Shopping in Alleppey: An Adventure Awaits (2024)
Shopping in An Adventure Awaits (2024) Shopping in Alleppey is more than just a pastime—it’s
Alleppey, or Alappuzha, is a gem in Kerala known for its tranquil backwaters, pristine beaches, and vibrant local culture. And all of that can be explored by a backwater cruise, visits to its famous temples and shopping at its local markets. Sightseeing in Alleppey is a happiness overload.
A boatman’s song
A backwater cruise in Alleppey offers a serene and picturesque journey through Kerala’s lush waterways. One can navigate routes from Alleppey to Kumarakom, Alleppey Round Trip, and Alleppey to Kollam, each offering stunning views of paddy fields, coconut groves, and traditional villages.
Houseboat prices vary depending on the type and luxury level, typically ranging from INR 7,000 to INR 25,000 to INR 1,20,000 per night for standard to premium and luxury options. Amenities on board include spacious bedrooms with attached bathrooms, air conditioning, a dining area, and a sundeck. Guests are served traditional Kerala cuisine, with freshly prepared meals including seafood delicacies. Operators also offer customized services on special requests with extra payment.
A spiritual retreat
Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple
One of the most revered temples in Kerala, the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple was built in the 17th century by Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran. The temple is famous for its Palpayasam, a deliciously sweet rice pudding offered to devotees.
The temple features exquisite Kerala-style architecture and intricate wood carvings. Devotees and tourists alike visit to experience the divine aura and witness traditional rituals that have remained unchanged for centuries. The temple also hosts the annual Ambalapuzha Temple Festival, which is a grand event with classical music and dance performances that draws thousands of devotees and visitors.
Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple
Located in the heart of Alleppey, this open-roof temple dedicated to Goddess Rajarajeswari (another manifestation of Goddess Durga) is unique in its Kerala style structure and strict religious customs. Believed to be 500 years old, the Mullakkal Rajarajeswari temple comes alive in celebration, when it hosts the annual Mullakkal Chirappu festival, which spans 41 days, and attracts thousands of devotees.
Chavara Bhavan
A significant pilgrimage site located in Kainakary village, Alappuzha, Chavara Bhavan is the ancestral home of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara, a prominent Catholic priest and social reformer of the 19th century. Since Kainakary village is surrounded by water on all sides, the site is accessible only by boat, which perhaps is the best part of the journey.
The shrine itself is a tranquil retreat where visitors can educate themselves about the saint’s contributions to Kerala’s social and educational development. A notable feature of this site is a 250-year-old beacon of light, which has been preserved in its original form to symbolize the enduring spiritual legacy of Saint Chavara, who was instrumental in founding the first Indian religious congregation for women and made significant contributions to education and social reform in Kerala. The house where Saint Chavara was born has been converted into a museum with collections of his personal belongings, artifacts, and photographs that chronicle his life and work. The museum offers insights into the history of the Catholic Church in India and throws light on the cultural and social context of Kerala during his lifetime.
Chettikulangara Devi Temple
A short drive from Alleppey, the Chettikulangara Devi temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, who is worshipped in various forms throughout the day, from Maha Saraswati in the morning to Maha Lakshmi at noon, and Sree Durga or Maha Kali in the evening. Visitors love watching the lighting of a lamp with 1001 points on the first day of every month as an offering to Maha Bhadrakali. The temple is also known for its grand annual festival, Kumbha Bharani that features huge decorated effigies and cultural performances. It’s an excellent place to witness Kerala’s vibrant temple traditions and folk art forms.
A shopper’s serenade
Alleppey Beach Market
If you love souvenirs, head to the Alleppey Beach Market, where you’ll find locally made handicrafts, coir products, beachwear, and jewelry. The market is also known for its variety of street food, offering an authentic taste of Kerala’s flavors.
Floating Triveni, Vembanad
One of the most unique shopping experiences in Alleppey is the Floating Triveni, a state-owned floating supermarket that remains open from 8 AM to 6 PM and has a stunning array of products on offer on subsidized rates — spices, coir goods, other essential items like rice, pulses, and sugar. Shoppers also get to enjoy beautiful views of Vembanad Lake.
Mullakkal Street Market
This bustling market near Mullakkal temple is the go-to spot for buying Kerala’s famous spices, banana chips, sarees, gold, silver, and imitation jewelry, and Ayurvedic products. The bazaar has shops with coir products, wooden artifacts, Kathakali masks, and other locally made souvenirs. The prices are reasonable. The market is a lively place to experience local commerce, interact with friendly shopkeepers, and pick up authentic Kerala souvenirs.
Canal Bazaar
For a charming waterside shopping experience, visitors can visit the Canal Bazaar, which is a traditional open-air market located near the canals. The market has the best assortment of spices that one can think of. The market remains open from 10 AM to 8 PM. Apart from spices, visitors will find vendors selling fresh vegetables, fruits, and seafood. The market also has handicrafts shops with their collections of coir products, Kathakali masks, wooden decor items, traditional artifacts, Kasavu sarees, and Mundus. Bargaining is common.
The town of Alleppey beautifully blends spirituality, culture, and commerce, in a melange that remains irresistible to many a traveler. Experience this heady concoction for yourself. Happy Alleppey-ing!
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