Alappuzha also known as Alleppey, is a city in Alappuzha District of Kerala state of southernIndia.It is the administrative headquarters of Alappuzha District.This town is considered to be the oldest planned town in this region and the lighthouse built on the coast of the town is the first of its kind along the Arabian coast.Alleppey is one of the most important tourist centers in the state, with a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the east". These large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Alleppey was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past with one of the best known ports along the malabar coast. Even today it retains its charm as the centre for Coir carpet industries and prawn farming. Alleppey the ideal headquarters for backwater tourism as well as for visits to the lovely church filled town of Kottayam, and the town of Aranmula, famous for its historic Aranmula Snake Boat Race which is an annual event. Alleppey is also known for its spectacular snake - boat races held on the second Saturday of August, every year. This competition - the Nehru boat race takes its name from India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who inaugurated in 1952. It is excitement all around as snake - boats , each manned by over a hundred oarsmen, cut through the waters like wind. The event is a tremendous success with tourists and the local population alike.The boat cruise along the backwaters of Alleppey give one first hand experience of the life style; toddy tapping, fishing for small fry, Coir-making, prawn farming etc., which remains more or less unchanged over the years.
PLACES TO VISIT 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.
Alappuzha backwaters
Alappuzha backwater is a famous tourist destination that attracts numerous tourists and a large number of tourists visit here yearly. People come here mainly to enjoy the beauty of the nature by taking a cruise in the backwaters. A tour through the backwaters of Alappuzha will be a memorable one as it enables one to experience the nature at its best. People also come here to watch the boat race.
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.
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a popular Vallam Kali held in the Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha, Kerala, India. Vallam Kali or Vallamkali literally means boat play/game, but can be translated to boat race in English. The most popular event of the race is the competition of Chundan Vallams (snake boats). Hence the race is also known as Snake Boat Race in English. Other types boats which participate in various events of the race are Churulan Vallam, Iruttukuthy Vallam, Odi Vallam, Veppu Vallam (Vaipu Vallam), Vadakkanody Vallam and Kochu Vallam.The race conducted on the second Saturday of August every year is a major tourist attraction.
Kuttanad
Alappuzha backwater Kuttanad, a stretch of 75 km stands sandwiched between the vast serene sea & the magnificent hills. The bewildering labyrinth of shimmering waterways composed of lakes, canals, rivers & rivulets, is lined with dense tropical greenery and preserves rural Kerala life styles that are completely removed from the buzz of city life . The views change from narrow canals and dense vegetation to open vistas and dazzling green paddy fields.The sweeping Network of canals honey-combing the town of Alappuzha has earned the sobriquet, “THE VENICE OF THE EAST”. Do not miss out on a ride into Kuttanad through shimmering, green paddy fields and tail-waging, head-bobbing groups of ducks. The Coir workers too present an interesting sight. Alleppey becomes the cynosure of all eyes in August-September, every year when the water regatta unfolds itself.
Manimala River
Originates from Mothavara hills in Kottayam district enters the district at Thalavadi village in Kuttanad taluk and passes through Edathua and Champakulam villages and joins the Pamba river at Muttar.The villages of Manimala, Mallappally, Kaviyoor, Kalloppara, Thalavadi, Kozhimukku and Champakkulam lies in the course of the river Manimala. It has a length of 91.73 Km.
Vembanad Lake
It is the most important of the west coast canal system has a length of 84 Km and an average breadth of 3.1 Km. It covers an area of 204 Sq.Km. Stretching from Alappuzha to Kochi. Borders Cherthala, Ambalapuzha and Kuttanad Taluks of Alappuzha district, Vembanad lakeKottayam, vaikom and Changanasserry taluks of Kottayam district and Kochi and Kanayannur Taluks of Ernakulam district. Pamba, Achankovil , Manimala, Meenachil and Muvattupuzha rivers discharge into this lake. Pathiramanal, often called the mysterious sand of midnight, having coconut palms and luxuriant vegetation is situated in the centre of this lake. Perumbalam and Pallippuram are the other islands in this lake. The Thannermukkom regulator constructed across Vembanad lake between Thannermukkom and Vechur is intended to prevent tidal action and intrusion of saline water into the lake. It is the largest mud regulator in India.
Kayamkulam Lake
Stretching between Panmana and Karthikappally, Kayamkulam lake is a shallow lake which has an outlet to sea at Kayamkulam barrage. It has an area of 59.57 Sq.Km., a length of 30.5 Km and an average breadth of 2.4 Km. It connects Ashtamudi lake by the Chavara Panmana canal.
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.
The Museum is the home to world's largest private collection of swarowski crystals. even crytals from lalique, daum share space in the beautifull crafted shelves, lighted to perfection. Porcelain from all the famous brands sit royally in the shelves. Limited and Annual editions from the Companies add to the sparkle every year.
The Vijaya beach park
The Vijaya beach park is located on the southern side of the Alappuzha beach. There is a children's park here which entertains the visitors with boating and toy train facilities. You can also hire bicycles here and go for a cool ride.
Karumadikuttan
Karumadikuttan is a small village located near Alappuzha. The place is known for the statue of Buddha (made in Black Granite). The idol dates back to 11th century.
Pathiramanal
Pathiramanal is a small island in Muhamma panchayat of Alappuzha district. The name 'Pathiramanal' means 'Sands of night'. The scenic beauty of both sides of the lake as well as that of the island is mind blowing. It is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world.
Mararikulam beach
Thakazhi Museum
Thakazhi Museum and Smritimandapam is a museum-cum-memorial hall dedicated to the memory of the late Thakazhi Sivasankaran Pillai (1912-1999), the famous Malayalam writer who won the Jnanpeeth award in 1984. His writings include 35 novels and 600 short stories.
PILGRIM CENTERS
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.
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.
St Andrew's Basilica, Arthunkal
Arthunkal St. Andrew's Forane Church, the first Parish of the Diocese of Alleppey has been elevated to the status of Basilica on 9th of July 2010. Arthunkal Basilica will become the 7th Basilica in Kerala.Arthunkal is a major Christian pilgrim centre in Alappuzha district of Kerala. The St. Sebastian's church feast at St Andrew's Basilica Church is celebrated from 10 to 27 Jan. The St Sebastian's statue will be kept in front of the church altar on 18th Jan at 5 am. The procession of the Saint in a palanquin, on 20 January, by hundreds of devotees from church to beach chapel and back attracts a huge crowd of devotees. More than two lakh pilgrims visit the church during the festival. The octave is on 27 January with a procession of the Saint's statue to the beach. Sabarimala pilgrims too visit the church during their pilgrimage. The belief is that Lord Ayyappa and St. Sebastian are brothers.
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