Alappuzha
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.
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