Monday, September 4: Celebrating Our First Wedding Anniversary
Start your trip by exploring the beauty of Alleppey's backwaters. In the morning, take a relaxing houseboat cruise along the serene backwaters, surrounded by lush greenery and coconut trees. Enjoy a traditional Kerala-style lunch on board, prepared with local flavors. In the afternoon, visit the Alleppey Beach and unwind on its sandy shores. Admire the mesmerizing sunset over the Arabian Sea. For a romantic evening, indulge in a candlelight dinner at a lakeside restaurant and savor delicious seafood specialties.
Backwater Houseboat Cruise: Prices start at approximately ₹6,000 for a day trip, Duration: 6 hours
Alleppey Beach: Free entry, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Lakeside Restaurant: Estimated cost: ₹2,000, Time spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
The Palm Shore Restaurant: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Palm Shore Restaurant, located near the backwaters. They offer a variety of South Indian and Continental breakfast options. Average cost per person is about $5.
Pozhiyoram: For a delicious lunch experience, head to Pozhiyoram, a traditional Kerala restaurant known for its authentic flavors. Try their popular meals served on banana leaves. Average cost per person is about $8.
Rosebud: Experience a romantic dinner at Rosebud, a lakeside restaurant overlooking the beautiful backwaters. Their menu offers a wide range of seafood and Indian delicacies. Average cost per person is about $15.
Tuesday, September 5: Exploring Alleppey's Cultural Heritage
Immerse yourself in Alleppey's rich cultural heritage. Start your day with a visit to the Krishnapuram Palace, a magnificent museum showcasing traditional Kerala architecture and artifacts. Afterward, head to the Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple, known for its beautiful architecture and the famous sweet offering called "Palpayasam." In the afternoon, experience the thrill of snakeboat racing at the Punnamada Lake, where you can witness local teams competing in this traditional sport. Enjoy a traditional Kerala dinner at a local restaurant accompanied by a Kathakali dance performance.
Krishnapuram Palace: Entry fee: ₹20, Time spent: 2 hours
Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple: Free entry, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Punnamada Lake Snakeboat Racing: Free entry, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Kathakali Dance Performance: Prices start at approximately ₹500 per person, Time spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
The Old Lighthouse Bristo: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at this charming restaurant located near the beach. Their breakfast menu offers a variety of options including traditional Kerala dishes and continental breakfast items. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Raju's Street Cafe: For a delicious lunch, head to Raju's Street Cafe, a popular local eatery known for its mouth-watering seafood dishes. From fresh fish curry to prawn biryani, their menu has something for everyone. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Punnamada Multi-Cuisine Restaurant: Treat yourself to a scrumptious dinner at Punnamada Multi-Cuisine Restaurant. Located alongside the beautiful Punnamada Lake, this restaurant offers a range of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Wednesday, September 6: Exploring Nature's Wonders
Discover the natural beauty of Alleppey on your last day. Start with a visit to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, where you can spot a variety of local and migratory bird species. Take a relaxing walk through the lush greenery and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Afterward, head to the Pathiramanal Island, a paradise for nature lovers. Explore the island's flora and fauna and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the picturesque setting. In the afternoon, visit the Alleppey Lighthouse for panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. End your day with a sunset cruise on a traditional country boat.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Entry fee: ₹50, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Pathiramanal Island: Ferry cost: ₹100 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Alleppey Lighthouse: Entry fee: ₹20, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Sunset Cruise: Prices start at approximately ₹500 per person, Time spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Indian Coffee House, known for its traditional South Indian breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
For lunch, head to Cassia Multi Cuisine Restaurant, offering a variety of local and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Mushroom Restaurant, known for its seafood specialties and cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For an off the beaten path experience, consider visiting the Marari Beach, located a short distance from Alleppey. This tranquil beach offers a peaceful atmosphere and pristine shores. You can also explore the nearby fishing villages and interact with the friendly locals. For a unique experience, try toddy tapping, a traditional practice of collecting sap from palm trees to make a local alcoholic beverage called toddy. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions.