Fast Facts
District : Alappuzha
Old Name : Aleppey
Best Time to Visit : Monsoons, May to October
Attractions : Alleppey Beach, Alappuzha Backwaters,
Alappuzha Town
Distance : 147 kms, north of Trivandrum
Location
Alleppey
or Alappuzha as it is known popularly, is one of the centrally located
districts in the state of Kerala. The district headquarters and the main
part of this city is situated on the western coastline of India, with the
Arabian Sea surrounding the western boundary. The city is connected with the
rest of the state via roads and rails. Alappuzha forms the connecting link
of Kottayam-Kochi-Kollam backwaters.
Introducing Alappuzha
The earliest accounts about Alappuzha dates back to ancient era, era when
the place used to have good trade relations with Greece and Rome. However,
the city started developing in and around 18th century A.D. under the tenure
of local administrator called Diwan Raja Kesavadas. The place, as we know it
today, is resplendent with waterways and medieval culture, that is quite
dominant in the region.
The region between the Arabian Sea and the eastern boundary of Alappuzha
city features several backwater regions. The waterways have long made the
region fertile and productive. These regions make up the prime tourist spots
in the city. The beautiful surroundings gives an aquatic experience that is
quite unique. The lagoons, vegetation and the serenity are some of the
characteristic features of Alappuzha. In fact it is one of the best
backwater destinations in Indian sub continent. It is due this reason that
the place is often referred as 'the Venice of the East.' With the presence
of so many waterways boat services are quite obvious. Travel by a boat is
considered as one of the best experiences that one can have here. Numerous
boat owners provide for the exploratory trips in the region and around. The
boat trips provides opportunities to explore the low lying mangrove forest
that looks fascinating above the water surface. The Backwater Tours are the
most sought after by the tourists landing at Alappuzha.
One other interesting event to follow is the boat races that are annually
held here. The famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held on the second Saturday,
in the month of August. People from all over the place participate in the
race as the huge snake boats cuts the stream.
Besides backwaters, there are many pilgrimage places located in the city.
To cite a few there is Ambalapuzha Temple, Mullakal Rajeswari Temple,
Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple and Champakulam Church.
Tourist Attractions in Alappuzha
Alappuzha is a gifted land and features many tourist attractions. The
tourist attractions in and around Alappuzha are:
Alappuzha
Beach : Alappuzha beach is a beautiful place with a number of
features too. The beach area features lush garden, Vijaya Park and Sea view
Park that host boat races and other water activities, a century and half old
pier and an ancient towering light house.
Alappuzha
Backwater Cruises : Backwater cruises are the most important
features of Alappuzha. The cruise usually starts from Alappuzha and ends at
Jetty, encompassing monuments, temples, churches and other attractions
located within its premises.
Boat Races : The boat races at Alappuzha attracts people
from all corners the world. Some important boat races held at Alappuzha
include Nehru Trophy boat Race held at Punnamada, the Payippad held near
Haripad, the Thiruvandoor, Neerettupuram, Karuvatta and Thaikkoottam held at
different parts in the month of August and September.
Ambalapuzha Temple : The temple is built in a typical
South Indian (Kerala) architectural style and is famous for the performances
of Pallapina (sorcerers). These performances are held once and after a gap
of twelve years. The temple walls display paintings of Lord Vishnu.
Arthunkal Church : The church is located 22 kms from
Alappuzha and was built by Portuguese missionaries. The church constitutes a
popular pilgrimage centre of Christians.
Champakulam Church : Champakalam Church or St. Mary's
Church is one of the oldest church in Kerala. The church has the distinction
of being one of the seven that were built by St. Thomas.
Kuttanad : Also called as the 'Rice Bowl of Kerala', the
place has a reputation for its cultivation. The region is perhaps the only
place where farming is done below sea level. It is very fertile and provides
for a beautiful landscape.
Yoga and Meditation in Alleppey
Alleppey is a popular destination for Yoga and Meditation in Kerala. A
number of hotel/resort in the town offer Yoga and Meditation courses for the
tourists. Far from the maddening crowds of the cities, the Yoga and
Meditation in Alleppey will rejuvenate your mind and body. Some of the
famous hotels/ resort which gives Yoga and Meditation courses include Marari
Beach Resort, Keraleeyam Ayurvedic Lake Resort, Alleppey Beach Resort etc.
Places Where You Can Stay
The accommodation at Alappuzha is provided by a number of heritage, three
star and budget hotels. Some known hotels located in the city are:
Heritage Hotels : Keraleeyam Heritage and Ayurvedic
Resort, Kayaloram Lake Resort.
Three Star Hotels : The Marari Beach, Punnamada Backwater
Resort, Kayaloram Lake Resort.
Budget Hotels : Alleppey Prince Hotel, Kayalovam Lake
Resort, Palm Grove Hotel, Hotel Komala.
How to Reach
The waterways restrict the train services to only few destinations. The
place is however, connected by regular bus services. The bus services are
available for and from Kollam, Trivandrum and Ernakulam. Also available at
Alappuzha are ferries and chartered boats. National and international
airport are situated 86 kms and 159 kms respectively, from Alappuzha.
