Aleppey (Alappuzha)

General Information about Aleppey (Alappuzha)

Area : 1,256 sq. km
Population : (1991 census) 1,990,603
Temperature range : 18C -39 C

Aleppey (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.

Prime Attractions of Aleppey

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.

Aleppey 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)

Alappuzha or Alleppey is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. Alappuzha remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerela as one of the major centers for backwater boat trips.

A host of boat races are held here during the harvest season ( between July and September ).Alleppey or Alappuzha is also known as the "Venice of the East" its was here that traders from across the seven seas came in search of black gold and souvenirs. 

Alappuzha or Alleppey is also home to Kuttanad, The rice bowl of kerala, one of the very few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.

Kuttanad is a land of lush paddy fields and stretches for 75 Km sandwiched between the sea and the hills.

Kuttanad is the most beautiful backwaters region of Kerala. It is here that most of the snake boat races are conducted and a majority of the rice boat & houseboat cruises are scheduled.

Kerala's network of navigable backwaters stretches to over 900km. These serene waterways are fringed by palm grove and paddy fields and offer a striking spectacle of the rustic life.  In Alleppey or Alappuzha, the life revolves around water. Children learn to swim before they walk. 

They learn to row boats before they bicycle. They learn their first lesson from the school of fish.

Situated in Kuttanad popularly known as the rice bowl of Kerala, QST & R Block Kayals (backwaters) remind the visitor of the famous dikes of Holland.

A striking example of the indigenous agricultural engineering know-how, here cultivation and habitation are made possible at four to ten feet below the sea level. For this purpose extensive land has been reclaimed from the backwaters and is protected by dikes built around it. A leisurely cruise along the canals here is a memorable experience.

Alappuzha or Aleppey was once the busiest coast south of Mumbai, and its canals and backwaters helped in the passage of cargo - be it tea, rubber or other produces from the hills - to the sea.

The lighthouse and the pier helped the boats ferry accross, facilitating trade in their own way. Today, the 1000 ft long pier at Allepey beach , built in 1862 by Captain Hugh Crawford is a mere skeleton of its past.

Alleppey's allure is the backwaters. Begin with a cruise, then stroll back into the town past the canals covered with mauve hyacinths.

A backwater cruise on the Punnamada Kayal takes you along canals past scenic islands offering sublime views of coconut and paddy fields, chinese fishing nets and toddy tappers at work.

Alleppey or Alappuzha's beauty is not merely in its backwaters, but in the man-made islands that you will find amidst the waters. These islands are hedged by mud walls, a haven for migratory birds, with paddy fields inundated with water throughout the year. These fields stand below sea level. R Block is especially famous for the fresh toddy served to guests.

Nearesh Airport - Cochin ( Kochi ) International Airport ( Travel time - 120 mins )

Nearest Railway Station - Alleppey Railway Station & Ernakulam Railway Station ( travel time - 90 mins )

Places of Interest:

Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Swami Temple(famous for ambalappuzha paal payasam)

Kuttanad - Rice bowl of Kerala

Within the perimeter of Alappuzha, a good number of unparalleled attractions

Kumarakam/Pathiramanal

Travel to kumarakom through waters catch the dazzling sceneries of bluish mangrove plantation. The bird Sanctuary and the Silver spread of scintillating backwaters roam over the little island of the Pathiramanal.

Mannarashala/Nagaraja Temple

Situated 32 kms south of Alappuzha near Harippad. The temple is one of the most important centers of serpent Worship in Kerala.

Arthunkal Church

A rare artifice in the Gothic's style, st. Sebastian is worshipped here and the Annual Festival or perunal is famous. 22 kms from Alappuzha.

Amruthapuri/ Vallikavu

You will notice a cross section of the international cosmopolitan culture in Vallikkavu. Quilon where devotees and oriental and occidental throng to the receive the blessings of the world renowned Matha Amrithananda Mayi.This internationally famous incarnation of divinity imparts solace and peace to all by her unparalleled supremacy in the metaphysical plane. It is situated 6 Kms away from Ochira, Kollam District.

Krishnapuram Palace

An old Palace, Kings of KayamKulam Dynasty ruled from here. A museum of antique, sculptures, paintings and bronzes.The famous mural“gajendramoksham” (Blesses Elephant King.) is preserved here.

Chettykulangara Temple

Supposed to be old center of Buddhist faith, the temple is now famous for its splendid annual festival Kettukazha. 100’s of huge figures of horses and bulls made of brightly decorated wood and paper, are displayed.

Karumadikuttan

It is traditionally believed to be a statue of lord Buddha dates back to 14th century. It displays the remnants of an ancient civilization with a rich religious heritage.

Thekkady

From Kottayam (which is locatedjust 50 Kms from alappuzha) traveling around 100 km you will get to thekkady, one of the finest game sanctuaries in the state. A 2 hr journey through the profound Periyaar lake offer beautiful sights of Wild Elephants, wild boars, bison, deer and tiger.

Munnar

A 5hr ride from Alappuzha(via Kottayam) you could reach Munnar, a splendid hill resort in the western Ghats. It is a heaven with salubrious climate. There are lakes, streams and worlds rich vista of tea plantations.

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