Alappuzha
Travel (Alleppey) :
The town was founded by Raja Keshawadasan, Divan of Travanacore in 1762.
With the arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and
fresh water 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 country is also home to diverse animal and
bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always
enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, Alappuzha
(Alleppey) has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, & also
famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and
coir industry.
Area - 1414 sq. Km
Population - 1,990,603 (1991 census)
Access :
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), Kumarakom(3 hr), Cochin(4 hrs),
Kumarakom(2 hrs), Chengannor, etc.
Places to visit :
Kuttanad - It's called the rice bowl of kerala because of
her wealth of paddy crops, is at the very heart of the backwaters. The
scenic countryside of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich
crop of Banana, Cassava and Yam. This is perhaps the only region in the
world where farming is done 1.5 to 2 mtr below sea level. Inland waterways
which flow above land lever are an amazing feature of this region.
Alappuzha (Alleppey) Beach - This is one of the most
popular picnic spots in Alappuzha (Alleppey). The pier, which extends into
the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the vijaya
beach park add to the attractions of the beach. There is also an old
lighthouse which is greatly fascinating to visitors.
Pathira
Manal - According the mythology a Young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad
lake to persorm his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to
rise from below, thus creating the enchanting Island pf Pathiramanal (sands
of midnight). This little island on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of
hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. This
island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by
boat.
Champakulam Church - One of the oldest churches in
kerala, the St. Mary's Church is believed to be one of the seven established
by St. Thomas. The annual feast at this church falls on the 3rd sunday of
october every year.
Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple - (15 km south of
alapuzha) Built in the typical Kerala architectural style, 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.
Excursions :
» Arthunkal - 22 km north of alappuzha
» Edathua Church - 24 km from alappuzha, on the alappuzha
thiruvalla road
» Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple - 32 km south of allappuzha
» Krishnapuram Palace - 47 km from alappuzha
