Alleppey, otherwise known as Alappuzha, is the hub of Kerala’s Backwaters; in previous years it served as the main port for the backwater region under the British rule. It’s from here that spices, tea, coffee, cashews and coir were shipped out via the fan of canals. This tour, which is run by the preserve Alleppey society, takes you around some of the key sights of the town, starting with a presentation of its history and ending with refreshments. The walk, with one of the local female residents, takes you through the Gujarati quarter, the canal banks and the old wholesale market; areas rarely seen by visitors. Taking around 2 hours in total, this tour is run on a voluntary basis by residents passionate about their local heritage. Please note they are not professional guides, they are simply looking to create awareness among tourists.