Alleppey
(also known as Alappuzha) is a city famous for its boat races,
houseboats, fishes and lakes. Alleppey is one of the most important
tourist spots in Kerala, and because of its network of inland canals
have earned itself the title of "Venice of the East".
These large network of canals acts as Alleppey's lifeline. Even
today Alleppey is famous as the centre for Coir carpet industries
and for prawn farming. Alleppey acts as an ideal place to start on
your backwater adventure as well as for visiting churches of
Kottayam. Alleppey has always been a must visit on the tourists
diaries when they visit Kerela. Snake boat races are one of the
major reasons to visit Alleppey as close to alleppey is the town of
Aranmula which is famous for its Aranmula Snake Boat Race which is
an annual event. It is excitement all around this otherwise calm and
quiet place when snake boats, each loaded by over a hudreds of
oarsmen, cuts through the waters. The event is a tremendous success
for tourists and the local population as they participate with the
oarsmen by chanting the name of their favorite teams.
The boat cruise along the backwaters of Alleppey gives one a first
hand experience of the typical Kerala life style which has been
unchanged over the past hundreds of years. Apart from being an
enchanting backwater destination, Alleppey also offers its guests
other leisure options like boating and fishing. Alleppey provides a
picturesque world of beautiful backwaters, thatched houseboats (whch
can be hired for excursions), swaying palm trees and almost extinct
Chinese fishing nets. Nature has offered its best to provide
Alleppey with a state of perfection.
"Kuttanad" in Alleppey is one of the few places on earth
where farming is done below sea level. Kuttanad is a place where
lush green paddy fields welcomes guests, and is also famous for
being the 'Rice Bowl' of Kerela. Kuttanad stretches for 75 Km and is
sandwiched between the sea and the hills. Kuttanad is ome of the
many most beautiful backwaters region in Kerala.
Time to visit Alleppey is from November to August when slight
drizzles welcomes guesta and ensures that this beautiful place is
covered with greenery.
Places to Visit:
Ambalapuzha Temple:
Is situated 14 kms. away from Alleppey. Its architectural features,
the Sreekrishna Temple displays the the typical historical Kerala
style. The temple is famous through out Kerala for 'Palpayasam', a
sweet dish as that of milk porridge.
Karumadikkuttan Village:
Situated 3 km east of Ambalapuzha, this village is known for its
10th century Karumadikkuttan statue that is a black granite figure
of the great Buddha. There are many interesting legends connected to
this idol and the friendly people will be more than intrested in
offering you the story behind this statue.
Champakulam Village:
Champakulam - the water logged village is also the place of oldest
angadi (market) known as Kalloorkkadu angadi. The St. Mary Forane
Church is another major tourist attraction for its beautiful mural
paintings. In Champakulam guests can see and enjoy Nadubhagum and
Champakulam (type of snake boats) which take part in the annual
snake boat races.