Alappuzha is known as the Venice of the East. It has a glorious past in the by-gone maritime history of Kerala due its proximity to the sea. Today it is an important destination of tourists who are interested in backwater tourism. Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty interlocked with a large number of canals and bridges having enormous untapped potential for backwater tourism. With the Arabian Sea washing its silvery waves in the west, the entire Alappuzha is covered with a vast network of lakes, rivers and fresh water lagoons.  Three rivers in the southern part of Kerala known as Achankovil, Manimala and Pamba end their journey in the lakes of Alappuzha. Alappuzha is also famous for its coir, the golden yarn of Kerala. Alappuzha still retains its monopoly in coir production and export. Kuttanad, a vast area of this district, is one of the rare places in the world where paddy is cultivated below the sea level. The region is known as the Rice Bowl of Kerala. Alappuzha is a great centre of fisheries. Purakkad, one of the main fishing centers of Alappuzha, is famous for Chakara,(fishermen's celebration) a rare occurrence in which a large number of fish swarm together during May to August.

AT A GLANCE

ACCESSING ALAPPUZHA

Telephone Access Code: +91 -477
Tourist Information Office: 2251796

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Boat Race: Alappuzha is widely known for the snake boat races. Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Payippad, Thiruvanvandoor, Karuvatta and Thykkoottam are the major Boat Race of Alappuzha. Among these, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is considered as the biggest and colourful snake boat race in the world. The snake boats of 30 to 60 metres with 100 to 150 men ploughed the waters singing legendary songs are indeed marvelous scene.  Nehru Trophy was instituted to commemorate Jawaharlal Nehru, former Prime Minister of India who was fascinated by the allure and gaiety of the boat race.

Pathiramanal: Pathiramanal is a little island on the backwaters. It is a place where hundreds and thousands of migratory birds from different parts of the world reaches. Pathiramanal is accessible only by boat after an hour’s journey by motorboat.

Arthunkal: The Arthunkal St. Andrew’s Church is one of the famous Christian houses of worship in the district. There is a grand feast organized by the church authorities every January in memory of St. Sebastian.

Krishnapuram palace: This palace is famous for its mural depicting the story of Gajendramoksham, dating back to the 18th century. The palace museum houses antique sculptures, painting and bronzes.

Alappuzha Beach: Sandy beaches and sea view parks are the specialities of Alappuzha. A light house and sea pier constructed in 1862 are other major attractions.

Boat Cruise
Alappuzha – Kollam and Alappuzha – Kottayam boat cruise and house boat cruises through the backwaters attract a number of foreign and domestic tourists each year. Important festivals of Alappuzha Districts are Mannarasala Serpent Temple at  Harippad
Chandanakudam of  Kakkazhom Juma Masjid,  Edathuwa Perunnal, Chettikulangara Kettukazhcha  etc.

PHOTO ALBUM