Travel Diary of A Wandering Mind
Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises.
~ Pedro Calderon de la Barca
The theme is ‘monochromatic’ and the season is monsoon, so I had no other option than green to go monochromatic. 🙂 Captured the freshness of green foliage one afternoon, right after the rain. Refreshing…isn’t it?
Published in response to Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge: Monochromatic.
When I was in school Mondays were most boring to me. Going to school on a rainy morning after a happening weekend was the most miserable thing to do. When I saw these little boys walking happily on their way to school even in the incessant rains the sight instantly took me back to my childhood. Those mundane Mondays in monsoons…! 🙂
I publish this post as part of the Mundane Monday Challenge given by my blogger friend Jithin aka Trablogger.
Have a wonderful week ahead! 🙂
Rabindranath Tagore regarded monsoon as the ‘queen’ of all seasons. If you visit Alleppey in the monsoon you’ll no way but agree with the great poet. The wild beauty of Mother Nature bathed in monsoon rain is simply a treat to the eyes that you’ll cherish forever.
Alleppey or Alappuzha in Kerala is located 70 km south of Cochin, the major port city in Western India. The place is famous for its lush greenery and tranquil backwaters. Due to its numerous lakes and canals creating a network of waterways Alleppey is popularly called the “Venice of the East”.
How to Reach
The district of Alappuzha or Alleppey is well-connected to most of the important southern cities via railway networks. There are direct trains from Cochin, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Coimbatore, Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai.
The NH47 connects Alleppey with other cities including Cochin, Bangalore and Chennai. You’ll find direct bus services operating from Cochin to Alleppey regularly. There are overnight luxury buses to Alleppey from Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Coimbatore, Chennai and Bangalore.
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport. After you land in Cochin take a train or bus to Alleppey.
Things to do
Though there are ferry services available, for a perfect leisure trip cruising in the backwaters on a houseboat is a must do. It is, perhaps, the best way to observe and enjoy the divine beauty of Alleppey. In addition to its scenic landscapes Alleppey’s rich cultural heritage is a major tourist attraction.
St Mary’s Church in Champakulam and Sreekrishna Swamy Temple in Ambalapuzha are famous for their religious sanctity as well as architectural grandeur.
Watching the traditional snake boat race held in August and September every year is a bonus for travelling Alleppey in the monsoon. If you want a closer look to the boat race rent a boat instead of standing in the crowd on the banks.
When you feel tired after a daylong sightseeing trip, pay a visit to Krishnendu Ayurveda Wellness Center near Alleppey for a rejuvenating herbal spa treatment.
Alappuzha Beach is a perfect place for a quiet hangout in the light of setting sun. Take a stroll along the promenade and have a cup of coffee with your companion at the Indian Coffee House while watching countless waves breaking on the shore.
Where to Stay
Alleppey thrives on eco-tourism. It houses a number of nature resorts and hotels. Located in secluded beaches these resorts are surrounded by tropical plants and coconut trees. The green rice fields nearby create a vista that soothes the tired eyes of urban travelers. Keeping in harmony with their environment the cottages are built in traditional Kerala fisherman’s hut style featuring thatched roofs and open courtyards. You can also stay in the beautifully adorned houseboats where you get to savor some delicious Malayalam dishes during your stay.
Responsible travel
As part of your nature travel in Alleppey you should maintain the following etiquette as a responsible traveler. Respect the sanctity and cleanliness of the place.
Monsoon, lasting from June to September, is typically a season in which most tourists avoid Alleppey because of heavy rainfall and water logging in the streets. Those who have the courage to face these odds are sure to have a rewarding experience. Another advantage of visiting Alleppey in the monsoon is that you may get discounts on booking hotels.
Footloose Forever 