| Alleppey is one of the most important tourist centers in the state, with a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the east". These large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Alleppey was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past with one of the best known ports along the malabar coast. Even today it retains its charm as the centre for Coir carpet industries and prawn farming. Alleppey the ideal headquarters for backwater tourism as well as for visits to the lovely church filled town of Kottayam, and the town of Aranmula, famous for its historic Aranmula Snake Boat Race which is an annual event. |
| Alleppey is also known for its spectacular snake - boat races held on the second Saturday of August, every year. This competition - the Nehru boat race takes its name from India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who inaugurated in 1952. It is excitement all around as snake - boats , each manned by over a hundred oarsmen, cut through the waters like wind. The event is a tremendous success with tourists and the local population alike. The boat cruise along the backwaters of Alleppey give one first hand experience of the life style; toddy tapping, fishing for small fry, Coir-making, prawn farming etc., which remains more or less unchanged over the years. |
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Allahabd lacks in terms of entertainment avenues. However, the city is undergoing rapid transformation with opening of a number of shopping malls, multiplexes and restaurants. Still the city has very sedate pace of life compared to other large cities. Traditionally, the main market areas of the city are Civil Lines, Chowk and Katra. However, newer market places have developed in recent years, Allahpur being the prime example. CLIMATE: |
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Ambalapuzha: This famous Sri Krishna temple at Ambalapuzha, is famous for its traditional Kerala architecture and delicious palpayasam(sweet porridge made with milk). At a distance of 3kms from Ambalapuzha is the 10th century Karumadikuttan statue, a black granite statue of Buddha. This is 14kms away from Alleppey. Aranmula: The Sri Krishna temple here is famous for the boat race held annually in August-September. Aranmula is famous for its Kannadi, hand-made mirrors made of polished metal. Aruthunkal: The ancient St.Sebastian Church was built by the Portuguese and is a popular centre of pilgrimage for the Christians of Kerala.The feast of St.Sebastian is held every January. This is 22 kms north of Alappuzha. Chettikulangara Bhagawati Temple: This temple of Bhadrakali (form of Parvati) possess miraculous powers. The festival is celebrated during February/ March every year and the festivity 'Kettukazhcha' is a procession of tall decorated structures in chariots in which effigies of horses, bullock and epic heroes, the Pandavas and various scenes from the puranas are displayed. Mannarsala: One of the most important centres of serpent worship in Kerala. The festival is celebrated on the day of Ayilyam in September / October. This is situated 32 kms away from Alleppey near Harippad. Alleppey Beach: This spectacular beach is long and has dense palm groves on one end.This is very near to Alleppey Railway Station. |
Alleppey, Kerala - Alleppey
Houseboat - Alleppey
Backwater - Alleppey
Sunset - Alleppey
Alleppey- Kuttanad: Life in Alleppey (Alappuzha) or "The Venice of the East", goes on on its wide network of canals and often,the small, low slung country boats are your only source of transport.Get on these boats and rub shoulders with a colourful and varied group of locals.Or take a ride into Kuttanad through lush green fields and watch coir workers soak, beat and weave coconut fibres into long ropes on spindles as you pass the endless stretch of coconut trees.
Lying between Quilon and Alleppey, the Kuttanad backwaters offer an unforgettable journey into dense vegetation and tropical palm groves. See life pass you by in the form of fishermen, local people sailing in narrow boats, Portuguese churches and local children on the shore. Finally, sail into Alleppey harbour, with its lush meadows and palm trees.
Attractions and Places to Visit in Alleppey:
"Venice of the East", Alleppey is a not-to-be-missed delectable tourist destination if you travel to Kerala. Apart from its exotic backwater locations, Alleppey is famous for the annual Nehru Trophy boat race takes place during the month of August-September in Punnamada Kayal. During this time the place becomes vibrant with festive and competitive spirit.
To get a feel of traditional and typical Keralan style of architecture, the two-storied Krishnapuram Temple, displays the best example. The largest mural painting, Gajendra Miksham, is displayed in a museum here. Typical temple architecture and culture of Kerala can be witnessed in Ambalapuzha Temple, where Lord Krishna is worshipped. During the festival period of March/April, the Keralan delicacy payasam can be savored.
Alleppey is dotted with temples, highly revered not only in the state but throughout the country. Situated in the heart of the town, Mullackal Temple, dedicated to goddess Rajarajeswari, is also a place worth visiting. Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, surrounded by thick-green forests, is a holy place where the king of serpents is worshiped. Number of devotees from all over India and abroad visit this place every year. The Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple is believed to have miraculous powers and hence visited by number of pilgrims every year. Kottamkulangara Mahavishnu Temple and Devi Temple are the oldest temples of Alleppey and are sites worth visiting, especially during the time of festivals. And a visit to St. Andrew's Church, established by the Portuguese missionaries, can give visitors to witness the feast of St. Sebastian.
Alleppey is also a shoppers delight. Among the locally available products of Alleppey are the coir products and carpets. The fine quality, variety and reasonable price tag make these products stay high in the demand list of tourists. Besides Alleppey is also famous for its pepper, coconut oil, areca nut, cardamon, sugar, etc. Several markets are available in Alleppey, though the market of Kayamkulam is most important.
How to Reach Alleppey:
Air : The nearest airport is Cochin (64 Kms) and Trivandrum (159 Kms). The flights are available for major cities of the country from these airports.
Rail : Alleppey railhead is connected to Cochin (64 Kms) and other parts of the country.
Road : The excellent road networks connect Alleppey with major towns of Kerala and other parts of India.
Boat/Ferry : Alleppey is connected by boat services to Kottayam, Changanasseri, Kollam and Kumarakom.