ALLEPPEY TOURISM | PLACES TO VISIT & BACKWATERS IN ALAPPUZHA

Alappuzha is a magnificent destination in Kerala with a mix of Backwaters and Beach. Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey is situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea close to the banks of Vembanad Lake, among the most famous Alleppey tourist places.

Along with Kumarakom, Alappuzha is among the most famous destination of backwaters in Kerala. A houseboat cruise in these backwaters is a delightful experience that one must try during Alleppey Trip. It connects Kumarakom and Cochin to the North and Kollam to the South. The never-ending panorama of lush green paddy fields, towering coconut trees, shimmering water, and long canals around Alappuzha make it a delightful destination.

It is popularly known as the 'Venice of the East'. Alleppey is also known for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race held in Punnamada Lake on the second Saturday of August every .....

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At a distance of 2 km from Alappuzha Railway Station, Alappuzha beach is a lovely white sand beach on the Arabian Sea coast. It is one of the famous beaches in Kerala, and among the top places to visit as part of Alleppey holiday packages.

Known for its swaying beauty and alluring charm, Alleppey Beach or Alappuzha Beach is a scenic marvel for beachgoers. Adding more to the appeal of Alleppey Beach, there is a 150 years old pier that allows the visitors to take a stroll over the playful waves and get soaked with the enchanting beauty of the Arabian Sea! Alappuzha Lighthouse is situated near to the beach. The Children's Park at the northern end of the beach is a good place to hang out for kids. There are no water sports facilities at the beach.

Besides, the beach is the venue for the famous Alappuzha Beach Festival. Held in April, the festival hosts an array of events such as .....

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At a distance of 14 km from Alappuzha Railway Station, Sri Krishna Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Ambalapuzha. It is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Kerala, and among the best places to visit as part of Alleppey packages.

Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is believed to have been built during the 15th century AD by the local ruler Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran.It is one of the seven greatest Vaishnava temples in Travancore, and among the major Alleppey places to visit.

Built-in typical Kerala style of temple architecture, this temple is famous for Pala Payasam (sweet pudding made of rice and milk) served to the devotees. The idol at Ambalapuzha is likened to the Parthasarthi form of Vishnu, holding a .....

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Kuttanad is a region in Alappuzha district that is known as 'Rice Bowl of Kerala' for the vast paddy fields. With seven rivers flowing through it (Pampa, Manimala, Achencoil, Meenachil, Moovattupuzha, Chalackudy & Periyar), Kuttanad is breathtakingly beautiful. Kuttanad is also popular as an ideal place for Kerala backwaters trip in a houseboat. It is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Kochi & Alappuzha. Kuttanad is one of the very few places in the world where farming is done below the sea level.

The most popular route taken to explore Kuttanad is the Alappuzha - Changanassery route. This road takes you through the heart of Kuttanad region demonstrating the daily life of people in the region. The possible activities for the tourists in this region are to visit villages and enjoy the daily life of villagers, walk along .....

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At a distance of 6 km from Alappuzha Railway Station, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is an annual boat race held in Punnamada Lake near Alleppey. It is the most competitive and popular boat race in Kerala, and among the must experience things to do in Alleppey.

Named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the boat race is conducted on the second Saturday of August every year. The race was introduced in 1952 to celebrate Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's Alappuzha visit. Several snake boats participate in the competition, each representing a different village of the Kuttanad region. Each boat is accompanied by about 150 oarsmen, showcasing their skills on a 1.5 km race track.

On the day of this boat race, the tranquil lakefront is transformed into a sea of humanity with an estimated two lakh people, including foreign tourists participate in these breathtaking celebrations as part of Alleppey sightseeing packages.

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At a distance of 43 Kms from Alappuzha, Bhagavathi Temple in Chettikulangara is a 1200 years old temple believed to have been established by Lord Parashurama. This temple is the second highest revenue earner in Kerala, next to Sabarimala. It is situated near Mavelikara.

The presiding deity is Jagadambika of Chettikulangara, the Goddess of Oodanadu. This temple is now under the control of the Travancore Devasthanam Board. This temple was believed to have been consecrated by Padmapadacharyar (a leading disciple of Adi Shankara) in the year of 823 AD.

The one day annual festival is celebrated in a grand manner with rituals like Kuthiyottam and Kettukazcha. These colorful rituals have boys dancing in trance, colossal effigies of horses, decorated chariots and art forms like Patayani and Kolkkali. The temple has a giant multi-tiered stone lamp which can hold 1001 wicks.

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At a distance of 23 Kms from Alappuzha Railway Station, Arthunkal Church, also known as St. Andrew's Forane Church is one of the oldest churches in Kerala. It is situated on the shores of Arabian Sea

Dedicated to St.Sebastian, this church comes under the Latin order. The Arthunkal Feast is celebrated for 11days. The highlights of the concluding day of the festival include a special ritual in which the devotees crawl on their knees all the way from the nearby beach to the church.

The near by Arthunkal beach (0.5 KM) is a nice place to watch the Sunset. The beach has no commercial activity.

Arthunkal is close to NH47 (near Tiruvizha Railway Station - about 5 Kms) between Alappuzha and Kochi and the highway is connected by frequent buses. Private/Public vehicles are available from the highway to reach the Arthunkal Church.

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At a distance of 4 Kms from Alappuzha Railway Station, Mullakkal Raja Rajeswari Temple is very famous shrine in Alappuzha dedicated to Goddess Durga.

It is believed that Goddess Raja Rajeshwari appeared at this site to take care of a Jasmine flower (Mullakkal means 'Jasmine Flower' in Malayalam). The temple celebrates two annual festivals - the Navratri festival (October/November) and the Thaipooyakavadi festival (November/December). The last two days are the most auspicious days. Colorful processions participated by nine elephants are held in the evening. It is witnessed by thousands of devotees. Also several cultural programs including Ottanthullal & Kathakali are staged in the temple.

The Thaipooyakavadi celebrated for 41 days in November/December. The whole town will be full of lights and decoration and the last ten days are celebrated with glory.

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At a distance of 49 km from Alappuzha, the Krishnapuram Palace is a palace and museum located in Kayamkulam near Alappuzha in Kerala. It is one of the prominent places of heritage in Kerala, and among the must -include places in Alleppey tour packages.

Situated on NH47 between Alappuzha and Kollam, the Krishnapuram Palace was built in the 18th century by Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma (1729-1758 AD) of Travancore kingdom.
The Palace is a rare specimen of the Kerala style of architecture, with gabled roofs, narrow corridors, and dormer windows. Among the most famous heritage sites near Kochi, the palace is situated on the top of a small hill and is surrounded by a terraced garden with fountains, ponds, and lawns. Other attractions here include the beautifully landscaped garden in the palace compound that is home to a variety of flora, and a newly built .....

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At a distance of 13 Kms from Alappuzha Railway Station, Champakulam is a beautiful village on the banks of Pampa River in Alappuzha district, with green paddy fields, coconut groves and water fowl. It is part of Kuttanad region, the rice bowl of Kerala.

Champakulam Moolam Boat Race is the oldest snake boat races in Kerala. The race is held in Pampa River on the moolam day of the Malayalam month Midhunam (June/July), the day of the installation of the deity at the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple.

Champakulam Church is one of the oldest churches in India, built in 427 AD. This church has seen many changes and undergone several enhancements. There are many inscriptions around the church describing its history. The annual festival is celebrated on October 3rd.

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