Alappuzha
Referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’ by travellers from across the world, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Caressed by the Arabian Sea in the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and freshwater rivers criss-crossing it, this backwater country shelters some unique animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed an exclusive place in the maritime history of Kerala. Famous for its boat races, beaches, marine products and coir industry, the singularity of this land is the region called Kuttanad- a land of lush paddy fields referred to as the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala’ and one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. This one-time prosperous trading and fishing centre today a world renowned backwater tourist destination.
How to Reach
Telephone access code: +91-477
Air: Nearest International Airports :
Thiruvananthapuram (150km)
Nedumbassery, Kochi (85km)
Rail : Railway enquiry Ph : 2253965
Road : KSRTC enquiry Ph : 2252501
Ferry Services : Enquiries Ph: 2252015
Swtd (Public boat service enquiry) Ph: 2252510
Tourist Information Offices
District Tourism Promotion Counsil Ph: 2253308, Fax : 2251720, E-mail : alp_dtpcalpy@sancharnet.in,
Website : www.dtpcalappuzha.com
Tourist Information Office, Department of Tourism Ph : 2260722
Place to Visit
Alappuzha Backwaters: With its labyrinth of waterways, Alappuzha, extolled by travellers as the ‘Venice of the East’ is one of Kerala’s most exotic backwater destinations. As the venue for the world renowned Nehru Trophy Boat Race, these backwaters come alive during the month of August every year. A house boat journey is the ideal way to soak in the delights of rustic Alappuzha.
Kuttanad: Kuttanad, called the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala’ because of its wealth of paddy crops, is at the very heart of the backwaters. Set in the interiors of Alappuzha, Kuttanad is a vast area of reclaimed land separated by dikes from water that is actually a few feet higher. The scenic countryside of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich field 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, which flow above land level, are an amazing feature of this region.
Alappuzha Beach: This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha. The pier here, which extends into the sea, 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 which is fascinating to visitors.
Special Attractions
Karumadi Kuttan: (3 km east of Ambalappuzha) Many fascinating legends are associated with this 11th century statue of Lord Buddha, protected by the State Archaeological Department. The locals regard the Kuttan with affection and he is credited with many healing powers.
Krishnapuram Palace: (47 km from Alappuzha) Built by Marthanda Varma, this palace at Karthikapally in Kayamkulam is famous for its three metre high mural, depicting the story of Gajendramoksham. Dating back to the 18th century, this exquisite piece of art is one of the largest murals in Kerala. The palace, which is a museum, now, houses antique sculptures, paintings and bronze artefacts.
Pathiramanal: (1 ½ hrs by motor boat /30min. by speedboat from Alappuzha) Spread over 10 acres, this little island on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. Lying between the backwaters of Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, a boat ride through serene waters will take you to the island. According to mythology, a young brahmin dived in to the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island of Pathiramanal (sands of midnight).
Sea View Park: The Park offers boating facilities and a swimming pool. Boat rentals for 10 minutes: Round boat (4 seater): Rs.10, Pedal boat (2 seater): Rs. 15, Pedal boat (4 seater): Rs. 25, Video permit: Rs. 15 Camera permit: Rs. 100.
Thakazhi Museum and Smritimandapam: (22 km from Alappuzha, Open 0930-1630 hrs except on Mondays) This museum-cum-memorial hall is dedicated to the memory of the late Thakazhi Sivasankaran Pillari (1912-1999), the famous writer who won the Jnanapeeth award in 1984, and whose writings include 35 novels and 600 short stories Ph: 0477-2274243.
Alappuzha canal: The vast network of canals and its promenades lined with eateries, shops selling ethnic artefacts and so on are a major tourist attraction.
Q,S,T and R Block Kayal: These regions are wonders of the indigenous agricultural engineering know-how of Kerala and remind visitors of the famous dikes of a Holland. Extensive areas of land have been reclaimed from the backwaters and are protected by dikes built all around, a process that started 100 years ago. Here, cultivation and habitation are made possible four to ten feet below sea level. R Block, nearly 850 acres, is the largest reclaimed area. A leisurely cruise along the canals that surround these kayals is a memorable experience.
The Vijaya Beach Park: (Open 03.00-08.00hrs.) A picnic spot with a children’s park & boating facilities. Entrance fee: Rs. 2 per person; free entry for children below 5 years. Boating charge: Rs. 10 for 10 minutes. Other facilities for children: Toy train, bicycles, Video permit: Rs. 25, Camera permit: Rs. 5.
Places of Worship
Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple: (15 km South of Alappuzha) Built in the typical Kerala architectural style, this temple is famous all over India for the Palpayasam, a daily offering of deliciously sweet milk porridge. It is also in this temple that Pallipana is performed by Velans (sorcerers) once in every twelve years. Paintings of the Dasavatharam (the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) are on display on the inner walls of the Chuttambalam. Ottanthullal, a satiric art form created by the poet Kunchan Nambiar, was first performed on the premises of this temple.
Arthunkal Church: (22 km north of Alappuzha) The St. Sebastian’s Church here is an important Christian pilgrim centre. The annual festival, Arthunkal Perunnal is celebrated in January.
Chakkulathukavu Bhagavathy Temple: (30 km southeast of Alappuzha near Neerettupuram.Open 05.00-01.00 hrs, 04.30-08.00 hrs) Situated on the border of Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts, the famous rivers Pamba and Manimala flow on either side of the temple. Ph: 0477-2213550
Champakulam Church: Among the oldest churches in Kerala, the St. Mary’s Church is believed to be one of the seven established by St. Thomas in AD 427. The annual feast of this church falls on the 3rd Sunday of October every year. The feast of St. Joseph is celebrated on March 19th. Nearby is a place that makes wooden statues of Christ to export around the world.
Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Mavelikkara: The Kettukazhcha Festival at this temple draws large crowds of devotees. Processions of tall decorated structures on chariots, brightly decorated effigies of horse and bullocks and cultural performances make a spectacular pageant. (Festival - February/March). The one-day annual Bharani festival at the temple is also a popular event. In front of the sanctum sanctorum is the 11 feet high, 13-tiered stone lamp-capable of holding a thousand wicks-said to be the largest and most elaborate lamp in India.
Edathua Church: (24 km from Alappuzha, on the Alappuzha-Thiruvalla Road, Open 04.00-08.00 hrs, Prayer timings: 06.00 and 07.00 hrs-Fridays 04.00 hrs as well, Sundays 0600m 08.00 10.00 and 04.00 hrs) Established in 1810, the church is dedicated to St. George. It is believed that prayers and offerings at this church help to heal mental disorders and other ailments. During the annual feast (5th, 6th and 7th May) pilgrims from all parts of South India, irrespective of caste and creed, visit the St. George Forane Church and seek the blessings of the saint. Ph: 0477-2212234.
Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple: (32 km south of Alappuzha) Situated near Harippad, this is a serpent shrine under the patronage of a Brahmin family, headed by a priestess. The ancient shrine is an internationally renowned pilgrim centre dedicated to the Serpent God Nagaraja. Sarpa Yakshi and Naga Yakshi are the beloved consorts of Nagaraja. It is believed that Nagaraja, as the installed deity, is endowed with the form of Hari (Lord Vishnu) and the spirit of Lord Siva. Legend has it that the first priestess of Mannarasala gave birth to a five-headed snake, which is believed to reside in the ancestral house to safeguard the family. At Mannarasala, bareen women are believed to be blessed with children and a special turmeric paste available at the shrine is credited with powers to cure even leprosy.
