ALAPPUZHA
Location: 64 Km North Of Kochi (Kerala)
Also known As: Alleppey
Main Attractions: Nehru Boat Race, Ambalapuzha Temple, and Mannarshala Temple
Best Season: August to March
THE VENICE OF THE EAST: Situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake, the town's commercial center lives in a maze of canals. Set in the labyrinth of Backwater channels, the town is one of the best gateways to explore the unspoilt countryside.
A historic and romantic name from Kerala's past, Alappuzha was once one of the best-known ports along the coast of Malabar.
The center for Backwater Cruises in Kerala, the Backwaters of Alappuzha can be best experienced in a country boat. Alappuzha is a bustling, messy town of ramshackle wood and corrugalated roof houses, chiefly significant in the Coir industry.
The large network of canals provides Alleppey its lifeline. It has a spectacular long sandy beach. At one end are the dense palm groves that are so characteristic of Kerala's landscape.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Ambalapuzha: 14 kms from Alappuzha, the Sreekrishna Temple here is worth seeing. The temple boasts of its classic temple architecture and its 'Palpayasam' (sweet milk porridge), offered to the deity. The temple's main festival occurs in March/April. It was in this temple that the 16th century poet Kunjan Nabbiar staged his first Ottam Thullal, a solo dance performance based on social themes.
Chettikulangara Bhagwathy Temple: The Bhadrakali deity is said to have miraculous power. The temple is abuzz with activity in the months of February and March on the occasion of Bharani.
Mannarshala Temple: 32 kms, near Harippad, the temple here is an important center of serpent worship in Kerala. On the day of Ayilyam, in the months of September and October, thousands assemble to worship the serpent god.
Arthunkal: It is a famous pilgrim center, known for its St. Andrew's church set up by Portuguese missionaries. The church is popularly known as St. Sebastian's. The Portuguese missionaries built it in 1851 AD.
Krishnapuram Palace: The palace is located at a distance of 47 kms, at Kayamkulam, on the way to Kollam. The double storeyed palace contains one of the greatest Mural panels in Kerala. The 18th century Krishnapuram Palace with its gabled roofs, dormer windows, and narrow corridors, built during the reign of the Travancore monarch, Marthanda Varma, is a typical example of Kerala Architecture.
Called the Gajendra Moksham, it measures 14 feet by 11 feet and is at the western end of the ground floor, a short distance from the palace pool. Inside is also a museum of antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes.
Pathiramanal: It’s an island in Vembanad Lake. It’s an ideal place for fishing and bird watching.
Alappuzha Beach is one of the most popular spots in the district of Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is around 140 years old.
Punappra: A short distance from Alappuzha, this village has been rendered famous by the heroic struggles between the communists and Travancore State Police.
Kuttanad: It is an expanse of waterlogged land, lying below sea level. It bears strong resemblance to Holland, geographically.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Nearest airport is at Kochi, 66 kms away.
Rail: The place is well connected to Kochi, by rail.
Road: The place is connected to all the south Indian towns, by a well-developed network of roads.
There are frequent bus services to Alappuzha.
Local transport: One can use buses, yellow-top and tourist taxis, autorickshaws, and cycle rickshaws.
Ferries: The State Water Transport Department operates boat services connecting Alappuzha with some other places like Kottayam, Chenganassery, Nedamudy and Kavalam.
NEARBY CITIES
Kottayam43 km
Kochi56 km
Thrissur130 km
Thiruvananthapuram160 km
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area:1414 Sq. Km. District
Population:1,909,603.
Climate:Tropical Humid.
Altitude:0 feet Above Sea Level.
Temperature:
Summer:Max: 35°C, Min: 22.5°C
Winter: Max: 32°C Min: 20°C
Rainfall:299 cm (annual).
Clothing:Tropical.
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