Alleppey

Built in the 9th century AD, Alleppey, called Alappuzha lies on the edge of the great Ashtamudi lake. With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast labyrinth of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers criss-crossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty.

Related to the Venice of the East by travellers from around the world, this Backwater Country is also home to diverse range of animals and birds. It has always been honoured a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala for its proximity to the sea. Alleppey has earned fame in the commercial world as the world's premier supplier of coir.

Today, Alleppey has emerged as a Backwater Tourist Centre, beckoning thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alleppey is also famous for its 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, a water sport unique to Kerala.

Tourist Attractions

Alleppey Beach:
Close to Alleppey Railway Station, the Alleppey beach is long and has thick palm groves on one end. This is an ideal place to sit and relax.

Alleppey Backwaters:
Alleppey - Kuttanad-The enticing backwaters and the amazing backwater house boats attracts thousands of tourists to this place. Get on these boats and rub shoulders with a colorful and varied group of locals.Or take a ride into Kuttanad through lush green fields and watch coir workers soak, beat and weave coconut fibers into long ropes on spindles as you pass the endless stretch of coconut trees.

Krishnapuram Palace:
Situated about 47 km from Alleppey, this 18th century palace of the Travancore kings is built in typical Kerala style of architecture. On the show are antique sculptures, paintings and bronze artifacts, which are worth appreciating.

Ambalapuzha Temple:
This famous Sri Krishna temple at Ambalapuzha, is known for its traditional Kerala architecture and delicious palpayasam (sweet porridge made with milk). About 3 kms from Ambalapuzha is the 10th century Karumadikuttan statue, a black granite statue of Buddha.

Aruthunkal:
Situated 22 km north of Alleppey is the ancient St.Sebastian Church, which was erected by the Portuguese and is a popular centre of pilgrimage for the Christians of Kerala. The feast of St.Sebastian is held every January.

Excursions

Kuttanad.
This beautiful place lies below sea level and is worth the visit. Once there, you will definitely be reminded of Holland because of the scenic surroundings.

Mannarshala Temple.
This temple is located at a distance of around 30 kilometers from Alleppey. The place is famous for its serpent temple where the holy proceedings are taken care of by a priestess.

Pathiramanal.
An ideal place for fishing and bird-watching, Pathiramanal is an island in the Vembanad Lake. Visit this island to get away from the bustling life and get touched by nature in its best form.

Punappra
Located at a short distance from Alappuzha, the Punappra village is the place that is famous for the tussles between the Travancore Police and the communists during India's Freedom Struggle.

Access

By Air:
The airport nearest to Alleppey is Kochi at a distance of 64 km north. The Trivandrum airport is located 159 km south of Alleppey.Cities like Cochin, Chennai, Howrah, Bangalore and Bokaro are well connected to Alleppey.

By Rail :
Alleppey is also well connected through waterways. Alleppey is linked by boat and ferry services through the scenic backwaters to Cochin, Kottayam, Kavalam, Changanassery and Chengannur.

By Road :
National Highway 47 goes through Alleppey connecting it with almost all the nearby places of South India