Alappuzha

Alappuzha or Alleppey, is famous for its boat races, Kerala houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. Alappuzha remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerela Tourism as one of the major centers for backwater boat trips. A host of boat races are held here during the harvest season (between July and September), Also known as the start of kerala Tourism Season. Alleppey or Alappuzha is also known as the "Venice of the East" its was here that traders from across the seven seas came in search of black gold and souvenirs.

Alleppey has a large network of canals and one of the major centres for Kerala backwater boat trips. This palace where narrow canals, rivers, lakes lagoons and land meet are aptly called “Alleppey backwaters” In this wonderful land lush green paddy fields, coconut plantation, topicana and banana, mango are cultivated four to six feet below the sea level. Life in Alleppey backwaters cannot be though without a canoe or boats. It is the land of fishermen and women. It distinguishes itself with prawns, mussels, pearl spot fish and other fishes. Tourist Are very much fond of dishes made with fishes. In order to be one with Vembanad Lake which is the biggest freshwater lake in Kerala a backwater cruise on the lakes and rivers take you along canals past scenic islands offering sublime views of coconut and paddy fields, fishing nets, toddy tapers at work, flocks of ducks swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky and typical Kerala village houses to experience an extra ordinary trip through the Kerala backwaters and take sweet memories of Kerala back.

Kerala's network of navigable backwaters stretches to over 900km. These serene waterways are fringed by palm grove and paddy fields and offer a striking spectacle of the rustic life.

In Alappuzha, the life revolves around water. Children learn to swim before they walk. They learn to row boats before they bicycle. They learn their first lesson from the school of fish.

Alappuzha or Alleppey is also home to Kuttanad, The rice bowl of kerala, one of the very few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Kuttanad is a land of lush paddy fields and stretches for 75 Km sandwiched between the sea and the hills. Kuttanad is the most beautiful backwaters region of Kerala. It is here that most of the snake boat races are conducted and a majority of the rice boat & houseboat cruises are scheduled.

A striking example of the indigenous agricultural engineering know-how, here cultivation and habitation are made possible at four to ten feet below the sea level. For this purpose extensive land has been reclaimed from the backwaters and is protected by dikes built around it. A leisurely Houseboat cruise along the canals here is a memorable experience. Alappuzha or Aleppey was once the busiest coast south of Mumbai, and its canals and backwaters of Kerala helped in the passage of cargo - be it tea, rubber or other produces from the hills - to the sea. The lighthouse and the pier helped the boats ferry accross, facilitating trade in their own way. Today, the 1000 ft long pier at Allepey beach , built in 1862 by Captain Hugh Crawford is a mere skeleton of its past. A Kerala backwater cruise on the Punnamada Kayal takes you along canals past scenic islands offering sublime views of coconut and paddy fields, chinese fishing nets and toddy tappers at work. Alappuzha's beauty is not merely in its backwaters, but in the man-made islands that you will find amidst the waters. These islands in the backwaters of kerala are hedged by mud walls, a haven for migratory birds, with paddy fields inundated with water throughout the year. These fields stand below sea level. R Block is especially famous for the fresh toddy served to guests

Some of the unique attractions of Alappuzha are:

Water Sports: Tourists can participate in numerous beach activities offered on the beautiful Alappuzha beach. For instance, you could indulge in any of the exciting water sports such as surfing or parasailing, or go swimming in the clear blue sea, or even try your hand at building a sand castle or playing a game of beach volleyball.

Boat Races: It is held in the months of August and September when the earth is moist and rain-drenched and the glorious backwaters overflows. Hundreds of men and women gather on the banks to witness a spectacular view especially, the Snake Boat Races. The most famous event of boat race is the "Nehru Trophy Boat Race". It is held on the second saturday of every August. There are a dozen other snake boat races, providing an unforgettable and truly special scene. The fund of energy, spirit of competition and unerring co-ordination makes this sport extremely dynamic.

Kuttanad: 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 bananas.

Krishnapuram Palace: The 18th century Krishnapuram Palace built during the reign of the Travancore monarch, Marthanda Varma, is a double storied structure which displays typical characteristics of Kerala architecture-gabled roofs, dormer windows, narrow corridors.

Ambalappuzha (Pilgrim Center): The Sri Krishna Temple at Ambalapuzha, 14 kms from Alleppey is among Kerala's more famous ones boasting of the typical temple architectural style of the state.

Pathiramanal: 14 kilometers from Alleppy, this little island on the backwaters of Kerala is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world.