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Tourist hot spots in Alappuzha

One of the exotic sites of backwater tourism in the state of Kerala is better known as the "Venice of the East" This tiny town in Kerala attracts tourists especially during the time of the annual boat race. Alleppey is the pivotal point for boat cruises into Kerala's famed backwaters and the state's lush rice bowl, Kuttanad. 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.

The boat cruise along the backwaters of Alleppey give one a first hand experience of the simple life style of the people. One of the most popular cruise routes are from Alleppey south to Quilon (Kollam) for about 8 hours including stops for lunch, chaya (tea), a temple visit and a Kathakali (dance drama) apart from enjoying the most entrancing scenery of palm-lined banks, quiet water-bound villages, Chinese fishing nets, prawn farming and coir manufacturing process.

You can enjoy a cruise on a traditional houseboat or Kettuvallom into a serene world of quiet water and greenery interrupted only by the sound of rippling water and bird calls. The 18th century Krishnapuram Palace was built during the reign of the Travancore Monarch, Marthanda Varma. Some of the most scenic Kerala backwaters are to be seen near this town of the coast of Kerala, India.

Beach

Alleppey Beach which is a long beach of golden sands with a pier opening into the Arabian Sea. It was an ancient major port protected by Velathambi dalava. The obsolete sea bridge will tell the past history. There is a Vijaya beach park, sea view park with boating. The lighthouse is the oldest in Kerala built in 1862.

Nehru Trohpy boat race

Is the venue for the annual snake boat races held during the Onam festival, where teams compete for the Nehru Gold Cup. The event is a popular tourist attraction where crowds gather to cheer their favorite teams.

The boat race is Kerala's major boat race. The venue is the Punnamada backwaters near the Alappuzha town. This race is in the month of August.

Mermaid statue

It is located on the banks of canal near the boat jetty.

Punnapra Martyr memorial

Located 8 km from Alleppey town near SD college 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. During the pre-Independence era, Communist attacked the Travancore police. During the firing many were died and a memorial was erected for the martyrs.

Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna temple

It is Kerala's most famous temples with the typical temple architectural style of the state. It is equally famed for its palpayasam, sweet milk porridge offered to the diety. The temple is 14 km south of Alappuzha.

Karumadikuttan

This 9th or 10th Century black granite figure of Buddha & stupa is located 3 km from Ambalapuzha on the Thiruvalla road. During his visit to Kerala in 1965, the Dalai Lama worshipped at this shrine.

Takazhi museum

This is the tomb and house of novelist Takazhi Shivashakara pilla, located 6 km from Ambalapuzha.

Edathua St George church

Established in 1810, the church 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 of May) pilgrims from all parts of South India, irrespective of caste and creed, visit the church and seek the blessings of the saint George / Varghese. A main Christian pilgrim centre 14 km from Ambalapuzha (24 km from Alappuzha).

Chambakulam boat race

This race is in the month of July in Pamba river near Ambalapuzha.

Chambakulam St. Mary's church

This ancient church is believed to be one of the church established by St. Thomas.

Kakazham Juma masjid

This masjid is famous for the Chandana kudam maholtsavam, 14 km from Alappuzha on the NH 47 side.

Alappuzha - Kollam boating

This boating route is popular among tourists. One can wander the uncharted waters of Vembanad lake in the luxury of a houseboat. Vembanad lake is Kerala's most beautiful and scenic backwater. Alappuzha Tourist Information Centre can arrange the trip.

Pathiramanal island

A beautiful little island (10 acre) on the Vembanad 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 from Muhamma's Kayippuram jetty (2 km)/Kumarakom. Pathiramanal (sands of midnight), is an enchanting island.

Manarasala Nagaraja temple

Mannarasala, is a very important center of serpent worship in Kerala, built in a cool grove of trees and shrubs, this temple is said to contain 30,000 images of snake-gods, which line the path to the temple. It is the only temple in Kerala with a woman as chief priest. Snake gods are pleased by singing pullavan pattu. The Ayilyam (Nov) is the main festival. The temple is located near the Harippad Subramanya temple (32 km from Alappuzha), which is famous for the Kavadi festival.

Krishnapuram palace museum

This two storied palace was built at the time of king Marthanda Varma. The 'Ganjendra Moksham' Mural, one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala, is a major attraction in the palace. A museum with antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes is housed inside the building. Located 3 km south of Kayamkulam KSRTC bus stand.

Arthunkal Palli

Arthunkal is a coastal village in Alappuzha district. The Arthunkal, St. Andrew's Church has a history dating back more than four and half centuries. The annual feast st. Sebastian's, at the church is a grand event. The eleven day long Arthunkal Church Feast in the month of January attracts people of all religions on a big scale. Before the church there is St.Thomas christens lived and worshiped the st.Thomas statue and cross in there home. There St. Andrews Church established by Portuguese missionaries in 1551, is near 8 km west of Cherthala, 22 km north of Alappuzha. The feast of St. Sebastian is held here every January 20 th.

Chavara Bhavan

6 km from Alappuzha, accessible only by boat 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.

Alappuzha Photo Gallery

Kumarakom

Is a breathtakingly beautiful paradise stocked with divine mangroves and coconut groves, lush green paddy fields, gushing waters snaking through the dense forests and the magnificent delicate fluttering blossoms. Kumarakom in Kerala is 16 km from the nearest city, Kottayam and Alappuzha. Best time to visit June and August.