Alappuzha - Kerala

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Alappuzha also famous as Alleppey, is a town in Alappuzha District of Kerala state of southern India. A town filled with picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches and lagoons, it was described as the List of places known as Venice of the East by Lord Curzon. It is the administrative headquarters of Alappuzha District.Though the present town owes its existence to the sagacious Diwan Raja Kesavadas in the second half of 18th century, district of Alappuzha figures in classical Literature. Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala with the unending stretch of paddy fields, small streams and canals with lush green coconut palms , was well known even from the early periods of the Sangam age.Alleppey has a wonderful past history. History says Alappuzha had trade relations with ancient Greece and Rome in B.C and in the Middle Ages, as well as with other parts of India. Alappuzha has a lighthouse, which is a major tourist destination.

Commerce and Tourism

Alleppey/ Alappuzha is the popular hub for backwater tourism in Kerala. It provides house boats locally called "Kettuvallam" which are hire on a daily basis as well as for longer duration to take visitors on the old waterways. These house boats in generallyl have 2 bed rooms and attached bath rooms. Some of the boats have the bedrooms fitted with air conditioners. A routine trip includes food cooked on board in the traditional Kuttanad style. The leisurely cruises define a microcosm of life on the water side with breath taking views of the water, land, birds and human habitations. Alappuzha is a main centre for coir industries. The unique key point of Alappuzha is that, it is the only district in Kerala without forest.

The Poomkavu Church is located in the out-skirts of Alappuzha, and is a famous attraction for Christian Pilgrims. Other Famous religious destinations are

1. Mullackal Raja Rajeshwari Temple
2. Mannarasala Temple
3. Arthunkal Church
4. Champakulam Church
5. Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple
6. Edathua Church
7. Salafi Juma Masjid Mosque
8. Kottamkulangara Vishnu and Devi Temple

Snake boat races are the most significant traditional event in Alappuzha. These spectacular regattas are usually held between August and October, and involve long thin boats powered by up to 120 oarsmen. The most famous snake boat race is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race.


How to reach Alappuzha

By Air: There is no airport but the closed airports are at Trivandrum and Kochi International Airport. This place can be easily approachable from adjacent states like Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore etc.

By Rail: Alappuzha has its own railway station and it connects this city with other cities of Kerala and India.

By Road:There is a wide network of roads that connect this place to other ciies of Kerala. There are a number of national highways that connect it to the rest of Kerala and neighboring states.