Imagine watching the Arabian Sea from an old pier in one of South India’s best beaches. As you’re waiting for the time to pass you by, the next thing you know, a beautiful sunset appears to end your day. Capture that image and atmosphere with your own senses at Alappuzha Beach in Alleppey. Located in Kerala, India, the place has a long history of trade since the Sangam Era in the third Century. Today, Alappuzha Beach is a favourite destination for locals and tourists alike. Situated on the Malabar coast, Alappuzha Beach is a peaceful place to sit back and enjoy the sea, sand, and sun. Although swimming is hard because the waves and currents, there are some activities that you can do at the beach. Read on to see the complete guide to Alappuzha Beach, Alleppey.
Things to do
Hang out at the beach
Alappuzha Beach has the characteristics of an ideal beach that anyone can enjoy minus the swimming. Yes, due to its waves and currents, it is relatively hard to swim in the sea. But hanging out by the beach is always a good idea and you still can enjoy your time by simply relaxing. Dipping yourself in saltwater, seeing the sunset, and visiting nearby places of interest are some other fun activities that you can also do!
Sunset at Alappuzha Beach
Sit on the sand or sunbeds and wait for the sun to slowly go down. Wander around the beach or play on the share by waiting for the waves to hit your feet or body. You can also play frisbee or beach volleyball while waiting for the sunset. When it finally comes, prepare yourself for the spectacular sunset on the Arabian Sea.
Take a closer look at the 150-year-old pier
Remnants of the old times can be seen from afar if you come to Alappuzha Beach. Come closer and see the old pier that has its roots in the colonial times when the British ruled this nation. The estimated 150-year-old pier or bridge is non-functional but you can still marvel at this artefact in person or capture some photos around the area.
Alappuzha Lighthouse
Operating since the 19th century, Alappuzha Lighthouse is still functioning to this day. Open to the public since 2007, guests can enter the lighthouse from 3pm to 5pm every day.
What to eat
Dreamers Cafe
This is a proper beachfront cafe that serves Indian menus such as saagwala chicken, fish curry, prawn masala, crab masala. duck masala, paneer, and pakora. The hut-style restaurant also serves Western classics such as pizza and even Chinese cuisine.
Harbour Restaurant
This is an outdoor place where you can dine with sand still touching your feet, Harbour Restaurant also serves Indian cuisine. Enjoy dishes such as masala fried fish, chicken shahi korma, chicken mappas, palak paneer, and Kerala prawn curry.
Cafe Catamaran
Lounge around with a drink or some food and watch Alappuzha Beach from the comfort of Cafe Catamaran. Just like the other two places, the cafe offers Indian and other international menus. Indian favourites include butter chicken, Mughlai chicken, paneer kadai, and paneer tikka.
What to buy
All things coir
Coir or coconut fibre can be made into many things. You can buy a carpet, mat, cushions, blinds, and bags that are all made of coir from stalls around the beach.
Spices
Alappuzha in Kerala is like any other place in India where you can find all kinds of spices. With many options to choose, you can pick local favourites such as pepper, cardamom, areca nut, and coconut oil.
Aranmula kannadi
This is a metal-alloy mirror that comes in beautiful shapes and originates from Aranmula, Kerala.
Travelers tips
Alappuzha Beach Festival
Another annual event in the area, Alappuzha Beach Festival. Expect music performers of all kinds and also a wide array of food selections that you can indulge in.
Snake boat races
One of Alappuzha’s seasonal events is the snake boat races that has been held since 1952 at the time of Kerala’s annual harvest festival named Onam (held August to September). Chundan vallam, or snake boats, compete for the Nehru Trophy that was named after India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Disability-friendly
Alappuzha is actuallyIndia’s first differently-abled-friendly beach. To accommodate the disabled, Alappuzha Beach has a 50-meter (164 feet) ramp for wheelchair users, uses braille in sign boards, and also employs audio-visual aids.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Alappuzha Beach is from October to November.
How to get there
If you are traveling by airplane, arrive at Kochi International Airport at Kochi city in Kerala, India. Alappuzha Beach is about 90 kilometers (55.9 miles) away from the airport.
By bus
Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Bus is a good and cost-effective way to reach Alappuzha Beach if you are travelling by land. The distance from KSRTC Bus Station to the beach is about 4.5 kilometers (2.7 miles).
By train
Alappuzha railway station can take you directly to Alappuzha Beach. The distance between the nearest station and the beach is only 1 kilometer (6.2 miles) away.
By private vehicle
Alappuzha is well-connected to neighboring cities by the NH66. The most convenient way to get to Alappuzha Beach would be by hiring tourist taxis.
Where to stay (from USD 43)
With only a walking distance of 50 meters (164 feet) from Alappuzha Beach, Raheem Residency is the ideal place to stay in the area. With a history going back to 1868, the building used to be a landmark that was eventually transformed into a heritage hotel. Today you can experience old Indian charm here with modern facilities such as swimming pool, spa, electric sockets, and WiFi.
Raheem Residency
Address: XX/1100, Beach road
317 meters (0.2 ft) from Alleppey Beach
Alappuzha Beach information
Alappuzha Beach
Address: Alleppey, Alappuzha 688007, India
Opening hours: 24 hours everyday
Cost: Free
Official website: Alappuzha Beach
Department of tourism: Visit Alleppey
News & updates for Alappuzha Beach: Alappuzha Beach becomes the first differently-abled friendly beach in South India | Alleppey Beach Run 2019 at Alappuzha beach
History
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