IN & AROUND ALLEPPEY
Discover ancient port towns, temples, beaches and fishing villages around Alleppey.
Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple
One of the most revered temples of Kerala, the Sri Krishna temple lies only 14km south of Alleppey in a small town called Ambalappuzha. Visit as early as 5 in the morning for a soothing spiritual experience, within the high walled temple. A kalyani (water pond) and the temple elephant are highlights of the temple, as are the beautiful lamp lined walls of the sanctum.
Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a fairly small town at the edge of the Vembanad Lake where a significant part of the waterfront has been bagged by resorts. The fun lies cruising in the sprawling lake which is connected to Alleppey via the canals. Our houseboat tours go up till Kumarakom to make you experience a long journey on a houseboat and see different countryside landscapes along the way.
Aranmula
A 53km detour, south of Alleppey, lands you in the modest town of Aranmula at the edge of the Pampa River. Apart from the massive Sree Parthasarathy Temple here, the town is also famous for unique mirror made from polishing an alloy of copper and tin instead of glass. The expensive product has led to decrease in demand of the craft and unfortunately only one family runs a small modest workshop in the town centre. We can help you reach them.
Pardesi Synagogue, Mattancherry
A tall clock tower can be seen looming over the Jew town as you walk around the streets of Mattancherry – this announces the position of the oldest icon of religious tolerance of the Kochi Kings, the Pardesi Synagogue. This is the only operational one amidst all Commonwealth nations. Visit here to see the small establishment replete with Jewish features like the brass railed pulpit, chandeliers made of Belgium glass and scrolls in Hebrew.
Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi
The Vasco Square in Fort Kochi is a flurry of activity starting at 6 in the morning – teams of 4-5 fishermen labour over a row of elaborate contraptions which descend into the sea every 15 minutes and scoop up kilos of marine occupants – fish! The Chinese fishing nets have a revered space on many postcards and provide a beautiful backdrop to the town’s tourist hub.
Kerala History Museum, Ernakulum
One of the best museums of the state, visit the Kerala History Museum for a journey through the history of the region, represented by a short audio-visual walking tour. It is best done at the beginning of the trip so you have context to the events when seeing other historical sight-seeing spots.
Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple
A remarkable hallmark of Hindu devotion, this Vishnu Temple cannot be missed on the temple circuit of Kerala. The fourth largest temple of India in terms of number of devotees per year, the Guruvayur Temple’s deity is that of Vishnu, thus attracting a lot of Vaishnavites here.
Indo Portuguese Museum, Fort Kochi
The Bishop’s house is also the address to the Indo-Portuguese museum in Fort Kochi. It is spread over layered blocks, each denoted by a different theme: Altar, Treasures, Procession, Civil Life and Cathedral. Artefacts from different churches of the Catholic Diocese from the region are displayed here.
Dutch Cemetery, Fort Kochi
Another reminder that records colonial presence in the harbour town is the Dutch Cemetery at the end of River Road. Now locked to keep curious intruders at bay, one can just peep over the gate and see the over 200 years old graves.
Greenix Village
Greenix Village is a cultural centre, where guests can see dance shows featuring Kathakali, Kalaripayatu and other Kerala art forms. It is recommended to arrive at 5.30 to see the Kathakali dancers painting their faces for the show. You can click pictures with ease, getting as close as you want. An hour later, you are ushered into different theatres for a dance-martial art-music package which lasts for an hour. Greenix also has a museum, café and a book shop for those who are interested.
Marari
A fishing village that has turned into an upscale beach has the perfect blend of local life and spectacular sunsets. Go here for an evening stroll or to see the beach thriving with action when the fishermen come with their fresh catch early mornings.