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ALAPPUZHA - THE VENICE OF THE EAST
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.
A historic and romantic name from Kerala's past, Alappuzha was once one
of the best known ports along the coast of Malabar.
The centre for Backwater
Cruises in Kerala, the Backwaters of Alappuzha can be best
experienced in a country boat. Alappuzha is a bustling, messy town of
ramshackle wood and corrugalated roof houses, chiefly significant in the
Coir industry.
The large network of canals provides Alappuzha its lifeline. It has a
spectacular long sandy beach. At one end are the dense palm groves that
are so characteristic of Kerala's landscape.
TEMPLES OF ALAPPUZHA
Ambalapuzha:
14 kms from Alappuzha, 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. The temple's main festival occurs in March/April. It was in this
temple that the 16th century poet Kunjan Nabbiar staged his first
Ottam
Thullal, a solo dance performance based on social themes. more...
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.
Mannarshala
Temple: 32 kms, near Harippad, the temple here is an important
centre of serpent worship in Kerala. On the day of Ayilyam, in the months
of September and October, thousands assemble to worship the serpent god. more...
CHURCHES IN ALAPPUZHA
Arthunkal:
It is a famous pilgrim centre, known for its St. Andrew's church set up by
Portuguese missionaries. The church is popularly known as St. Sebastian's.
It was built by the Portuguese missionaries in 1851 AD. more...
PALACES OF ALAPPUZHA
Krishnapuram
Palace: 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. The 18th century
Krishnapuram
Palace with its gabled roofs, dormer windows, and narrow corridors,
built during the reign of the Travancore monarch, Marthanda Varma, is a
typical example of
Kerala
Architecture.
Called the Gajendra Moksham, it measures 14 feet by 11 feet and is at the
western end of the ground floor, a short distance from the palace pool.
Inside is also a museum of antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes. more...
LAKES
Pathiramanal:
Its an island in
Vembanad
Lake. Its an ideal place for fishing and bird watching. more...
BEACHES AT ALAPPUZHA
Alappuzha
Beach
Alappuzha
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. more...
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Punappra: A short distance from Alappuzha, this village has been
rendered famous by the heroic struggles between the communists and
Travancore State Police.
Kuttanad:
It is an expanse of waterlogged land, lying below sea level. It bears
strong resemblance to Holland, geographically. more...
Air: Nearest airport is at
Kochi, 66 kms
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.
There are frequent bus services to Alappuzha.
Local transport: One can use buses, yellow-top and tourist taxis,
autorickshaws, and cycle rickshaws.
Ferries: The State Water Transport Department operates boat
services connecting Alappuzha with some other places like
Kottayam,
Chenganassery, Nedamudy and Kavalam.
Prince
Hotel, A. S. Road, NH 47. Komala, Opp. Boat Jetty.
KTDC Motel Aaram.
PWD Rest House, near Reception Ground.
Artungal
Perunal
Edathua
Perunal
Nehru
Trophy Boat Race
District Tourism Promotion Council, near the Boat Jetty.
Kottayam (43 km)
Kochi (56 km)
Thrissur (130 km)
Thiruvananthapuram
(Trivandrum) (160 km)
Area: 1414 Sq. Km. District
Population: 1,909,603.
Climate: Tropical Humid.
Altitude: 0 feet Above Sea Level.
Temperature:
Summer : Max: 35°C, Min: 22.5°C
Winter : Max: 32°C Min: 20°C
Rainfall: 299 cm (annual).
Clothing: Tropical.
STD Code: 0477.