Your Tour 
Alappuzha (old name - Alleppey)
Location
Alappuzha occupies a significant place on the tourist map of Kerala. This water-locked district is washed by the silvery waves of the Arabian Sea. The district headquarters and the main part of Alappuza are
situated on
the western coastline of India, with the Arabian Sea surrounding its western
boundary. Interlocked with a large number of canals and bridges, Alappuzha
has an immense untapped potential for backwater tourism. It is a connecting
link of Kottayam-Kochi-Kollam backwaters. It is also a major centre of coir
and carpet industry.How to Reach
By air: The nearest airport is Kochi, 64 km north of Alappuzha. The Thiruvananthapuram airport is located 159 km south of Alappuzha.By road: National Highway 47 goes through Alappuzha connecting it with almost all the nearby places of South India.
By waterways: Alappuzha also has good waterway links with nearby districts. It is linked by boat and ferry services through the scenic backwaters to Kochi, Kottayam, Kevalam, Changanassery and Chengannur.
Tourist attractions
Alappuzha Beach: Alappuzha beach is studded with beautiful features like lush garden Vijaya Park and Sea View Park where boat races and other water activities are organized. A century-and-a-half old pier and an ancient towering lighthouse take you back in time.
Backwater Cruises: Another important tourist attraction of Alappuzha is its backwater cruises. The cruise usually starts from Alappuzha and ends at Jetty, encompassing monuments, temples, churches and other attractions located within its premises.
Boat Races: The Alappuzha boat races are world famous and attract people from all corners of the world. Notable among these boat races are Nehru Trophy Boat Race held at Punnamada, the Payippad held near Haripad, the Thiruvandoor, Neerettupuram, Karuvatta and Thaikkoottam held during August-September. The Nehru Cup is the largest snake boat race held in the state.
Ambalapuzha Temple: The architecture of this temple represents the typical South Indian architectural style. The paintings of Lord Vishnu adorn the temple walls. The Ambalapuzha Temple is famous for the performances of Pallapina (sorcerers). These performances are held once in twelve years. Arthunkal Church: This church was built by the Portuguese missionaries. Located 22 km from Alappuzha, the church is a popular pilgrimage centre of Christians. Champakulam Church: This church, also known as St. Mary's Church, is among the oldest churches of Kerala. Another unique quality of Champakulam Church is that it was one of the seven built by St. Thomas.
Lighthouse: Alappuzha has one of the oldest lighthouses in Kerala. It is situated about 4 km away from the town. From the top of the lighthouse, one can see the whole Alappuzha beach and some part of Alappuzha town. The lighthouse has now been fitted with modern equipment.
Krishnapuram Palace: This 18th century palace is located at Kayamkulam, 47 km from Alappuzha, on the way to Kollam. Built during the reign of Marthanda Varma, Krishnapuram Palace is noted for its typical Kerala architecture features like g
abled roof, dormer windows and narrow corridors. The mural, called ‘Gajendra Moksha’, kept on the western end of the palace’s ground floor is the largest mural in Kerala. The palace also houses a museum of antique sculptures, paintings and bronze articles.Kuttanad: Famous for its rice cultivation, Kuttanad is also known as the 'Rice Bowl of Kerala'. It is perhaps the only region where farming is done below sea level. It is very fertile and has a beautiful landscape.
Karumadi: This village is famous for its Karumadi Kuttan, a black granite figure of the Buddha believed to be of the 9th-10th century period. Karumadi village is situated near Ambalapuzha, 14 km from Alappuzha.
Ambalapuzha’s Sri Krishna Temple: The Sri Krishna Temple at Ambalapuzha, 14 km south of Allapuzha, is a pilgrim centre. Lord Krishna (Kannan) is the presiding deity here. The 'Palpayasam' (a sweet milk porridge) offered to the deity during the temple festival in March/April is a famous sweet preparation of Kerala.
Pathiramanal (Island): A favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds, Pathiramanal is a small beautiful island in the Vembanad Lake. It lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom. One can reach this island by boat from Kumarakom or Muhamma.
Mannarsala: The Sree Nagaraja Temple, an important centre of snake worship in Kerala, is situated at Mannarsala near Haripad, 35 km away from Alappuzha on the Alappuzha-Kollam route. The temple is surrounded by about 16 acres of thick green forest. The King of Serpents is the presiding deity of this temple. On the asterism, 'Ayillam' of each Malayalam month, the 'Sarpakalam Pattu' is conducted. This ritual involves drawing the figure of the Serpent God on the floor using vegetable colours.
