Alapuzha-the Venice of the East

 

Alappuzha also known as Alleppey is the Venice of the East and rightly so. Swaying palms, silver beaches, charming lagoons and canals make it a charming sight. It is one of Kerala’s most popular tourist destination and attracts a steady inflow of tourists all around the year.

Alappuzha – formerly known as Alleppey is one of the 14 districts of the state of Kerala coming 4th from the southern tip - that is Trivandrum. Alappuzha is the oldest town in Kerala with rich history .Alappuzha had trade relation ship with Greece and Rome in ancient times. The present town was built by Sri Raja Kesavadasan.about two centuries back
Alappuzha is now the hub for backwater tourism in Kerala. House boats locally called "Kettuvallam" are the famous attraction there. Kettuvallam?s are huge boats equipped with hall facilities.
Kuttanadu in Kerala, India, is the region with the lowest altitude in India, with 500 square kilometres of the region below sea level. Its elevation ranges from 0.6 m above to 2.2 metres below sea level. Most of the area is covered with water throughout the year. Kuttanadu is one of the few places in the world where farming is carried out below sea 
Nehru trophy boat race on the punnamada lake, near Alappuzha held on the second Saturday of august every year.
 There is a lot more to see and experience in Alappuzha:
Chettikulangara Bhagawathy Temple

The highlight of this magnificent temple is its massive oil lamp made from granite. This lamp can hold up to 1,000 wicks. When they are lit together, it truly creates an unforgettable sight. The best time to visit the temple is February and March when a special festival is held for the Bhadrakali deity who is known with her miraculous healing powers.

Eddakal Caves
Located in the Ambukuthis hills, these caves were formed by a massive split in the side of a cliff. The two natural rock formations that resulted are a repository of well-preserved pictographs dating back to ancient times. These caves are considered to be among the finest in the world. You have to hike about half a mile along a trail to reach them.

Kanakakkunnu Palace

The Travencore Kings lived in this spectacular palace dating from the 1800s. It has crystal chandeliers and ornate furniture that take you back to these regal times. It has a red brick exterior and has gables and pagoda shape. The palace comes alive at dusk when lights turn the palace into a work of art.

Karaumadikuttan

Here you can witness the 11th century statue of the Buddha. It is the source of many historical legends. Just two miles east of Alleppy, a visit to this site is worth a quick stop, as the atmosphere is positively magical.

Pathiramanal - According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanadu lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island of (sands of midnight) Pathiramanal . This little island on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundred of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessable only by boat.
R-Block. - These regions are wonders of the indigenous agricultural engineering kow-how of Kerala and remind the visitor of the famous dikes of Holland. Extensive areas of Land have been reclaimed from the backwaters and are protected by dikes built all around . Here cultivation and habitation are made possible four to ten feet below Sea Level. A leisurely cruise along the Canals that surround these Kayals is a memorable experience.
Karumadikuttan -Many fascinating legends are associated with this 11th century statue of Lord Buddha.
Kumarakodi - 20 km south of Alappuzha, Mahakavi Kumaranasan, one of the greatest poets of modern Kerala is laid to rest here. He was the P.D Shelly of Malayalam Literature. As an brought great changes in literature and could give the clarions call for changing the society also.
Saradha Mandiram, Mavelikkara - A.R Rajaraja Varma was a great poet and grammerian, The Malayalam literature is much indebted to Sri. A.R Thampuran. Saradha Mandiram was built by him as his residence. Now it is bought by the State Govt. & kept as his memorial.
Krishnapuram Palace - Built by Marthandavarma, this place at karthikappally in Kayamkulam is famous for its mural depicting the story of Gajendramoksham. Dating back to the 18th century, this exquisite piece of art is one of the largest murals in Kerala. This palace museum houses antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes.
Alappuzha Beach - This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attractions of the beach. There is also an old light house which is greatly fascinating to visitors

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About Alappuzha Places To See

Alappuzha or Alleppey (as it was known earlier) is one of the top backwater destination of Kerala. Although this city is famous for Alappuzha beach which is its prime attraction. Beside being a beach destination Alappuzha is also a famous backwater destination of Kerala. It is these backwaters that make Alleppey boat house ride an experience of a lifetime. The natural beauty that one can see during Alleppey houseboat trip is impossible to explore any other way.

Ambalapuzha (Pilgrim Centre)

The Sri Krishna Temple at Ambalapuzha, 14 km from Alleppey is among Kerala`s more famous ones boasting of the typical temple architectrual style of the State. It is equally famed for its palpayasam -a sweet milk porridge offered to the diety. The temple`s main festival occurs in March/April. It was in this temple that the 16th century poet Kunjan Nambiar staged his first Ottan Thullal, a solo dance performance with high social content.

Pathiramanal (An Island)

This is a small beautiful island in the Vembanad Lake and is accessible only by boat from Kumarakom and Muhamma. You can also take Alappuzha house boat ride.

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 in the Punnapra Vayalar Communist uprising of 194 6.

Arthunkal Palli (Pilgrim Centre)

Arthunkal Palli known for the St. Andrews church established by Portuguese missionaries is near Sherthallai, 33 km north of Alappuzha. The feast of St. Sebastian is held here every January.

Karumadi

Close to Ambalapuzha, the village of Karumadi is famous for its Karumadi Kuttan, a black granite figure of Budha said to belong to the 9th or 10th century.

Krishnapuram Palace

The 18th century Krishnapuram Palace built during the reign of the Travancore monarch, Marthanda Varma, is a double storied structure which displays typical characteristics of Kerala architecture-gabled roofs, dormer windows, narrow corridors. It houses one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala called the Gajendra Moksham. It measures 14 feet by 11 feet and is at the western end of the ground floor, a walking distance from the Palace Pool. Inside is also a museum of antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes. Situated 47 km from Alappuzha on the way to Kollam, Krishnapuram is easily accessible by bus from either town.

Houseboats In Alleppey

Alappuzha boat house take the tourists through the beautiful lakes and lagoon of this serene town. Based in the heart land of backwater tourism of Kerala, houseboat in Alappuzha are a perfect way for a romantic gateway with your partner. Take a trip of the Lake Palace Alleppey in one of the houseboat Alleppey and let the magic of this place sweep you off your feet. But before you go there just make sure to know about the Alleppey houseboat rates so that you do not have to face any problem there.

• Nearest Airport : Cochin International Airport - 70 km
• Nearest Railway Station : 4 km away from the center of the town

Best time to Visit

• October to March