How To Reach Alleppey
How To Reach Alleppey
Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a beautiful town in Kerala, often referred to as the “Venice of the East” due to its intricate network of canals and backwaters. Whether you’re planning a relaxing houseboat stay or exploring the town’s rich culture, getting to Alleppey is an important first step. Here’s a detailed guide on how to reach Alleppey, covering all major transportation options, along with distances, travel times, and estimated costs.
By Air: The Quickest Way to Alleppey
The nearest airport to Alleppey is Cochin International Airport (COK), located about 83 kilometers away. This is the most convenient airport for reaching Alleppey, with regular flights connecting it to major Indian cities and international destinations.
- From Delhi: The flight to Cochin covers about 2,630 km and takes around 3 hours. Airfare ranges from ₹3,000 to ₹10,000.
- From Mumbai: Covering a distance of approximately 1,375 km, the flight takes about 2 hours, with tickets ranging from ₹2,500 to ₹8,000.
- From Bangalore: The 370 km flight takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, with fares between ₹2,000 and ₹6,000.
- From Chennai: The 685 km journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, with airfares ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹7,000.
From the airport, Alleppey can be reached by taxi, which typically takes about 2 hours.
By Train: A Scenic and Economical Journey
Alleppey has its own railway station, Alappuzha Railway Station (ALLP), which is well-connected to major cities across India. Traveling by train is not only economical but also offers scenic views of Kerala’s lush landscapes.
- From Delhi: The train journey covers about 2,800 km, taking around 50-52 hours. Ticket prices vary from ₹800 to ₹4,500, depending on the class.
- From Mumbai: The distance is about 1,480 km, with travel times ranging from 27 to 32 hours. Fares range between ₹600 and ₹3,500.
- From Bangalore: The 610 km journey takes around 12-14 hours, with tickets priced between ₹300 and ₹2,000.
- From Chennai: Covering 765 km, the train journey takes 13-15 hours, costing between ₹400 and ₹2,500.
By Road: A Scenic Drive to Alleppey
Alleppey is accessible via a network of national highways, making it a great destination for those who enjoy road trips. The primary highways are NH 66 and NH 544.
- From Bangalore: The journey via NH 44 and NH 544 covers about 600 km, taking 11-12 hours. Fuel costs range from ₹4,500 to ₹6,500, depending on the vehicle. Bus fares range from ₹900 to ₹2,700 for an AC Sleeper or Semi-Sleeper.
- From Chennai: Driving via NH 32 and NH 66 covers around 760 km in 13-14 hours, with fuel costs between ₹5,500 and ₹7,500. Bus fares range from ₹1,300 to ₹3,500.
- From Mumbai: The journey via NH 66 spans approximately 1,480 km, taking 26-30 hours, with fuel costs ranging from ₹9,000 to ₹13,000. Bus fares range from ₹2,000 to ₹4,500.
- From Mangalore: Covering around 430 km, this route takes 8-9 hours, with fuel costs between ₹3,000 and ₹4,500. Buses on this route charge between ₹800 and ₹2,200.
By Sea: An Adventurous Route to Alleppey
Alleppey, being a coastal town, is accessible by sea, though this is more of an adventurous option than a common route.
- Cruise Ships: Some cruises stop at Cochin Port, from where you can travel to Alleppey by road. While not a regular route, this offers a unique experience.
- Local Ferries: Although there are no regular long-distance ferries to Alleppey, local ferry services operate within the backwaters, which is a popular way to explore the area once you’re there.
Travel Tips
- Advance Booking: During peak tourist seasons, particularly around the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race in August and during the winter months, flights and trains can fill up quickly, so book early.
- Weather Considerations: The monsoon season (June to September) can cause road delays, so plan your road trips accordingly.
- Local Language: Malayalam is the local language, but English is widely understood. Learning a few basic phrases in Malayalam can be helpful.
Alleppey offers a tranquil and picturesque escape, and with this guide, you can easily find the best route to reach this charming destination. Whether by air, rail, road, or even sea, getting to Alleppey marks the beginning of a memorable journey through Kerala’s scenic backwaters.
Best Seller Package Kerala
Explore More About Kerala
To reach Kerala, you have several options depending on where you’re starting from. Here’s an overview:
1. By Air
- Kerala has four main international airports: Cochin International Airport (COK) in Kochi, Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) in Thiruvananthapuram, Calicut International Airport (CCJ) in Kozhikode, and Kannur International Airport (CNN).
- Direct flights are available from major cities in India and international destinations like the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe.
- From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to your final destination within Kerala.
2. By Train
- Kerala has a well-connected railway network with major train stations in Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), Ernakulam (Kochi), Kozhikode (Calicut), and Kannur.
- Book tickets through IRCTC or at local railway stations. Major trains from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad connect to Kerala.
3. By Road
- Kerala is well connected by road with neighboring states: Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
- You can take a long-distance bus run by KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) or private operators, which are frequent from Bangalore, Chennai, and other South Indian cities.
- Alternatively, you can self-drive or hire a cab for a road trip into Kerala.
4. By Sea
- Kochi has a major port, and some luxury cruises and boats stop here on certain international and domestic routes.
- You can explore options for cruises from destinations like Mumbai.
5. Local Transport within Kerala
- Once in Kerala, travel between cities is convenient via trains, state-run buses, and private taxis.
- For shorter distances, you can also consider auto-rickshaws and ride-hailing services.
If you need specific guidance based on your starting location, let me know!
The best time to visit Kerala largely depends on what you want to experience, but generally, the ideal time is from October to March. Here’s a breakdown:
October to March: This is the peak tourist season. The weather is pleasant, with cooler temperatures and low humidity, making it perfect for sightseeing, backwater tours, and beach activities.
April to June: These months are hotter and more humid, which can make outdoor activities less enjoyable. However, this is a good time to find deals on accommodations and visit less crowded places.
July to September: This is the monsoon season, with heavy rainfall. While it’s not the most popular time to visit, the lush greenery and fewer tourists can be appealing. It’s also a great time for Ayurvedic treatments, as the weather is believed to enhance the effectiveness of these therapies.
If you’re interested in specific activities like wildlife watching, festivals, or cultural experiences, those can also influence the best time for your visit.
If you are coming through Train or Flight then you need to reach By reaching Ernakulam Railway station or Cochi airport.
You want to visit then July to Junauary will be the proper time to visit Kerala. If you want to avoid high cost then don’t come in holiday dates.
You can explore Munnar Thekkady Alleppey Vagamon Varkala Kovalam Trivandrums.
To visit 5 days 4 nights is the best plan in which you can explore Alleppey Vagamon Varkala Kovalam Trivandrum.
Houseboat Experiences by Carnival Tours, Alleppey.
In companies account on the 1st day only
Depends upon the Package you have taken.
Depends upon the Package you have taken.
Yes, Kerala is generally safe at night, especially in tourist areas, but remain cautious and avoid isolated places.
God’s Own Country: Kerala is often referred to as “God’s Own Country” due to its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and natural beauty, including backwaters, hills, and beaches.
High Literacy Rate: Kerala boasts one of the highest literacy rates in India, at over 96%. This is attributed to the state’s strong focus on education and social welfare.
Unique Festivals: The state is famous for its vibrant festivals, such as Onam and Vishu, which showcase traditional music, dance, and feasting. The snake boat races during Onam are particularly popular.
Ayurveda Hub: Kerala is renowned for its Ayurvedic treatments and wellness tourism. The state has numerous Ayurveda resorts and practitioners, making it a leading destination for holistic healing.
Backwaters: The backwaters of Kerala, particularly in places like Alleppey and Kumarakom, are a network of lagoons, lakes, and canals that offer houseboat experiences and are a major tourist attraction.
Diverse Wildlife: Kerala is home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, including Periyar National Park and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, where visitors can see elephants, tigers, and various bird species.
Cultural Melting Pot: The state has a rich cultural heritage influenced by various religions, including Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and art forms.
Spice Capital: Historically, Kerala was a major spice trading center, earning the nickname “Spice Garden of India.” It produces a variety of spices, including black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Hill Stations of Kerala, including the Western Ghats, have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their biodiversity and unique ecosystems.
Women Empowerment: Kerala is known for its progressive gender equality and women’s empowerment initiatives, which are reflected in higher participation of women in education and the workforce compared to many other Indian states.