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.
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!
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!
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 Comments
Indywrites
I just love Allepy, It is just so beautiful… Lovely pictures.
Esha Mookerjee Dutta
Thank you very much! The place is way better than my captures!
BellyBytes
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
the bespectacled mother
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.
Corinne Rodrigues
We’ve been doing different parts of Kerala every few years, Esha. Alleppey is certainly on our list. Your post makes me want to bump it up to go sooner!
Esha Mookerjee Dutta
That’s fantastic! By default our favourite holiday destination seems to be Kerala!! You’re definitely going to love Alleppey. The sooner the better 😊👍
Vasantha Vivek
Lovely. My dream place in my bucket list !!!
Esha Mookerjee Dutta
Thanks Vasantha! Better make a super quick plan to see the Backwaters soon!
Vasantha Vivek
Sure Esha …… Should not miss it !!!
Rajlakshmi
The sunset looks stunning!! what a quiet and beautiful place 🙂
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Esha Mookerjee Dutta
Thanks, Raj! The place has a way of making one feel peaceful within…
Archie
Its such a lovely place… I’ve always enjoyed my visits there… 🙂 Great photos!
Archie
A hello would have been nice to hear too Esha instead of a ‘like’ 😊
Esha Mookerjee Dutta
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!
G Angela
wow ! what a beautiful place, loved the pictures… would like to add this place to my list, thanks for sharing !
Esha Mookerjee Dutta
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!
Anoosha
Beautiful Pictures. I’ve heard a lot about this Place but I have never been to it. But now its on my List .
Esha Mookerjee Dutta
Thank you Anoosha. Alleppey will blow you away with it’s greenery and serenity. A must-visit, I say!
nuvofelt
Beautiful pictures. I’m envious
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Esha Mookerjee Dutta
Thanks nuvofelt! Will hop onto yours now and check out your post 🙂
Srivi
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
Esha Mookerjee Dutta
Oh really! That sounds great 🙂 So glad to see you @Soul Talk. Will have a look at yours right away. All the best with the AtoZ!
Tina
How beautiful and Serene. I loved my time in Alleppey too!.
Esha Mookerjee Dutta
Good to know that Tina! Glad to see you here!
Shilpa Garg
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.
Esha Mookerjee Dutta
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!!
Rian Durant
Stunning Pictures. Oh, I love water so much…
Esha Mookerjee Dutta
Thanks, Rian. You’ll love this place which is surrounded by water on all the three sides…loads to explore as well 🙂
Me Otherwise
Lovely clicks… Alleppey is my husbands home town. This place is still as tranquil as possible.
Esha Mookerjee Dutta
Thanks! Nice to know that…you are definitely privileged to know this place first-hand!
inquisitivegeet
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
Esha Mookerjee Dutta
Thanks a lot Geets! Do visit this haven of peace and tranquility! Glad to see you at Soul Talk 😊
kalaravi16
Hi Esha, I could sense the tranquility of the place from your descriptions and images! Lovely! Keep ’em comin’!
Esha Mookerjee Dutta
Thank you so much Kala! What better place to begin with than one’s fav destination 😊
ajaybpai
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.
Esha Mookerjee Dutta
Hey Ajay, so good to know that! Kerala is our favourite choice anytime whenever we think of a holiday….been advocating to others too! God’s own country rocks!!
ajaybpai
Whistles, whistles 🙂 Cheers to you.
Esha Mookerjee Dutta
Thanks, again 🙂
Parul Thakur
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.
Esha Mookerjee Dutta
Thanks, Parul! Do visit, you’ll love it I can tell you. The sooner, the better 🙂
Lata Sunil
Beautiful.. and serene
Esha Mookerjee Dutta
Seen to be believed, actually!