Alleppey (Alappuzha), Kerala

Kerala, the state known for its natural beauty, is located on the southwestern coast of Indian peninsula. Situated in between the high western ghats in the east and the vast Arabian sea in the west, Kerala shares boundaries with the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The sun-kissed beaches, varied wildlife sanctuaries, dense forest cover, tranquil backwaters, verdant valleys, houseboat cruises, breathtaking scenery and splendid architecture, of course make Kerala the "God's own country." The state is known for its rich art and culture, in fact performing and visual arts play are important part of Kerala's life. Kerala has become worldwide famous for its interesting 'Kathakali' a masked dance-drama, in addition other popular art forms are Koodiyattam, Krishnanattam, Kalaripayattu. Koothu, Mohiniyattam and Ottamthullal. Overall the state is not only famous its tourist attractions, but also for handloom, handicrafts, metal mirror and fiber products.

Alleppey - The Venice of the East

A Hotel Boat in Alleppey Backwater Alleppey also known as Alappuzha, is a small town of Kerala. The district headquarters of Alleppey is famous for its beautiful canals, backwaters and lagoons. A popular tourist destination, Alleppey was described as the 'Venice of the East' by Lord Curzon. Alleppey is renowned for its coir factories, fish and lakes. Snake boat races are the most important traditional event in Alleppey, which usually held between August and October. During the event the thin boats are oared by up to 120 oarsmen. Alleppey is connected to other parts of Kerala by waterways, including the popular tourist place Kumarakam.

Attractions in Alleppey

Kuttanadu Kuttanadu is sandwiched between the sea and the hills. It is one of the very few places in the world, where farming is done below sea level. Once called as the "Keralathinte Nellara" (rice bowl of Kerala), Kuttanadu is popular because of its paddy fields and dedicated farmers. Kuttanadu is the most beautiful backwaters region of Kerala and the venue of most of the snake boat races of Kerala.

Mullackal Bhagavathi Temple The temple located in the heart of town, offers glimpses of the coir manufacturing process from the coconut husk. In addition there are also many shops selling coir matting and carpets at cheaper prices.

Alleppey Beach The long sandy beach in Alleppey is a major tourist attraction. The beach has a lighthouse and a pier jutting out into the sea. Apart from the beach there is park for children named as Vijay Beach Park.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race Nehru Trophy Boat Race The boat race was started in 1952, on the occasion of the visit of then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru to Alleppey. The boat race is now a major event held on the second Saturday of every August. During the event the gigantic snake-boats of Kerala are powered up by over 100 rowers in each boat.

Excursions

Pathiramanal The beautiful small island is located in the Vembanad Lake. The island is a major tourist spot, which can be reached only by boat. The Boats to the island operate on Sundays from Muhamma and Kumarakom.

Sri Krishna Temple The temple is situated at Ambalapuzha, 14 km from Alleppey. One of the most famous temple of Kerala, the temple boasts of the typical temple architectural style of the state. The temple is equally famous for its palpayasam, a sweet milk porridge offered to the diet. The temple's main festival occurs every year in the month of March/April.

Karumadi The village located close to Alleppey, is popular for its Karumadi Kuttanm a black granite figure of Budha dating back to the 9th or 10th Century.

Arthinkal Situated 22 Kms north of Alleppey, Arthinkal is famous for the St. Andrews Church established by Portuguese missionaries in 1951. The feast of St. Sebastian is held here every year in January.

Mannarasala Located 32 Kms from Alleppey, is a very important site of serpent worship in Kerala. The temple nestled in a cool grove of trees and shrubs, contain 30,000 images of snake-gods.

Krishnapuram Palace Krishnapuram Palace, Alleppey The 18th century palace located 47 Kms from Alleppey, was built during the reign of the Travancore monarch, Marthanda Varma. The double-storied structure displays typical characteristics of Kerala architecture in its gabled roofs, dormer windows, narrow corridors. The palace houses one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala, called the Gajendra Mokshm. Inside the palace is a museum, which has the collection of antique sculptures, painting and bronzes.

Reaching Alleppey

By Air : Alleppey has not its own airport, the nearest airport is Cochin (64 Kms) and Trivandrum (159 Kms). From Cochin and Trivandrum the domestic and international flights are available.

By Rail : Alleppey railway station is linked to Cochin (64 Kms) by rail. Alleppey is connected to major cities of the country.

By Road : Alleppey is on the National Highway 47, which is connected to all important towns in south India by buses.

Boat/Ferry : Alleppey is linked by boat services through the backwaters to Quilon and Changanassery, Kottayam, Cochin, Kumarakom, Kavalam and Chengannur. The Alleppey Tourism Development Co-operative Society arranges backwater cruises from Alleppey as well as trips to Quilon on request.

Accommodation at Alleppey

Alleppey has various types of accommodation options. The accommodations ranging from luxurious hotels to reasonably cheap dormitories, offer pleasant stay to travellers. The most famous hotels are The Marari Beach (3 Star), Alleppey Prince Hotel (2 Star) and Hotel Punnamada Lake Resort etc.