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Alappuzha or Alleppey, with its
labyrinth, of canals, bridges along silver beach, makes for a
memorable holiday. Its cheerful people add to the town's charm.
The never-ending panorama of lush green paddy fields, towering
coconut trees, shimmering water and long canals around
 Alappuzha
make a delightful setting for the town.
The calm serene backwaters and the unique beauty of the blue
Vembanad lake make the boathouse cruise a memorable lifetime
experience. The experience of Monsoon brings a large number of
tourists to this lake heaven.
Alleppey which is known as the Venice of the East used the boats
known as Kettuvallam for the transport of goods from Kodungallur
to Trivandrum. When the road transport developed, this transport
activity lost its relevance and the former boats were converted as
traditional Houseboats.
Today Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist
centre, attracting several thousands of domestic and foreign
tourists each year. Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races,
houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A
singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad.
The land of lush paddy fields, Kuttanad is called the rice bowl of
Kerala and is one of the few places in the world where farming is
done below sea level. Alleppey backwaters are selected as one
among the 10 must see honey moon destinations in the world.
Places of Interest
 Kuttanad
: The place Kuttanad is called the rice bowl of 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.
Alappuzha Beach
Alappuzha Beach: 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.
Pathiramanal:
P athiramanal
is an island and accessible only by motor boat only. It is a 30
min. drive from Alappuzha by speedboat. 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 of Pathiramanal (sands of
midnight). This little island on the backwaters is a favourite
haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of
the world.
Nagaraja Temple
Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple: This Temple is 32 km south
of Alappuzha and is situated near Harippad; this is a serpent
shrine under the patronage of a Brahmin family, headed by a
priestess. The ancient shrine is an internationally renowned
pilgrim centre dedicated to the Serpent God Nagaraja. Sarpa Yakshi
and Naga Yakshi are the beloved consorts of Nagaraja. It is
believed that Nagaraja as the installed diety is endowed with the
form of Hari (Lord Vishnu) and the spirit of Lord Shiva.
Edathua Church:
The Church is 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. This Church is 24
km from Alappuzha, on the Alappuzha - Thiruvalla Road
Krishnapuram Palace
Krishnapuram Palace: The palace was built by Marthanda Varma,
this palace at Karthikapally 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. The palace museum houses antique sculptures, paintings
and bronzes.
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