Alappuzha, Kerala – Streams, lakes and river makes it an wonderful tourist destination
Alappuzha has always enjoyed an important place in the maritime history of Kerala. Previously known as Aleppey its present name is Alappuzha. Ala means streams and Puzha means river. With streams, lakes and river Aleppey is a wonderful tourist destination. Today, it is famous for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Alappuzha beach is a popular picnic spot.
Places to see at Alapuzha: There is some marvelous sight seeing destinations at Alapuzha which include,
Alleppey Beach
Alleppey Beach or Alappuzha Beach has a long stretch of sandy beach with a lighthouse and a pier jutting out into the sea, a reminder of its age-old maritime importance.
Mullakkal Bhagavathy Temple
Mullakkal Bhagavathy Temple in the heart of town dedicated to Goddess Rajarajeshwari gives the feel of a typical Kerala Temple.
Mannarasala Temple
It is like a pilgrimage destination for the followers of Nagaraja or the serpent god. The Mannarasala Temple has over 30,000 images of snakes and special procession and offerings are made to celebrate Mannarsala Aayilyam, the main festival of this temple.
Alappuzha CSI Christ Church
Built in 1818 by the first Church Missionary Society, Allappuzha CSI Church was the first church established in Travancore.
Nearby attractions around Allepey: A tourist can make excursions from Alleppey to nearby historic places and scenic spots.
Pathiramanal
A beautiful little island in the Vembanad Lake, Pathiramanal, can be reached only by boat and is a newly developed tourist spot.
Sri Krishna Temple
Just 14 km from Alleppey, the Sri Krishna temple at Ambalapuzha is among Kerala’s most famous temples with the typical temple architectural style of the state. It is also known for its palpayasam, sweet milk porridge offered to the diet. Close to Ambalapuzha, the village of Karumadi is famous for its Karumadi Kuttan a black granite figure of Buddha, said to belong to the 9th or 10th Century. During his visit to Kerala in 1965, the Dalai Lama worshipped at this shrine.
Arthinkal
Arthinkal is known for the St. Andrews Church established by Portuguese missionaries in 1951, and is near Sherthallai, 22 km north of Alleppey. The feast of St. Sebastian is held here every January. On the Pamba river is Chambakulam, the site for the famous boat regatta held during August/September, which has traditionally involved the participation of all communities.
Krishnapuram Palace
The 18th Century Krishnapuram Palace, built during the reign of the Travancore monarch, Marthanda Varma, houses one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala, called the Gajendra Moksham. A short distance from Alleppey, is Punnapra, a village which has gone down in history as the scene of a battle between the Communists and the Travancore State Police in the Punnapra-Vayalar Communist Uprising of 1946.
Ambalapuzha
It is situated 14 kms. away from Alleppey. In its architectural features, the SreekrishnaTemple confirms the typical Kerala style. The temple is famous through out Kerala for ‘Palpayasam’ a milk porridge of exceptional sweetness offered to the deity.
Karumadikkuttan
Situated 3 km east of Ambalapuzha, this village is known for its 10th century Karumadikkuttan statue, a black granite figure of the great Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. There are many interesting legends connected to this idol.
Champakulam
Champakulam – the water logged village is also the place of oldest angadi (market) known as Kalloorkkadu angadi. The St. Mary Forane Church built in 427 A D is another major attraction famous for its beautiful mural paintings for both tourists and believers. In Champakulam you can see Nadubhagum and Champakulam snake boats which take part in the annual snake boat races.
Things to do at Alappuzha: Unwind yourself fully in the water kingdom at Alappuzha. If you visit the place don’t miss the house boat cruise. The ones you find in the backwaters of Alappuzha are in fact reworked version of Kettuvallams of olden times.
Best time to visit Alappuzha: December to February is the ideal time to visit Alappuzha.
How to go ?
By Air
The Cochin International Airport, located at a distance of 75 kiolmetres is the nearest airport to Allepey. The airport is well connected to major cities in India as well as abroad.
By Train
The Alleppey Railway Station lies within the city limits and is well connected by rail to Cochin and Trivandrum.
By Road
Kerala State Run Transport Corporation buses connect Alleppey to most major cities in Kerala.
Where to stay ?
There are many hotels available suitable to budgets both government and private.
Hotel Tamarind (KSTDC): +91-0477-2244460
Hotel Arcadia Regency: +91-0477- 2230414 – 417 Website: www.arcadiaregency.com
Keraleeyam Ayurvedic Resort: +91- 0477 -2231468- 2236950 Website: www.keraleeyam.com
Green Palace Health Resort: +91-8289 933 715 Website: www.greenpalacekerala.com
Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.
