The Alleppey Story — Coffee table book on Alleppey’s architectural & cultural heritage

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The Alleppey Story — an exquisite coffee table book meticulously crafted to unveil the hidden treasures of one of modern India's oldest planned port towns. This book will be an exciting journey through time and space while delving deep into the heart of Alleppey's rich history, captivating architecture, and vibrant community life through text and photographs. It is indeed a testament to the beauty and resilience of Alleppey's spirit and a proud bygone era.

Key Elements

  • Archival Masterpiece: Dive into a treasure trove of archival photographs, vintage maps, and insightful anecdotes that chronicle Alleppey's evolution from a bustling port town to a cultural hub.
  • Meticulous Research: The team spent over 3 years conducting extensive research, combing through archives, and interviewing locals to bring out a comprehensive narrative that captures the essence of Alleppey Town.
  • Captivating Visuals: From the intricate carvings of Alleppey's architectural marvels to the vibrant tapestry of its community life, every page of The Alleppey Story is a visual feast for the eyes.

Who is it for?

  • Architecture Enthusiasts: Marvel at the intricate details and timeless beauty of Alleppey's architectural landmarks.
  • Photographers: Immerse in the vibrant history of Alleppey's cultural heritage, traditions as well as architecture marvel through photographs.
  • History Buffs: Uncover the secrets of Alleppey's past and trace its fascinating journey through time.
  • Travelers: Whether you're planning a trip to Alleppey or simply longing to experience the unexplored, this book is your gateway to this old port town.

Embark on a journey to discover "The Alleppey Story," published by Preserve Alleppey Society, an all-women organization that is uniquely poised to tell the untold story of Alleppey. They have been working tirelessly since 2001 to preserve, protect and document this historic port-town. The society enables travelers to discover the wonders hidden in the urban spaces through heritage walking tours designed to highlight the local history, architecture, food, and culture.

Order your copy now and let the magic of Alleppey unfold before your eyes. Perfect for your coffee table or as a gift to someone, this book is a timeless tribute to the spirit of Alleppey.

This story has never been told before.

We know this because we spent years looking for it.

We interviewed historians, researchers, journalists, filmmakers, artists, and professors across the country. We spoke to the town’s natives, business owners, and a diverse range of communities that have called this place home for more than ten generations. We went through libraries, archives, and official records; we pored over old documents, photographs and maps. We looked not only at the written word, but also oral histories to understand this port town, amongst the earliest of its kind in the world.

All the online and offline materials we have collected, including the photographs, were scattered across several archives, libraries, and private collections in different parts of the world.

We followed the trails of trade routes, culture, and architecture, and found memories that had been undisturbed for hundreds of years, about a once-bustling metropolis which has begun to fade into the background of modern-day Kerala.

This book is in defiance of these forgettings. It is an archive of living history, an account of the extraordinary lives and events this town has witnessed.

We have pieced together all that we found, and connected the dots: to bring you the first comprehensive telling of The Alleppey Story.

Where in India will you find man-made waterways that existed almost a century before the Suez Canal?
Hint — The canal system is still in use.


Which cosmopolitan port town was built even before the metropolises of Bombay and Calcutta?
Hint — It was made by an Indian kingdom.


Which port town on the western coast of India had the first iron pier that extended more than 1000 ft into the ocean?
Hint — It was the first of its kind in the peninsula to be made in the iron bridge technique.


Can you name the first school in Kerala?
Hint — Google does not have the accurate answer.


In which town was the first public post office located?
Hint — There was a complete postal system for the surrounding regions as well.


Which kingdom do you think built the oldest lighthouse on the western coast of India?
Hint — The current tower, which is still one of the oldest, was rebuilt by the British, but there existed an original wooden structure before that.


Which town can claim to be the location of the first American Consulate in India?
Hint —This port town was among the few which did trade with America and hosted an American Consular Agent.