Tourism in Alleppey - Alappuzha (Kerala, India)
Also known as Alappuzha, the coir and carpet city offers an ideal backwater holiday. Venue of the famous Snake Boat Race of India, this Indian holiday at the 'Venice of East' is unforgettable.
Arrive at the 'Venice of East' for the time in your life. A holiday on the best-known port of the Malabar Coast is an unparalleled experience. Alleppey or Alappuzha is one of the much visited backwater destinations of Kerala. Here you can go holiday sailing on a houseboat (kettuvallam) or catch a glimpse of the rustic lifestyle of the people. Capture the countryside at its best with the vibrant villages that will fall on your way. Get greeted by flocks of ducks. Watch the entire process of coir making in this land full of coconut canopies and be mesmerized by the magic of the rich greenery all over the place.
Savor the typical cuisine of Kerala with delectable dishes like the pearlspots. The combination of the soft sands, smiling sun and an azure blue will leave you with many golden memories of this trip. Participate in the annual boat races, which are welcomed as festivals of the backwaters. Get enticed by the colorful water processions, spectacular water floats and beautifully decorated boats. The land of lakes and lagoons is the place to be at this holiday. Take a dip in the Nature's very own swimming pool and catch your own fish.
Attaractions in Alappuzha
Alappuzha Beach
Alappuzha beach is one of the most popular spots in the district of Alappuzha. Its beautiful garden on the shore gives an exclusive sight. Imposing buildings of a colonial past overlook the shore. The pier, which extends into the sea is more than 140 years old and is a rare sight. Dense Palm groves at one end and an ancient towering light house at the other, Vijay Park and Sea view park are all spectacular sights one should never miss. Boating Facility is available in both Parks.
Facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park: Boating, a children’s park with toy train and bicycles. Open from 1500 - 2000 hours.
Backwater Cruise
View the landscape beauty , monuments, temples,churches and industries of Alappuzha by cruising through its rivers,canals and backwaters.The starting point is from Alleppey and the finishing point is at Jetty .
Boatraces
Alappuzha district is proud of being the cradle of boat races. All the important boat races, namely the Nehru Trophy boat Race at Punnamada, the Payippad near Haripad, the Thiruvandoor, Neerettupuram, Karuvatta and Thaikkoottam boat races are held at different parts of the district during August-September . Thousands of people from all parts of the world come and witness these races.
Krishnapuram Palace
Located at a distance of 47 km from Alappuzha on the way to Kollam, this palace was built in the 18th century during the reign of Marthanda Varma. This palace is noted for its typical Kerala architecture, with gabled roof, dormer windows and narrow corridors. Here you will find the famous mural kept in the western end of the ground floor, called ‘Gajendra Moksham’ which is the largest mural in Kerala. There is also a museum of antique sculptures, paintings and bronze articles in the palace.
Kuttanad Region
The region is known as the 'Rice Bowl of Kerala'. It is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done below sea level. The boat trip to Changanacherry passes through this beautiful and fertile region.
Mullakkal Rajeswari Temple
It is dedicated to the Goddess Rajarajeswari. The nine day 'Navarathri' festival is celebrated twice a year and is of special significance to the people of Alappuzha. Another important festival of the temple is 'Thaipooyakavadi'.
Pathiramanal
This is a small captivating island in the Vembanad Lake. Situated between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, this island is the favourite spot for hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world.
Ambalapuzha Temple
Constructed in the typical Kerala architectural style, this temple is famous all over India, and is renowned for the Palpayasam, the daily offering of sweet milk porridge. This temple witnesses the performance of Pallipana by Velans (sorcerers) once every twelve years. Paintings of the Dasavatharam (the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) are displayed on the inner walls of the temple. The ‘ Ottanthullal’, a satiric art form based on social themes was the brain child of the poet Kunchan Nambiar who performed it for the first time in the premises of this temple.
Arthunkal Church
This christian Pilgrim centre near Sherthalai is 22 km. north of alappuzha. The St. Andrews Church here was built by Portuguese missionaries. The annual feast of St. Sebastian is held here in the month of January.
Champakulam Church
The St. Mary's Church is one of the oldest church in Kerala. It is said to be one of the seven churches established by St.Thomas. Tha annual feast is held on the 3rd Sunday of October. The feast of St. Joseph is celebrated on March 19th.
Chavara Bhavan
The ancestral home of the blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara, lies 6 km. from Alappuzha. Thousands of devotees gather at this shrine. It can be reached only by boat from Alappuzha.
Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Mavelikkara
The shrine is known for the Kettukazhcha festival, which attracts a large number of devotees. The festival is held in Feb./Mar. and colourful procession is taken out.
Edathua Church
This church, dedicated to St. George is of special significance as it is believed that prayers and offerings here help in healing all kinds of mental disorders and other ailments. The annual feast is held from 5th - 7th May and attracts devotees from all parts of south India. The Church is just 24 kms. from Alappuzha.
Karumadikuttan
The small village near Ambalapuzha is known for the black granite idol of Lord Buddha known as Karumadikuttan. The idol dates back to 9th or 10th century.
Mannarsala
It is 32 kms. from Alappuzha near Haripad and is famous for the ancient temple of Sree Nagaraja, the King of Serpents. Pilgrims from all over the country assemble here during the two day annual festival.
Q S T and R Block Kayal
These regions are famous for farming over reclaimed land from the backwaters. The area is protected by dikes built all around and reminds visitors of the famous dikes of Netherlands. A cruise along the canals here is quite a memorable experience.
Punnapra
A short distance from Alappuzha is Punnapra, a village which has gone down in history as the scene of a bitter and heroic fighting between the communists and Travancore State Police during the Punnapra Vayalar Communist uprising of 1946.
Mararikulam
Situated on the coast south of Alappuzha,12 Kms. from Alappuzha, it houses a quiet beach and has an adjoining fishing village. Pool, tennis, water sports and Ayurvedic treatments are the leisure time activities one can avail of.
How To reach Alleppey - Alappuzha
By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin, 64 kms to the North. Thiruvananthapuram International airport is 159 kms to the south.
By Road: Alappuzha is on the NH 47 highway and is connected to all important towns in South India.
By Rail: Alappuzha is linked by rail to cities like Cochin, Chennai, Kolkota, Bangalore and Bokaro.The railway station is situated 5 kms away from the bus station and ferry station.( Enquiry Phone : 253965, 253865)
| Bangalore | 629 |
| Madras | 738 |
| Guruvayoor | 173 |
| Munnar | 192 |
| Kannur | 380 |
| Ooty | 376 |
| Kanyakumari | 247 |
| Kottayam | 50 |
| Kozhikode | 287 |
| Thrissur | 144 |
| Thekkady | 164 |
| Kollam | 87 |
| Trivandrum | 159 |
| Cochin | 64 |
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