Alleppey

Alleppey(Alappuzha) is situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake, the town's commercial centre lives in a maze of canals. Set in the labyrinth of backwater channels, the town is one of the best gateways to explore the unspoilt countryside.

Alleppey is a famous trade centre of ancient times. It is referred as ' Venice of the East', built on the banks of a network of canals. It is one of the best-known ports along the coast of Malabar. The beach here is not as big as the others. However, north of Alleppey, the Arthunkal beach in worthy of development as an international holiday resorts. Alleppey attracts tourists not only by its natural beauty but also through its locally made coir products that are of a very superior quality. Watching rural life at close quarters - the many activities like; toddy tapping, fishing for small fry, coir-making, prawn farming, and scores of other sights by a boat trip in a country craft up and down the narrow canals in the coastal region is gaining in popularity among the foreign tourists and the North Indian visitors alike. Alleppey is also famous for its Nehru Trophy boat race held every year. Alappuzha is a bustling, town of ramshackle wood and corrugalated roof houses, chiefly significant in the Coir industry and the centre for Backwater Cruises in Kerala. The Backwaters of Alleppey can be best experienced in a country boat. The climate of this small town is temperate and humid in general and relatively more pleasant in the winter season. The temperature ranges from 22 to 35°C in summer and 20 to 32°C during winters. The best time to visit Alleppey is during the winter season. The months from August-September and February-March are ideal for a visit to this place. The backwater cruises in the exotic houseboats, which also serve Keralian cuisine delicacies, are an eternal experience.

Access
Air : Nearest airport is at Kochi, 66 km. away.
Rail :The place is well connected to Kochi, by rail.
Road :The place is connected to all the south Indian towns, by a well-developed network of roads.

Places of interest - Alleppey
Ambalapuzha: It is located at a distance of 14 km away from Alleppey. In its architectural features, the Sree Krishna Temple confirms the typical Kerala style. The temple is famous throughout Kerala for 'Palpayasam', that is milk porridge of exceptional sweetness offered to the deity.

Aruthunkal: Popularly known as St. Sebastian Church, 22 km north of Alleppey. One of the most important pilgrim centres of Christians in Kerala, Portuguese missionaries established this church, which is near Sherthallai. The feast of St. Sebastian is held here every.

Chettikulangara Bhagvathy Temple: It's a very famous temple in Alleppey (Alappuzha). The Kettukazhcha festival at the temple draws large crowds of devotees. Processions of tall decorated structures on chariots, brightly decorated effigies of horses and bullocks and cultural performances make a spectacular pageant. The Festival here starts in February/March.

Alleppey Beach: This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha. The beach here is spectacular. At one end are the dense palm groves that are so characteristic of Kerala's landscape. It has a long sandy beach. 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 that is greatly fascinating to visitors.

Kuttanad: Located at the very heart of the backwaters. Also called the rice bowl of Kerala because of her wealth of paddy crops. 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 m below sea level. Inland waterways that flow above land level are an amazing feature of this region.

Pathiramanal Island: A small island of Alleppey (Alappuzha) is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds, which come from different parts of the world. The island is accessible only by a boat. This 10-acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to raise from below, thus creating the enchanting island, Pathiramanal (sands of midnight).

Krishnapuram Palace: The Palace is located 47 km from Alleppey. Built in 18th century during the reign of the Travancore monarch, Marthanda Varma. It is a double storied structure that displays typical characteristics of Kerala architecture-gabled roofs, dormer windows, and narrow corridors. The 'Ganjendra Moksham' mural that is one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala is seen on the ground floor of the Palace. A museum with antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes is housed inside the building.

Champakulam Church: One of the seven churches established by St. Thomas in Kerala. The annual feast at this church falls on the 3rd Sunday of October every year. The feast of St. Joseph is celebrated on March 19th.

Edathua Church: Located at 24 km from Alleppey, on the Alleppey - Thiruvalla Road. This church was established in 1810 and is dedicated to St. George. It is believed that prayers and offerings at this church help to heal all mental disorders and other ailments. During the annual feast (5th, 6th and 7th of May) pilgrims from all parts of South India, irrespective of caste and creed, visit the church and seek the blessings of the saint.

Chavara Bhavan: Located at a distance of 6 km from Alleppey, accessible only by boat. It is the ancestral home of the blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara. It is now a holy shrine and spiritual resort where thousands of devotees gather for prayer receive favours and feel amply gratified. Here, a 250-year-old historically important beacon of light is preserved intact in its original and primitive form.