Kerala Tourism | Alappuzha

Alappuzha / Alleppey

Alappuzha beach, Ambalapuzha

Alappuzha fondly called as Alleppey by the British. Is a beautiful small town in the Alappuzha District of Kerala, This town is a splendid blend of Kerala back waters, large lakes, canals, beaches and also lagoons. Fascinated by its charming natural landscape Lord Curzon called the town the Venice of east. The history of Alappuzha is also impressive as the sceneries found here. This old port city was founded by Raja Kesava Dasa in the second half of 18th century. Alappuzha was known in the early periods of the Sangam age and the district of Alappuzha was also referred in classical Literature. Alappuzha is also known as Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala. There are historical evidences of Alappuzha having trade relations with primeval western empires like Greece and Rome in the Middle Ages And also had trade with other parts of India.

Demography:

The town had a population of 177,079. As per 2001 census, and has a literacy rate of 84% which is far above the national average. About 48% of the population is males whereas the females represent about 52%.

Climate:

The weather of Alappuzha is moderate and humid. Temperatures range from 22 to 35°C in summer and 20 to 32°C in the winters. The winter is more pleasant.

Kerala Tourism:

The town of Alappuzha is one of the most magnificent destinations to be visited in India. There is endless picturesque landscapes are lining the canals and Kerala backwaters as you glide along in an authentic Kerala houseboat, Alappuzha is the center of backwater tourism in Kerala. There are boats called ‘Kettuvallam’ a traditional, rowing (poled) boat.Kettuvallams were originally built as cargo boats well suited to the conditions of the back waters and Lagoons here, For centuries Kettuvallams were the chief means of transportation and most common watercraft. But in modern times they have converted as house Boats with spacious bedrooms with attached baths and loaded with all the luxuries, food is served on board or try fishing along the ride and make your own meal. though the iconic boats still have a role in cargo transportation. Their primary role, however, is to carry tourists on rides at affordable prices, Cruise along the backwaters presents the most incredible sights to tourists. It is a paradise for honeymooners and those who want to be one with the nature a visit to alappuzha is not complete without cruising through the backwaters, you’ll be captivated by the endless scenic magnificence and elegance of alappuzha the church situated on the outskirts of the town is a popular tourist attraction. Water carnivals and boat races using the gigantic snake boats and the country canoes of various sizes attract tourists from all over the world. It is held between August and October. Other attractions are the temples at Krishnapuram, Ambalapuzha, and Mullackal and back waters at Punnamada and Ashtamudi.

Education:

Alappuzha has highest literacy rate and a proud educational background. There are more than ten Arts and Science Colleges, One Medical College, Engineering colleges and Polytechnics. Primary education is compulsory and that also contribute to the highest rate of literacy. The Library Council of kerala was founded here.

Culture: Alappuzha is the hub of cultural activities in the vicinity. Socio-cultural programs are held regularly in the town here. The masters of various art forms and folklore performs and conduct workshops here the pilgrimage centers around the town are crowded on festive seasons

Economy:

From Time immemorial, Alappuzha was known as an important trading and commercial centre. Arabs had carried on trade in coir products and pepper from very ancient times. Coir yarn and fibre are the chief commodities exported from this district. Alappuzha is also an important exporting centre of coconut oil, areca nut, cardamom, sugar and pepper, etc. Agriculture is the main occupation of the people and it continues to be the primary economic source of the district. More than half of the income of the district is from agriculture and allied sectors. The predominant crops are Coconut, paddy, tapioca, ginger, areca nut and pepper, Fishing is the main occupation of a large number of people in the coastal belt. Among The Major revenue source Tourism and Fishing industry also make sizable contribution to the economy of the district.

Transportation: Alappuzha can be reached by Air. There are flights to Thiruvananthapuram the capital city of Kerala which is only 150 kilometers away and Kochi international airport just 85 kilometers away. The town is well-linked through national highway and various roads also. Train service is accessible to the major cities around Alappuzha. Regular boat services provided through backwaters to Cochin, Quilon, Changanacherry, etc.

Attractions

Q S T and R Block Kayal:

An exceptional example of the indigenous agricultural engineering know-how, QST & R Block Kayals (backwaters) remind the visitor of the famous dikes of Holland the cultivation and habitation are made possible at four to ten feet below the sea level. Extensive land has been reclaimed from the backwaters and is protected by dikes built around it. Located in Kuttanad popularly known as the rice bowl of Kerala, Q S T and R Block Kayal will take your breath away a relaxed cruise along the canals here is an incredible experience.

The most majestic backwaters region of Kerala is Kuttanad. It is here that most of the Water carnivals and boat races using the gigantic snake boats and the country canoes of various sizes are conducted and a majority of the rice boat & houseboat cruises are planned. Navigable Kerala backwaters network is over 900km. These tranquil waterways are fringed by palm grove and paddy fields. As you float along in an authentic Kerala houseboat, the paddy fields will sing you songs of love What could be more romantic than a private houseboat cruise in the most magical destinations in the world.

Best Season: August to March
Transport Terminals: Nearest city: Alappuzha
Location: QST & R Block Kayals are accessible by boat from Alappuzha ( 1.30 hrs by motor boat and 30 minutes by speedboat.)

How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station : Alappuzha
Nearest Airport : Cochin International Airport about 85 km from Alappuzha

Alappuzha Beach

Built according to the plan by its founder Divan Rajakeshavadas in 1785, alappuzha was a busy centre of commerce and trade in and 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Being a popular port city alapuzha was visited by many ships from different parts of the world. Reminding of the past heyday still stands as a wharf which is built about 140 years ago, Gradual decline in business and final winding up the port function had left the beach in abandon for many years.

However in 2004, District Administration’s gave it a facelift. A new Beach Park called vijaya offers a variety of amusement especially for children. Alappuzha beach has the first light house ever to be built on the western coast. The architect was New Crafford.

Best Season: August to March
Transport Terminals: Alappuzha

How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Alappuzha, about 5 km from the beach.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport, 85 km from Alappuzha.

Champakulam St. Mary’s Church

The St. Mary’s Church One of the oldest Christian churches in Kerala is considered as one among the seven churches established by St. Thomas. The annual feast at this church is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of October every year. And the feast of St. Joseph falls on March 19th.

Best Season: October and March
How to Reach: Nearest Airport: Cochin Airport (64 kms away)
Nearest Railway Station: Alappuzha

Kuttanad

Kerala, the lustrous backwaters bestow a gorgeous aspect to its landscape. It was possibly the downpour of 1866 that silted up the harbors here and gave birth to lagoons, called kayals. Among these, the major ones are the 83-km long Vembanad Kayal, the 16-km long Ashtamudi kayal and the 30-km long kayamkulam Kayal. These figure the major waterways connecting the island and act as highways, transporting populace and commodities. Life along these waterways takes on a special complexion, with its own exclusive culture. Here the skyline is singular; the green is replicated in the waters and presents a surreal setting. The cultural events, the holy places with their pitches and spires, the markets with their business bustle all have their strange savor. An outing through these waterways can be an unforgettable experience.

Kuttanad, which is the rice bowl of the state, farming is done at 1.5 to 2 meters below the sea level. These areas have been reclaimed by the unique native engineering skills that remind tourists strongly of the dykes of Holland. A leisurely voyage by houseboat along these farmlands will be engraved in the mind. The farms here raise banana, cassava and yam.

The sequence of canals that pass through Alleppey has confered to this town the name ‘The Venice of the East’. Here, Country boats or Kerala Houseboat, an additional attractive traveling amenity, perform as taxis conveying commuters and commodities. For the globe trotters, it will be an uncommon sight of seeing the boats carrying people with their cycles, goats, and cattle. Moreover, with bare-chested boatmen at the helm, it is an amazing and realistic picture to view the togetherness of unlike sections of the society like, the fisher women with cane baskets, toddy tappers with their knives, and Syrian Christian priests in their cassocks in these small low-slung country boats.

A house boat ride through Kuttanad’s sparkling, green paddy fields is a restful vista. The tail-wagging ducks are an everyday sight for the travelers. And the hectic life of coir- workers can be seen there, who soaks coconut fiber in pools and knits the tough fiber into ropes. Snake boat race, the unique water regatta that draws Kerala tourists and visitors from far and wide, is done in Alleppey during the month of August and September.

Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple

An illustration for the emblematic Kerala architectural technique, on the interior walls of the Chuttambalam, canvas of the Dasavatharam (the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) can be seen. The sacraments of the temple, in particular the every day offering of Palpayasam, luscious sugary milk porridge, is extremely popular all over India. Once on every twelve years, Pallipana, another significant temple ritual, is performed here by Velans (sorcerers). It is supposed that Ottanthullal, a satiric art form begun by the poet Kunchan Nambiar, was first acted upon on the premises of this temple.

Transport Terminals: Ambalappuzha
Location: 15 kms south of Alappuzha
How to Reach: Nearest Railway Station: Alappuzha, about 15 kms away
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 kms from Alappuzha

Karumadi

Karumadi, a vital tourist village in Alappuzha District, is about 3 km east of Ambalapuzha. Bounded by salty water and lush paddy fields the village presents a grandeur look. By the side of the public canal, a black stonework form of Buddha stands, and it is known among the populace as Karumadi Kuttan statue. Incidentally, it is alleged as a gift of 10th century.

Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Ambalapuzha

Krishnapuram Palace And Museum

The Krishnapuram Palace is a sheltered memorial of the Department of Archaeology. It is positioned near the Krishnaswamy Temple at Krishnapuram on the left side of the National Highway between Ochira and Kayamkulam in the District of Alapuzha.

The Palace was built during the period of Anizham Thirunal Martanda Varma (1729-1758 AD, 904-933 ME). It was after the invasion of Kayamkulam to the former State of Travancore. With the gabled roofs, tapered corridors, dorma windows, and pent roofs the Palace stands illustrious for its distinguishing manner of Kerala Architecture .‘Gajendra Moksha’, measuring 53 sq.ft in area, one of the biggest single panel Mural paintings so far exposed in Kerala is portrayed here. The palace holds an Archaeological museum in which historically and archaeologically significant items such as stone and wood figurines, bronzes, copies of fresco paintings, coins, megalithic relics, and stone inscriptions are conserved and cosseted.

Enclosed by terraced garden with fountains, ponds and lawns, the Hill Palace is sited on the top of a small hill. A single storeyed Ettukettu, erected around 1850 AD, is the oldest building here. It was built in the conventional style with a nearby pond, temple and urappura. A mixing of traditional and western Architecture can be found in the other buildings. The most recent building in the complex was put up in western style in 1950s and these three storeyed building houses the office

Name: Krishnapuram Palace and Archaeological museum
Location: Krishnapuram near Kayamkulam
Area: 2 acre, 55 cents
Distance: 2 Km from Bus stand, 2 Km from Railway Station
Nearest Railway Station: Kayamkulam
Bus Station: Kayamkulam
Officer in charge: Gallery Supervisor
Working days & Time: Tuesday to Sunday, 09.30.A.M to 04.30.P.M
Holidays: Monday and National Holidays

Pathiramanal

To be found on the border of Kottayam – Alappuzha Districts, Pathiramanal is a tiny island in Kerala. The name ‘Pathiramanal’ means ‘Sands of night’.It is mind blowing to behold, the charming beauty of both sides of the lake as well as that of the island. Exceptional varieties of migrant birds from different parts of the world has found there home here and their flight is a cooling vision to the travellers.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race, the most spirited and admired of the boat races, is held on the Punnamda Lake, near Alappuzha. It is conducted on the second Saturday of every August. On the day of boat race, it is anticipated that, around two lakh of people, counting tourists from abroad comes to look at the event, changing the serene lake front into a sea of humanity. For the people of each village in Kuttanad, triumph of their village boat is something to be celebrated for months to come.

The foremost lure of the boat race is the contest of snake boats chundanvallams or snake boats. Chundans (snake boats) are an exciting scene, assessing over 100 feet in length, with a raised prow. They were called snake boats by the previous colonial leaders, who based the name on a native boat found in Norway,although Kerala’s Chundans. It bears slight similarity to their European namesakes.

Champakulam

Champakulam, a composed beautiful village with palm trees, rivers and paddy fields, is a fraction of Kuttanad, in Alappuzha district. The village is impressive in green paddy fields, coconut groves and water fowl. Renowned for the Moolam boat race, it bears the statement for one among the best tourist spot. The river Pampa runs through the village, ripping it into two. At present, it is joined, by road to Alappuzha and Changanassery.

In Kerala, Champakkulam Moolam boat race is the foremost in the list of all boat races that are held. The boat race is held on every year on the river Pampa. According to the Malayalam calendar, the boat race is planned. Generally, it is called as Moolam Vallamkali. Moolam denotes a Malayalam star or Nakshathram on the month of Mithunam. It is considered as the oldest in all boat races. Being the most popular of all boat races, it brings vast mass to witness the spectacular event.

St. Mary’s Church, the grand church in Champakulam, named as Champakkulam valia pally, has got centuries old history. Other small churches are also there.

However, the villagers are affected by the flood that comes repeatedly. It devastates roughly everything and thereby makes their life wretched. Anyway, Champakulam has altered much. There is road facility, and people can go to near towns in buses and cars for purchase. The old schools have also been upgraded. While the village is transforming into a small town, it has still not lost its village charms.

How To Get There

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), Cochin(4 hrs), Kumarakom(2 hrs), Chengannor, etc.

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple

An ancient and internationally-known centre of pilgrimage, Mannarassala Sree Nagaraja Temple, is placed about three kilometers to the south-east of the bus station in N.H.47 at Haripad, in Alleppey district of Kerala. Devotees of serpent gods makes frequent visits here.

Haripad, a culturally renowned town in Alleppey, affluent with its exquisite green paddy fields, lofty coconut palms and still atmosphere of the bordering hamlets, has an outstanding role in the history of Central Travancore. With enough civic infrastructure facilities like shopping complexes, hotels & lodges, educational institutions and hospitals, Haripad has now improved into a well-developed town.

The ancient Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple in Haripad, one of the legendary Subrahmanya temples of Kerala, is located on the way to the Mannarassala temple. It stands as testimonial to the magnificence of the grand Kerala temple architecture.

The route to the temple is easily accessible with the help of signboards from N.H.47. Since the temple is very renowned, accessibility to the temple may not be a difficulty for the devotees. To reach Mannarassala, Cabs and auto rickshaws are available at nominal fare near the Haripad bus station and Railway station. Since located near the highway almost equidistant between the cities of Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi (approx.113 kms and 103 kms respectively), it is effortless to arrive at Haripad via bus and train.

St Andrew’s Forane Church, Arthunkal

Arthunkal, a simple and fine-looking village, is situated about 45 kilometres to the south from Kochi and 22 kilometres to the north from Alappuzha. This is under Cherthala Taluk and Alapuzha District. The nearest Railway station is Cherthala.

During the 16th century, Arthunkal was the capital of Muthedath Kingdom, one of the pricipalities of Kerala . Historians have dissimilar judgments on the name of Arthunkal. One among them is that it has evolved from ‘Arthhikulangara’, the name of the place at that time. Arthhikulangara, in course of time turned ‘Arthhikulangal’ and later on, Arthunkal. Historian George Schurhammer asserts that, the capital of Muthedath was known as ‘Muthedathunkal’ (at Muthedath) and it changed to ‘Edathunkal’ and then Arthunkal.

Chavara Bhavan

The district of Alleppey is sacred with the birth of Saint Kurikose Elias Chavara here. Afterward, a church was built for him to protect and preserve his sanctity. At this church, meditation is encouraged. On every Saturday, Mass and the Novena Prayer are held at 6:00 am, 7:30 am, 8:45 am, 10:00 am, and 4:30 pm. The solemn feast of Blessed Chavara is celebrated on January 3rd of every year, and the novena preparation starts on December 26. After that, Holy Mass is held at 4:30 followed by novena. A solemn procession carrying the statue of Blessed Chavara, is held on January 2nd, through the village.

Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Mavelikkara

The major festival at this temple is the ‘Kettukazhcha festival’, which draws large crowds of devotees. Processions of tall decorated structures on chariots, dazzlingly adorned figurines of horses and bullocks and cultural performances make a spectacular pageant. (Festival – February/March)

St.George Church, Edathua

Established in 1810, the church is dedicated to St.George. It is believed that, prayers and offerings at this church help to cure all mental disorders and other disease. During the annual feast, thousands of pilgrims from different parts of India, irrespective of their caste and creed, visits the church on the lookout for the blessings of the saint.