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Alleppey

The sleepy, easy-going town of Alleppey sits largely on the water, surrounded by rustling palm trees and green paddy fields. In its time, it was a bustling trading centre on the Malabar Coast, famous for its coir industry producing coconut fibre ropes and mats. Today it is one of the gateways to the Backwaters and host to the spectacular Snake Boat Races every August, when boats with sterns raised like hooded cobras are crewed by hundreds of chanting rowers. Alleppey is a little too faded these days to merit its old nickname "the Venice of the East", but it is threaded with picturesque canals, has a good beach popular with local families, some interesting examples of Keralan architecture, the Mullackal Temple dedicated to the goddess Rajarajeswari (with a music festival each December), and a couple of pleasant colonial churches.

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I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.
Bill Bryson

Client Testimonials

Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand

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