What to see in India

Alleppey

Home of Kerala’s sleepy backwaters, which draw many curious visitors hoping to find a slice of South India’s spiritual calm for themselves, a visit to Alleppey is a must during a tour of India. A city on the Laccadive Sea, Alleppy is best known for its historic houseboats that float on the intricate network of waterways and canals that connect the sea to dozens of interiors towns.

Most visitors opt for overnight cruises along the backwaters on one of these traditional houseboats, a favourite travel experience during a visit to Alleppey. Imagine the tranquillity as you pass along the glistening, palm-lined canals, watching the passing villages, farms and locals bathing in the waters under the shade of the trees.

The city itself is characteristically chaotic, but peace and quiet are never far away, either on the picturesque beaches, on the backwaters or enjoying a slow-paced bird watching excursion on abundant Vembanad Lake.