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
How to reach ?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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