirituality and provides insight into the local culture as the rituals and offerings made by the devotees becomes a feast for the eyes.
Alleppey is located within the colorful Kochi-Muziris Biennale, India’s largest art exhibition, and is held every two years. The event is a great way to connect with global contemporary art and meet local artists and enjoy trippy installations.
Must-Try Cuisine of Alleppey
And no visit to Alleppey is complete without savouring its delicious cuisine! The local cuisine is a delicious mix of spices and fresh products, with seafood in the number one spot. Kickstart Your Culinary Journey with Legendary Karimeen Pollichathu (Pearl Spot Fish)Marinated in Blend of Spices and Wrapped in Banana Leaves This can be enjoyed at Halais Restaurant, famous for its traditional Kerala dishes.
Another to add to your list is the Appam with Stew, a traditional breakfast option that’s soft, fluffy, and accompanies a rich coconut milk stew with either vegetables or meat. Run over to Makkani Restaurant to slather your taste buds with this local dish.
For a sweet finish, be sure to try the iconic Payasam, an milky dessert of rice or vermicelli slow cooked in coconut milk flavored with cardamom. Baker’s Treat is a local favorite to grab a variety of pastries and sweets like this delicious dessert.
If you’re interested in discovering more about Alleppey culinary gems, we recommend reading the travel article on TripAdvisor and watching videos by travel influencers on YouTube who detail the local food scene, such as Karan Jotwani and The Foodie Stoner.
Where to Shop in Alleppey
One can enjoy shopping in Alleppey as the town has a lot of exotic handicraft items, textiles, and artifacts. Begin your shopping spree at the Alleppey Market, where fresh produce meets handcrafted souvenirs. The lively atmosphere and friendly vendors are a good opportunity to mingle with locals.
If you’d like a more artisanal experience, stop by Kochi’s spice market to purchase spices to take home and recreate the flavors of Kerala in your own kitchen. Also, don’t miss out on Bamboo Handicrafts displaying amazing bamboo items such as furniture and decorative things.
Head to Poomkavu if you are scouting for Kerala sarees or handloom textiles. Heavily to brightly colored brooches and well-done designs that would make great gifts for someone or a treat for yourself!
Craving for shopping in Alleppey, head fixed to the article [Thrillophilia] and influencers like Kritika Goel m who share travel vlogs and their favourite shopping spots in Alleppey.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Trip
- Timing is Everything: The best time to visit is during the Onam festival, when the local culture is at its strongest. The festivities are colourful and alive!
- Get on the Water: A houseboat ride through the backwaters is a must. It’s a quintessential Alleppey experience that highlights the beauty of this region.
- Local guides: If you want to delve deeper into Alleppey’s culture, history, and secrets, hire a local guide.
- Graciate Yourself: The sun could be aggressive, especially in the daytime, reaching you to carry water and wear a sunblock while exploring.
- Plan Ahead: You can book your accommodations and plan your itinerary on platforms like MakeMyTrip, ClearTrip, or EaseMyTrip, this will ensure a hassle-free experience.
Alleppey awaits you with its culture, food and gorgeous shopping places. Immerse yourself in the experience, enjoy the foods, and be whisked away by the local customs. Your trysting in this lovely town will definitely be a story to tell!!
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