After spending idyllic days in Muhuma, the explorer bug in me kicked in and I wanted to experience Alleppey. Venice of the East, Allapuzha or Alleppey is approximately 16 km away from Muhuma and you can easily hop into the state transport buses that ply every 30 minutes or so.
So armed with camera, backpack and water, I decided to explore Alleppey on foot. On my list was the Mullakal Street which was famous for its silver jewellery, spices and beautiful temples and the Alleppey Beach.
While I was adequately warned that the markets and the beach tend to be crowded, I couldn’t help but chuckle when I realized that their idea of a crowd was very different from a city dweller like me.
Mullakal Street is a paradise for shopaholics. I personally just wanted to admire Johns and Poppy umbrellas that all my mallu friends truly love. Now, Alleppey had two huge showrooms that sold umbrelllas in so many designs that you would be stunned of. I couldn’t help but keep asking the good natured salesman to show me one more design or style.
Once, I made my choice, I immediately shelled out extra 20 rupees to get my name designed on the inside of my pink umbrella.
All the umbrella excitement had made me hungry and I decided to head to one of the many local bakeries to satiate my tummy. Brufia, which is located right in the beginning of Alleppey, has the world’s most amazing carrot cake. I had three helpings of it before I started feeling like a glutton. I picked up lots of cookies, butter cake, and plum cake, and as I was getting my billing done, I sheepishly asked for two more slices of their carrot cake as a takeaway J
Food in my tummy and a spring in my step; I was ready to visit the gorgeous Alleppey Beach. The beach itself is beautiful but a little too touristy in comparison to the Muhuma beach (I will tell you all about it later). I enjoyed cold coffee with milkshake and fried fish (an odd combination I know) at the nearby café.
I headed back to Lemon Tree Lake Vembanad Resort in the last bus out of town.
And the adventures continue
The next day, I visited the front desk and decided to hire an auto to take me around to a few places in Alleppey. We agreed on a price of Rs. 500 to visit 3 different places and the money I spent was definitely worth it.
Alleppey has a lot of tourist agencies including the official state one but they charge a minimum of Rs. 2500 for a day’s trip. The autos in Alleppey are quite different from the ones we are used to. They are a size smaller than the Nano car and have doors, too. So even though it was raining throughout the day, we were safe and cozy all the time.
The Coir Museum, the Muhuma Beach, the Alleppey beach were the 3 places we explored. I can’t get enough of beaches!
The next day was to be the last day of Alleppey adventure and I couldn’t help but make a wish to visit this paradise once more.
We remember the day seven years back when were travelling in a Mumbai local trying hard to come up with a name for our blog when struck us; Khushboo was always called a Jack of all Trades. The name stuck (with a slight modification, of course) and Munni was born.
Six years, over 100 collaborations, lakhs of readers and several awards later; our love for blogging continues to grow. We continue to write on an eclectic range of topics from the funniest autorickshaw signs that we have spotted in Mumbai to how to bathe an elephant. We are true blue Munni of all Trades and we hope to continue on this joyride with our fellow Munnis and Munnas.
Alleppey is a mix of culture views and a whole lot more of India. The beach looks like a really nice place to hang out.
I've been to Kerala heck a lot of times but haven't been to Alleppey yet! Johns Umbrella is kinda the must buy thing when you visit Kerala. Esp those huge ones that can easily fit 3 people in it!
I have not heard of this destination in India before so thanks for the information. Nice extra service for that name on the umbrella. Umbrella stores here should heed that idea in order to sell more.
Wow! This trip sounds like something I would do too! The umbrella thing is something new as it's the first time I've heard of it. The carrot cake is one of m,y faves! And of course I love going to the beach too. I hope to visit Allleppey someday. – Dae Nerys (https://momtraneur.com/)
I like that structure where there are sculptures of local dieties. I have a lot of friends from Kerala, maybe they can buy me those umbrellas for me.
The umbrella seems like a must-buy for me because the weather there looks sunny. I like that your pink umbrella can be customized with your name.
❀ Grace ❀
Nice tour you have taken us around Allepey. Great post, Khushboo 🙂
Wow I love this post… I always love seeing other peoples adventures and all the shenanigans they get up too. Its like a little story. Nice blog and great content. Have a positive day! http://thelife-ofcat.blogspot.co.uk/
It would also be nice to shop at Mullakal Street. You'll really get to choose from a lot of shops.
It looks like you have an enjoyable time on the beach. I believe that spending time with the azure water give us a sense of relaxation. More travel adventures to come. 🙂
First time to know this place. May i know the usd convertion if your trip?
When I go to India, I think I'll drop by to shop. I think I'll find a good haul.
Wow, this must be a great place to visit. I am not really familiar with the place but it sure looks interesting. The first picture, are those spices or what?
Wow this looks interesting! I have never heard of this place before today!