Alleppey is one of the most important tourist centers in the state of Kerala with its large network of inland canals earning.. This large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Alleppey was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past with one of the best ports along the malabar coast. Today it retains its charm as the centre for Coir carpet industries and prawn farming. Alleppey the ideal headquarters for backwater tourism as well as for visits to the lovely church filled town of Kottayam and Aranmula, famous for its historic Aranmula Snake Boat Race which is an annual event. Alleppey is also known for its spectacular snake boat race held on the second Saturday of August every year. Snake boat rase is known as Nehru boat race which takes its name from India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who inaugurated in 1952. It is excitement all around as snake - boats , each manned by over a hundred oarsmen, cut through the back waters.
The boat cruise along the backwaters of Alleppey give first hand experience of the life style of the people of this region. During your houseboat ride experience you will come across toddy tapping, fishing for small fry, Coir-making, prawn farming etc.
Houseboat - Alleppey is famos for houseboat (rice Boat), Ride on your waiting houseboat from jetty and float through the backwaters to Kumarakom visiting some of the villages on the way watching local life from close. One can also travel to Marari Beach which is very close to Alleppye and spend couple of days in virgin beaches of Marari. Beaches are sandy and safe to swim.