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Raja Keshawadasan, Divan of
Travanacore in 1762, founded Alappuzha.Alappuzha is a district of
immense natural beaut
With the Arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons
and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it.
Referred to as the Venice of the east by tourists, across the world. It
is ideal home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its
proximity to the sea, the Alappuzha has always enjoyed a unique place in
the maritime history of Kerala. |
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The ' Venice of the East' is
one of the best-known ports along the coast of Malabar. Built on the
banks of a network of canals, it was a famous trade center of ancient
times. The beach here is also worth watching, the Arthunkal beach in
worthy of development as an international holiday resort. Watching rural
life at close quarters - the many activities like; toddy tapping,
fishing for small fry, coir-making, prawn farming, and scores of other
sights by a boattrip in a country craft up and down the narrow canals in
the coastal region is gaining in popularity amongthe foreign tourists
and the North Indian visitors alike. |
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Besides Alappuzha is also
famous for its pepper, coconut oil,areca nut, cardamom, sugar, etc.
Several markets are available in Alappuzha, though the market of
Kayamkulam is most important.
Alappuzha is not to be missed tourist destination in Kerala.
Apart from its exotic backwater locations, Alappuzha is
famous for Boat race.The important Boat race in Alappuzha
is the Nehru Trophy Boat race.During this time the place
becomes vibrant with festive and competitive spirit. |
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Access
Air: Nearest International Airports:
Kochi(Nedumbassery-85kms), Thiruvananthapuram(150kms).
Rail: Well connected to Major Cities.
Road: An excellent road network links the district to all
major towns and cities in India.
Water: Linked by boat service through the backwaters to
Quilon(8 hrs), Changanacherry(3 hrs), Kumarakom(3 hrs),
Cochin(4 hrs), Chenganoor, etc..
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Alappuzha (Alleppey) 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
lighthouse, which is greatly fascinating to visitors.
Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple :
(15 km south of Alapuzha) built in the typical Kerala architectural
style, this temple is famous all over India for the Palpayasam, the
daily offering of deliciously sweet milk porridge. It is also in this
temple that pallipana is performed by velans (sorcerers) once every
twelve years.
Aruthunkal :
One of the most important pilgrim centers of Christians in Kerala,
popularly known as St.Sebastian Church, 22 km north of Alappuzha.
Portuguese missionaries established this church, which is near
Sherthallai. The feast of St. Sebastian is held here every.
Champakulam church:
One of the oldest churches in Kerala, the St. Mary's Church is believed
to be one of the seven established by St. Thomas. The annual feast at
this church falls on the 3rd Sunday of
October every year.
Chavara Bhavan :
Chavara Bhavan is the ancestral home of the blessed Kuriakose Elias
Chavara. It is now a holy shrine and spiritual resort where thousands of
devotees gather for prayer, receive favors and feel amply gratified.
Here, a 250 year oldhistorically important beacon of light is preserved
intact in
its original and primitive form. Situated at a distance of 6 km from
Alappuzha. Accessible only by boat.
Edathua Church :
Established in 1810, the church is dedicated to St. George. It is
believed that prayers and offerings at this church help to heal all
mental disorders and other ailments. During the annual feast (5th, 6th
and 7th of May) pilgrims from all parts of South India, irrespective of
caste and creed, visit the church and seek the blessings of the saint.
The site is 24 km from Alappuzha, on the Alappuzha - Thiruvalla Road.
Kuttanad :
Kuttanad, called the rice bowl o f Kerala because of her wealth of paddy
crops, is at the very heart of the backwaters.The scenic countryside of
Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of banana,
cassava and yam. This is perhaps the only region in the world where
farming is done 1.5 to 2 m below sea level. Inland waterways, which flow
above land level, are an amazing feature of this region.
Karumadikuttan:
It is traditionally believed to be a statue of Lord Buddha. The condates
back to the 11th century and many legends are associated wi
Pathiramanal Island :
A small island of Alleppey is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare
migratory birds, which comes from different parts of the world. The
island is accessible only by a boat. This 10 acre island on the
backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from
different parts of the world. According to mythology a young Brahmin
dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the
water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting
island, Pathiramanal (sands of midnight). |
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