The town was founded by Raja Keshawadasan, Divan of Travanacore in 1762. With the arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it, alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the venice of the east by travellers from across the world, this backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, Alappuzha (Alleppey) has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, & also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry.


Places To Visit In Alleppey

Alappuzha Beach : This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha (Alleppey). 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.

Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple : (15 km south of alapuzha) 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.

Kuttanad : It's 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 mtr below sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land lever are an amazing feature of this region.

Pathira Manal : Pathiramanal is a 10 acre island on the backwaters and is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world.This little island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat.

Champakulam Church : 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.

Arthunkal : The St. Sebastian's Church here is an important Christian pilgrim centre. Annual festival: Arthunkal Perunnal - the feast of the patron saint (January).

Sea View Park : The park offers boating facilities and a swimming pool.

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple : Situated near Harippad, this is a serpent shrine under the patronage of a brahman family, headed by a priestess. The ancient shrine is an internationally renowned pilgrim centre dedicated to the Serpent God Nagaraja.


Prime Attractions Of Alleppey

Artungal Perunal : The annual festival of the St. Andrews Forane Chuch at Arthunkal near Alleppey is held in the month of January. This ten-day festival held in the name of St. Sebastian is attended by thousands of devotees from all parts of the State.

Chettikulangara Bhagwathy Temple : The Bhadrakali deity is said to have miraculous power. The temple is abuzz with activity in the months of February and March on the occasion of Bharani.

Punappra : A short distance from Alleppey, this village has been rendered famous by the heroic struggles between the communists and Travancore State Police.

Ambalapuzha Temple : 14 kms from Alleppey, the Sreekrishna Temple here is worth seeing. The temple boasts of its classic temple architecture and its 'Palpayasam' (sweet milk porridge), offered to the deity.


How To Reach There

Nearest airport is at Kochi, 66 kms away.The place is well connected to Kochi, by rail.The place is connected to all the south Indian towns, by a well-developed network of roads.There are frequent bus services to Alleppey.