Alappuzha (Alleppey)

Alappuzha Famous for its boat races and beaches,was founded by Raja keshawadasan,Divan of Traveanacore in 1762. Alappuzha one of the backwater sites of India's southern state Kerala.Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty also referred as Venice of the east. By the Virture of its proximity to the sea,Alappuzha also is the home to diverse animal and bird life.

Most of the traveller come here is to use it as a stopover point on their way to Backwater tour to kollam or kottayam.

A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. The rice bowl of Kerala. Kuttanad is perhaps the only place in the world where farming is done below sea level.

Major Boat Races in Alappuzha:

Alappuzha Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Pannamada Kayal - second Saturday of August.

Pulinkunnu Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race - Last Saturday of August.

Champakulam Moolam Boat Race - Moolam day of Mithunam - July

Payippad Jalotsavam - 4th Onam day - August/September.

Neerattupuram Boat Race- Onam - August/September.

Places to Visit :

Kuttand :
Kuttanad It's 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 mtr below sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land lever are an amazing feature of this region.

Alappuzha (Alleppey) beach:
This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha (Alleppey). 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.

Pathira manal:
According the mythology a Young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad lake to persorm his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting Island pf 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. This island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat.

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.

Arthunkal :
The St. Sebastian's Church here is an important Christian pilgrim centre. Annual festival Arthunkal Perunnal - the feast of the patron saint (January).

Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple (15 km south of alappuzha :
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.

Languages :
Mainly Malayalam and English is spoken in Alappuzha.

Best time to visit :
August till March is the best time to visit Alappuzha.

Travel Information ( Alappuzha) :

Air :
Nearest International Airports : Kochi (Nedumbassery - 85 km).
Thiruvananthapuram (150 kms).

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 back waters to Quilon(8 Hrs), Changanacherry(3 hrs), Kumarakom(3 hr), Cochin(4 hrs), Kumarakom(2 hrs), Chengannor, etc.