Alappuzha Beach
Alappuzha Beach (often called Alleppey Beach) is much more than just a scenic stretch of sand—it is a living relic of Kerala’s maritime golden age.
The Historical Legacy of Alappuzha Beach
In the late 18th century, the visionary Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Travancore, Raja Kesavadas, realized that the nearby port of Purakkad was failing. He chose Alappuzha to be developed as a strategic, modern port city. By 1762, he had constructed an intricate network of canals connecting the backwaters directly to the sea, transforming Alappuzha into a bustling commercial hub for spices, coir, and timber.
Two iconic landmarks on the beach still tell the story of this colonial-era shipping empire:
1. The 160+ Year-Old Sea Pier
Built in 1862 under the supervision of Captain Hugh Crawford, this 1,000-foot-long iron bridge allowed massive cargo ships anchored in the deep sea to smoothly unload goods via small boats. Today, only its skeletal iron pillars remain standing against the waves, offering a hauntingly beautiful reminder of the beach’s busy merchant past.
The Alappuzha Lighthouse
Commissioned in March 1862, this is the very first lighthouse built on the Arabian Sea coast of Kerala. It stands 28 meters tall and features a unique internal teak spiral staircase. Originally painted plain white, it now sports iconic red-and-white stripes and serves as a popular viewpoint for travelers looking out over the coastline.