Alleppey town is sandwiched between thebArabian Sea and the Vembanad Lake on a splinter of land barely four kms wide. It still retains the vibe of a chilled out, small neighbourhood-town perhaps because 90% of visitors give it a miss and are taken straight to the Houseboat for an overnight cruise. Our Destination Knowledge Centre (DKC) has developed a 2 nights programme in Alleppey to explore and experience this beautiful backwater town known for its rich culture, heritage and warm friendly people.
This tour will help you learn about:
- The Golden days of Alleppey, when it was a major port of India in the 18th century, second only to Mumbai.
- How people from all over India were invited to Alleppey (just like the Maharaja of Jaipur did when he built his new city in the 18th century) to settle down and trade, what all was done to promote trade and how the decedents of these various communities from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra et al stayed on in the backwater town.
- Alleppey – the Coir Capital of the world. The Coir industry driven by the golden coloured thread made from coconut husk employs nearly 7,00,00 people. It all began in 1859 when James Darragh, an Irish born American set up the first coir manufacturing industry to produce and export coir products, such as coir mats and floor coverings etc. Enterprising Indians followed James Darragh in the next one hundred years. Just so you know Pollachi in Northwestern Tamil Nadu along with Alleppey and Cherthala in Kerala produces 60% of the world’s coir. Include Sri Lanka who is competition and that will make it 96% of the entire supply of coir and coir products worldwide.
You will be hosted by locals:
Alex and Rani Alex who are Alleppey locals will be your host. Their homestay is located bang in the centre of Alleppey Town. “Built in the 60’s on an acre of land, it has 3 Simple; yet comfortable rooms – air-conditioned, well lit, spacious and airy with big windows and bathrooms. We loved the airy verandah with its perforated wall where we had our pre-dinner drinks in complete privacy.
Write to us for a detailed itinerary.
