Alappuzha Guide

Written by Site Editor

1 Guide to Alappuzha in Kerala

Guide to Alappuzha in Kerala

Alappuzha: Venice of the east

Alappuzha (pronounced Alapura), (also known as Alappy or Alleppey - the name still used by many Keralites), is a town in the Alappuzha District of Kerala in southern India.

Etymologically Alappuzha is derived from two words - Ala and Puzha - Ala which means broad and Puzha which means river. It is a town with picturesque canals, backwaters and lagoons, once described as the "Venice of the East" by English viceroy Lord Curzon. It is the administrative headquarters of Alappuzha District. The present town owes its existence to the Diwan Raja Kesavadas in the second half of 18th century. Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala with the unending stretch of paddy fields, small streams and canals with lush green coconut palms, was well known even from the early periods of the Sangam age.The town is the hot spot of coir industry, which accounts for much of the water borne traffic chugging to and from the neraby lakes.

Alappuzha now is the main hub for backwaters tourism in Kerala. Kerala Houseboats locally known as "kettuvallam" are available on hire on a daily basis as well as for longer duration to take visitors on the old waterways. These huge barges which were traditionally used to carry goods across the backwaters measure up to 80 feet in length. They are still constructed using traditional skills and meticulousness by "tying" huge planks of jack wood together without the use of a single nail and coated with a caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kernels.

The house boats in general have 2 bed rooms with en suite shower rooms. Some of the boats have the bedrooms are even fitted with air conditioners. A routine trip includes food cooked on board in the traditional Kuttanad style. The leisurely cruises show a microcosm of life on the water side with breath taking views of the water, land, birds and human habitations.

Snake boat races are the most significant traditional events in Alappuzha. The spectacular regattas are usually held between August and October, and involve long thin boats powered by up to 120 oarsmen. The most famous snake boat race is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race.

The best way to explore this town, heavily punctuated with quaint sidestreets, colonial era factories and warehouses is to hire a bicycle. The Mullackal Road is a great bet to sneak peek into a bevy of shops from gold jewellery emporia to bell metal and umbrella showrooms.

All the traditional festivals and pastimes of Kerala continue to flourish in Alappuzha district .It has played an important part in the development of the time honored temple arts Kathakali , 'koothu' , 'koodiyattam ' , and 'ottamthullal', all of which are cherished and still performed here.

Facts about Alappuzha

Area: 1,414 Sq.Km.

Population: 2,105,349

Literacy rate: 93.66 %

Languages: Malayalam and English

Best time to visit: September-March

STD Code: 0477

History

Alleppey has a wonderful past. Carved out of erstwhile Kottayam and Kollam districts, Alleppey district was formed on 17th of August 1957.It is assumed that the name was derived by the geographical position and physical features of the place. It is presumed that the coastal taluks of Cherthala, Ambalapuzha and Karthikappally might have been under water and these areas were formed by the accumulation of silt and sand later than the other parts of the district. Christianity had a strong foot hold in this district even from the Ist century AD The church located at Kokkomangalam or Kokkoth- amangalam was one of the seven churches founded by St Thomas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. This district had a prominent role in the freedom struggle of the country. The campaign for the eradication of untouchability was organized much earlier in this district. The district also witnessed the 'Nivarthana' movement which was started as a protest against the constitutional repression of 1932. the first political strike in Kerala was held at Alappuzha in 1938. After India became independent, a popular Ministry was formed in Travancore on March 24, 1948 and on July 1, 1949 Travancore and Cochin states were integrated and the position continue till the formation of Kerala State on Ist November 1956.

Local Alappuzha Tourist Destinations

Pathiramanal - According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanadu lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island of (sands of midnight) Pathiramanal . This little island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundred of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat.

R-Block - These regions are wonders of the indigenous agricultural engineering know-how of Kerala and remind the visitor of the famous dikes of Holland. Extensive areas of Land have been reclaimed from the backwaters and are protected by dikes built all around . Here cultivation and habitation are made possible four to ten feet below Sea Level. A leisurely cruise along the Canals that surround these Kayals is a memorable experience.

Karumadikuttan- Many fascinating legends are associated with this 11th century statue of Lord Buddha.

Champakulam- 14km southeast of Alappuzha in the middle of the backwaters.Some of the tourist attractions include the Church of St.Mary's dating back to 1579 built by the Portuguese and it is believed to have been one of the seven founded by St.Thomas, the Apostle. It has an ornate Rococo interior dripping with gold leaf and elaborate murals. Chamapkulam boat race held in the month of June-July is yet another crowd puller.

Kumarakodi- 20 km south of Alappuzha, Mahakavi Kumaranasan, one of the greatest poets of modern Kerala and one of the Triumvirate Poets of Kerala is buried. He was the Percy Byshe Shelley of Malayalam Literature. As an brought great changes in literature and could give the clarions call for changing the society also.

Saradha Mandiram, Mavelikkara - AR Rajaraja Varma was a great poet and grammarian, The Malayalam literature is much indebted to Sri AR Thampuran. Saradha Mandiram was built by him as his residence. Now it is bought by the State Government & kept as his memorial.

Krishna puram Palace - Built by Marthandavarma, this place at karthikappally in Kayamkulam is famous for its mural depicting the story of Gajendramoksham. Dating back to the 18th century, this exquisite piece of art is one of the largest murals in Kerala. This palace museum houses antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes.

Alappuzha Beach - This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha. 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 light house which is greatly fascinating to visitors.

Edathua Church- Situated 24 kms. away from Alappuzha, on the Alappuzha - Thiruvalla Road. Established in 1810, the church is dedicated to St George. It is believed that prayers and offerings at this church help to heal all mental disorders and other ailments. During the annual feast (5th, 6th, and 7th of May) pilgrims from all parts of South India, irrespective of caste and creed, visit the church and seek the blessings of the saint.

The Sri Krishna Temple- 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. It is equally famed for its palpayasam - a sweet milk porridge offered to the deity. The temple's main festival occurs in March/April. It was in this temple that the 16th century poet Kunjan Nambiar staged his first Ottan Thullal, a solo dance performance with high social content.

Toddy in Alappuzha Alappuzha is famous for the coconut Toddy.The toddy business is controlled by state governmet and contractors are running the business. In toddy shops you get the local food also

How to access

By air: Nearest airports are Thiruvananthapuram (150 km); Nedumbassery (85 km).

By rail: Alappuzha railway station is a major station which has link with all the important cities in India. The railway station is easily accessible.

By road: Alappuzha is very well connected by a network of roads and transport to all the major cities and towns of Kerala and surrounding states.

By Ferry: The main boat jetty on Vadai Canal is where the daily tourist ferry to and from Kollam and local boat connections with Kottayam arrive and depart.