A foggy highway at Kulamavu, Idukki
_Width_1130pxHeight_385px.jpg)
A foggy highway at Kulamavu, Idukki
_Width_1130pxHeight_385px.jpg)
A view of Siruvani Hills, Palakkad
_Width_1130pxHeight_385px.jpg)
Kanthanpara Water Falls at Kalpetta, Wayanad
I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in. Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.
A 9th century town, Alappuzha, erstwhile Alleppy(named by British),with the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast labyrinth of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers crisscrossing it lies on the edge of the great Ashtamudi Lake is a destination of immense natural beauty. Alappuzha is one of the oldest planned city in this region and the lighthouse built on the coast of the city is the first of its kind along the Laccadive Sea coast.
Called as “Venice of the East” by Lord Curzon & travellers from around the world, this backwater destination is steeped with history and known as the "Venetian Capital" of Kerala. Alappuzha is the capital of quality coir products in India which are exported worldwide. It also has a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala for its proximity to the sea. In 2016, Centre for Science and Environment rated Alappuzha as the top cleanest town in India followed by Mysuru & Panaji.
According to Dr. Herman Gundert's dictionary, the name Alappuzha is a toponym. ‘Alam’ means ‘water’ and ‘puzha’ means ‘river’. It refers to the network of waterways and backwaters that Alappuzha and surrounding areas are famous for. Alappuzha is home to more than 5000 kms of narrow and broad backwater channels, today emerged as a Backwater Tourist Centre, beckoning thousands of foreign tourists each year. The channels connect Kumarakom and Cochin to the North and Quilon to the South. The place offers a bouquet of various experiences such as Boat races, Houseboat Holidays, Beaches, Marine Products and Coir Industry. Every year, during August-September, Alleppey wakes up to the pulsating Nehru Cup Snake Boat Race in Punnamada Lake, a water sport unique to Kerala. The mullackal chirap is also one of the attractions of Alappuzha which is the festive season held for ten days every year in December.
Alappuzha Beach
Just 2 Kms from Alappuzha Railway Station, Alappuzha beach is a lovely, serene, clean white sand beach on Arabian Sea. The beach is lined with dense palm groves at one end. The beach has an old pier which extend to sea which is close to 150 years! The children’s park at northern end is an ideal place for kids to hang out. Although there are many small eateries & few cafes in the beach area which offers good food, the beach has considerably less commercial activity. Also one won’t see any water sports facilities at the beach. Bathing in the beach is prohibited because it is not safe some stretches of the beach. Alappuzha beach host many events annually like Alappuzha beach festival, Sand art festival and many more.
Kuttanad
Called as the 'Rice Bowl of Kerala’, Kuttanad lies at the very heart of the backwaters in Alappuzha district. The wealth of paddy fields it has, is where it got its unique nickname. Being in the inner regions of the district, it is a huge area of reclaimed land, separated by dikes from water which is higher than it appears. The view of the countryside is what enchants all who pass through this area while travelling via houseboats. It has been speculated that it is perhaps the only place in the world where farming is done up to 2 meters below sea level. Kuttanad is historically important in the ancient history of South India and is the major rice producer in the state. Farmers of Kuttinad are famous for Biosaline Farming. FAO has declared the Kuttanad farming system as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).The land has 4 major rivers: Pampa, Meenachil, Achankovil and Manimala.
A main arterial road that passes through the heart of Kuttanad which connects Alappuzha - Changanassery is famous for its scenic view. One gets to view a slice of the traditional country lifestyle. Visits to these villages will give you a life changing experience. Especially during the harvest season, one finds farmers working in the fields most of the day. Fields with rice stalks have legions of parrots hovering around them. One may also see darter birds flying around as they are known to be around the area surrounding the backwaters.
While you canoe thru the narrow canals that crisscross Kuttanad are home to tall coconut trees. You can experience a slice of traditional country lifestyle like ducks quacking around as youths dive into the water to hunt for shells, women folks doing laundry on the banks etc. Some of the tastiest, spiciest cuisine can be found at the toddy shacks nearby and if you feel like it, do ask for toddy. It is a native alcoholic beverage that is extremely popular in the Kerala which is extracted from the coconut tree
Other attractions in Alappuzha are Alappuzha Beach, offering a views of the Pozhiyoram
Beach, Laccadive Sea, Pathiramanal , Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, St. Andrew's Basilica, Arthunkal, Mannarasala Temple, Chettikulangara Devi Temple, Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy temple, Krishnapuram Palace, Thakazhy Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Mullakkal Temple, Padanilam Parabrahma Temple, Edathua Church, Alappuzha CSI Christ Church (oldest Anglican church in Central Kerala), Mararikulam beach, and Champakulam Valia Palli.
Pre Plannng:
Things to do
How to Reach
Other Info
Visit Alappuzha and enjoy the slice of Kerala which can be a life changing experiance.
The best time to visit Alappuzha Beach would be the sunset or the sunrise.
The Alappuzha Lighthouse is situated in the coastal town of Alappuzha, Kerala. It was built in 1862 and is a major tourist attraction. Visitors are allowed between 15.00 hours and 16.30 hours on every weekday at an admission fee of ten rupees.
The pier which is over 137 years old extends into the sea . A towering light house overlooks the beach. Do visit and be taken back in time!
Alappuzha backwaters is a fertile breeding ground for fishes, prawns, lobsters, crabs & clams. So just takeout your best fishing rod and dangle the bait and a good catch await you.
Alappuzha backwaters is a fertile breeding grounds for fishes, prawns, lobsters, crabs, clams. So just takeout your best fishing rod and dangle the bait and a good catch await you.
The family here is boiling clams (caught from the lake) to separate shells from the eatable soft portion inside. Note the heap of empty shells. The metal container has the meat.
Kerala houseboats are one finest example of man made wonders which delightfully contrast with the evergreen creation of the almighty. Made with utmost care and designed to please the visitors, Kerala houseboats are eco-friendly and one can enjoy the vast stretches of the backwaters, whose beauty are beyond comparison and descriptions.
Relish the narrow backwater channel canoeing and take in the scenery of paddy fields, coconut groves.
Cruise thru the village highway and know how the local culture thrives.
Walk around the coir making village and learn to make coir rope!
Kerala Ayurveda Kendra is devoted to age-old Indian system of medicine-Ayurveda with holistic approach to health care. Kerala Ayurveda Kendra provides all traditional Ayurvedic therapies like – Abhyanga Massage, Panchkarma Therapies, Sirodhara, Herbal steam, Yoga etc.
Come August and Alleppey is full to inches by people who come here to watch the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. The race is ferociously beautiful, no doubt. If you visit Alappuzha around June, one gets to interact with the rowers when the practise sessions are on.
Book today your dream holiday here! Know More
