Monday, July 12, 2010
Alleppey (Alappuzha) Travel
Alleppey (Alappuzha) is a District of immense natural beauty in Kerala. Today, Alappuzha has grown in importance as a Backwater Tourist Centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year.It is also famous for boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir products. It ia also known as the Venice of The East. For a total Alappuzha experience traverse the canals on small vallams (Boats) or anchor in the middle of the backwater lakes on a Kettuvallam (rice boat converted to cozy house boats) - spend the night under the star lit sky, listening to the splash of water on to the boat.
Alappuzha beach also known as Alleppey beach is one of the most popular spots in the district of Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is around 140 years old.
With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers criss-crossing 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 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.
Prime Attractions of Alleppey
Alappuzha Beach
Alappuzha beach is one of the most popular spots in the district of Alleppey. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is around 140 years old. more..
Artungal Perunal
The annual festival of the St. Andrews Forane Chuch at Arthunkal near Alleppey is held in the month of January. This ten-day festival held in the name of St. Sebastian is attended by thousands of devotees from all parts of the State. more..
Pathiramanal Beach
The little island of Pathiramanal, on the Backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the land. more..
Kuttanad
Kuttanad is an expanse of water-logged land lying below sea level. It bears strong resemblance to Holland in terms of geographical features.
Chettikulangara Bhagwathy Temple
The Bhadrakali deity is said to have miraculous power. The temple is abuzz with activity in the months of February and March on the occasion of Bharani.
Punappra
A short distance from Alleppey, this village has been rendered famous by the heroic struggles between the communists and Travancore State Police.
Excursions from Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Ambalapuzha Temple(14Km.)
14 kms from Alleppey, the Sreekrishna Temple here is worth seeing. The temple boasts of its classic temple architecture and its 'Palpayasam' (sweet milk porridge), offered to the deity.
Krishnapuram Palace (47Km.)
The palace is located at a distance of 47 kms, at Kayamkulam, on the way to Kollam. The double storeyed palace contains one of the greatest Mural panels in Kerala. more..
Mannarshala Temple (32Km.)
Mannarshala covers an area of 16 acres of dense green forest grove devoted to serpent worship. The temple here is unique in that the holy rites are presided over by a priestess. more..
Pathiramanal
This Island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat.
R-Block
This area in Kerala is very famous for its backwaters and you can have very beautiful scenes of paddy fields. This is one of the places in the world where farming is done below sea level.This is a popular location in the Kerala tour.
Alleppey Beach
Alappuzha beach is one of the most popular spots in the district of Alappuzha. . The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. There is also an old lighthouse, which is greatly fascinating to the tourists of Kerala.
Krishnapuram Palace
Built by Marthanda Varma, it is at Karthikapally in Kayamkulam and is famous for its mural depicting the story of Gajendramoksham. In this 18-century museum you can see antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes.
Boat Race
Allappuzha Backwater is world famous for its Snake Boat Race. Boat Races usually take place at the time of Onam festival.
Some of the important boat races are:
1. Nehru Trophy Boat Race (2nd Saturday of August)
2. Payippad Jalotsavam (4th Onam Day)
3. Champakulam Moolam Boat Race (July)
How To Reach
The nearest airport is Cochin, which is 95 Kms away. Alleppey is well connected by rail from all major places in India. Alleppey is well connected by Road also.