Allapuzha (Allepey)
Kerala

With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and freshwater rivers crisscrossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by travellers from across the world, this backwater area is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed an important place in the maritime history of Kerala.

Today, Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. A land of vast lush paddy fields, Kuttanad is called the Rice Bowl of Kerala and is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.
Places to visit:

If you are cherishing the idea of spending some good time, amidst the sights and sounds of the hydrosphere, then step into a country boat and wind through the labyrinth of canals in Alappuzha.

One can easily find boats according to one’s requirement, starting from small country boats to luxury houseboats and small speedboats to big passenger motorboats. Small boats are preferred for cruise through the canals. Once you have the transport ready, pick one of the canal systems in and around Alappuzha for your cruise. During the cruise, one would also be able to drop in at some villages to check out the techniques and procedure involved in coir making. Also, if interested, one may try any of the wayside eateries serving ethnic food, especially fish delicacies, and also toddy, the natural beverage produced from coconut trees.

The Canals of Alappuhza

2. Alappuzha beach

Alappuzha beach, near Alappuzha town, South Kerala.

Referred to as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha has always enjoyed an important place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, it is famous for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Alappuzha beach is a popular picnic spot. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attraction of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse nearby which is greatly fascinating to visitors.

3. Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple

Sree Krishna Temple

Built in the typical Kerala architectural style, 15 km south of Alappuzha 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. Paintings of the Dasavatharam (the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) are on display on the inner walls of the Chuttambalam. Ottanthullal, a satiric art form originated by the poet Kunchan Nambiar, was first performed on the premises of this temple.

4. Boatraces

Alappuzha district is proud of being the cradle of boat races. All the important boat races, namely the Nehru Trophy boat Race at Punnamada, the Payippad near Haripad, the Thiruvandoor, Neerettupuram, Karuvatta and Thaikkoottam boat races are held at different parts of the district during August-September . Thousands of people from all parts of the world come and witness these races.

5. Kuttanad Region

The region is known as the 'Rice Bowl of Kerala'. It is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done below sea level. The boat trip to Changanacherry passes through this beautiful and fertile region.

6. Mararikulam

Situated on the coast south of Alappuzha,12 Kms. from Alappuzha, it houses a quiet beach and has an adjoining fishing village. Pool, tennis, water sports and Ayurvedic treatments are the leisure time activities one can avail of.

How to get there:

Air: The nearest airport is Cochin , 64 kms to the North. Thiruvananthapuram International airport is 159 kms to the south.

Road: Alappuzha is on the NH 47 highway and is connected to all important towns in South India .

Rail: Alappuzha is linked by rail to cities like Cochin , Chennai, Kolkota, Bangalore and Bokaro.The railway station is situated 5 kms away from the bus station and ferry station.

Boat: Alappuzha is linked by boat service through the backwaters to Quilon, Changanassery, Kottayam , Cochin , Kumarakom, Kovalam and Chengannur.