Alleppey Lighthouse and Beach at Alappuzha, Kerala

After visiting Kochi (Cochin Sightseeing), 2 days experience at Vivanta by Taj - Kottayam, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Vembanad Lake visit in Kettuvallom (country boat), and overnight stay at Alleppey houseboat, I can certainly say that Kerala justifies the magical sayings - "God's own country". I would like to add that if you are visiting India, Kerala should be in the topmost list of the 'Best places to visit in India'. Let's go to our next and final stop - Alleppey beach and lighthouse, before we move to airport.

 

Alappuzha (or Alleppey) is referred to as the "Venice of the East" by travellers from across the world. After enjoying the fantastic Alleppey houseboat trip at Vembanad Lake, we planned the quick trip to Alleppey beach and nearby lighthouse. It is quite near to Alleppey houseboat jetty meeting point. Alleppey town is considered to be the oldest planned town in this region and the lighthouse built on the coast of the town is the first of its kind along the Arabian coast. We also purchased few snacks, sweets, banana chips, halwa and Kerala spices on our way.

 

Alleppey Beach is frequently referred to as Alappuzha Beach. I was amazed to know and see that there is an old character-filled pier located here that is over 137 years old. Remains of Alappuzha Sea Bridge, which is in ruins now. Alleppey Beach is one of the most popular beaches of the state of Kerala. One thing that draws people to this beach is the facilities at Vijaya Beach Park.

 

It was also good to see many dustbins all around beach to make the beach more cleaner. It seems like 'Swatcha Bharat Abhiyan' aka 'Clean India Campaign' is being educated and followed. With the beautiful sand contrasts beautifully with the color of the water, to make for a truly picturesque location and relaxing atmosphere. Picnicking at the beach is one of the best ways to spend the day here.

Alleppey lighthouse is just 5 minutes walk from the beach side. The lighthouse building has been open for public visits since 2007. Opening timings for lighthouse to reach at the top is usually 10 am to 5 pm daily (as per last ticket we visited). Entry fee is 10 INR per person, and 20 INR was charged extra for camera. We were on time and stepped up till the top.

 

It was an over amazing feeling, like got something awarding, and the view looking to Alleppey beach is just amazing. We feel top of the world. We had few titanic poses as well. From the top, The picture perfect beach views with the Arabian Sea to the west as well as a large network of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers nearby. We get to know that the lighthouse, which was painted plain white, was repainted in red and white bands in 2000. Sunset would be really amazing from this place. Marari beach is another nice beach nearby to explore.

 

Alappuzha is also the access point for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race. It is held on the Punnamada Lake, near Alappuzha, held on the second Saturday of August every year. It is the most competitive and popular of the boat races in India. The mullackal chirap is also one of the attractions of Allapuzha which is the festive season held ten colorful days every year in the month of December.

Hope to plan and visit Munnar, Trivendrum, and other places in Kerala soon.