Alappuzha, Kerala

© Gautam Krishna/Getty Image

Azure highlights. Alappuzha, Kerala

Tucked away in the state of Kerala, Alappuzha offers stunning backwater views, rustic village vibes and unforgettable sunsets. The city's landscape is mostly flat, with no major mountains or hills, though there are a few small hillocks scattered between the Bharanikkavu and Chengannur blocks in the eastern part. The area is also free from forests. This city holds a special place in the state's cultural calendar as a key site for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, which takes place during Onam. On the western side, Alappuzha is bordered by the Laccadive Sea, and the town is crisscrossed by an intricate network of lakes, lagoons and freshwater rivers.

Every year, the coastal waters of Alappuzha come alive with a phenomenon known as 'Chakara,' where a large quantity of fish and prawns are deposited along the coast. After the monsoon bids farewell, this transformation takes place as sandbanks shift and reshape the coastal landscape. This natural phenomenon plays a vital role in boosting the local economy and marks a festive season for the people. The annual floods breathe new life into the soil and water, cleansing and rejuvenating them. As a result, the sea thrives with an abundance of marine treasures, including prawns, lobsters, fish, turtles and diverse aquatic flora.