Raja Keshawadasan, Divan of Travanacore in 1762, founded Alappuzha. Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it. Referred to as the Venice of the east by tourists, across the world. It is ideal home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the Alappuzha has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Referred to as the Venice of the east by tourists, across the world. It is ideal home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the Alappuzha has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala.
The ' Venice of the East' is one of the best-known ports along the coast of Malabar. Built on the banks of a network of canals, it was a famous trade centre of ancient times. The beach here is also worth watching, the Arthunkal beach in worthy of development as an international holiday resort. Watching rural life at close quarters - the many activities like; toddy tapping, fishing for small fry, coir-making, prawn farming, and scores of other sights by a boat trip in a country craft up and down the narrow canals in the coastal region is gaining in popularity among the foreign tourists and the North Indian visitors alike. Alappuzha offers tourists good shopping options.
Among the locally available products of Alappuzha are the coir products and carpets. The fine quality, variety and reasonable price tag make these products stay high in demand list of tourists. Besides Alappuzha is also famous for its pepper, coconut oil, areca nut, cardamom, sugar, etc. Several markets are available in Alappuzha, though the market of Kayamkulam is most important. Alappuzha is not to be missed tourist destination in Kerala. Apart from its exotic backwater locations, Alappuzha is famous for Boat race. The important Boat race in Alappuzha is the Nehru Trophy Boat race. During this time the place becomes vibrant with festive and competitive spirit.
This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha (The pier, which extends into the sea here, 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 greatly fascinating to visitors.
(15 km south of Alappuzha) built in the typical Kerala architectural style, this temple is famous all over India for the Palpayasam, the daily offering of deliciously sweet milk porridge. It is also in this temple that pallipana is performed by velans (sorcerers) once every twelve years.
One of the most important pilgrim centres of Christians in Kerala, popularly known as St. Sebastian Church, 22 km north of Alappuzha. Portuguese missionaries established this church, which is near Sherthallai. The feast of St. Sebastian is held here every.
One of the oldest churches in Kerala, the St. Mary's Church is believed to be one of the seven established by St. Thomas. The annual feast at this church falls on the 3rd Sunday of October every year.
Chavara Bhavan 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. Situated at a distance of 6 km from Alappuzha. Accessible only by boat.
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, 6th and 7th of May) pilgrims from all parts of South India, irrespective of caste and creed, visit the church and seek the blessings of the saint. The site is 24 km from Alappuzha, on the Alappuzha - Thiruvalla Road.
Kuttanad, called the rice bowl of Kerala because of her wealth of paddy crops, is at the very heart of the backwaters. The scenic countryside of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop 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.
It is traditionally believed to be a statue of Lord Buddha. The relates back to the 11th century and many legends are associated with Karumaadikuttan.
A small island of Alleppey is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds, which comes from different parts of the world. The island is accessible only by a boat. This 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island, Pathiramanal (sands of midnight).