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Home >> Disticts........
:: ALAPPUZHA

Alappuzha is one of the 14 districts in the state of Kerala in India. It was formed as the district of Alleppey on August 17, 1957. The name of the district was officially changed to Alappuzha in 1990. Alappuzha (Alleppey) known as the Venice of the East has a largest network of Canals and is a centre for backwater cruises in Kerala. Large number of tourist are attracted to this district because of its boat races, houseboat holidays, backwaters, beaches etc. It has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourist each year. Alappuzha has also earned fame in the commercial world as as the world's chief supplier of Coir. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. The land of lush paddy fields, Kuttanad is called the rice bowl of Kerala and is the one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. The other Commercial activities includes - toddy tapping, fishing fro small fry, coir making, prawn farming

¤¤ Facts and Figures
Facts and Figures
Area : 1414 sq. km
Altitude : Sea Level
Population : 1,990,605 ( 1991 census )
¤¤ Talukes
Cherthala, Kuttanad, Ambalapuzha, Karthikapalli, Mavelikkara, Chengannur
¤¤ Muncipalities
Alappuzha, Cherthala, Kayamkulam, Mavelikkara, Chenganoor.
¤¤ Tourist Season
August to March

¤¤ Tourist Attractions
Kuttanad, is called the rice bowl of Kerala because of its wealth of paddy crops. It lies 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 perhaps the only region in the worked where farming is done 1.5 to 2m below sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land level are an amazing feature of this region.
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 lighthouse which is greatly fascination to visitors.
Vijaya beach park - Picnic spot with children's park & boating facilities (Open 1500-2000 hrs).
Sea view park The park offers boating facilities and a swimming pool. Boat available for rentals
Pathiramanal (11/2 hours by motor boat/ 30 min. by speedboat from Alappuzha): According to mythology a young brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island of Pathiramanal (sands of midnight). This little island on the backwaters is a favourite 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. The feast of St. Joseph is celebrated on March 19th.
Q S T and R Block Kayal - 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 has 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.
Chavara Bhavan (6 km from Alappuzha. Accessible only by boat) Chavara Bhavan is the ancestral home of the blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara. It is now a holy shrine and spiritual resort where thousands of devotees gather for prayer, receive favours and feel amply gratified. Here, a 250 year old historically important beacon of light is preserved intact in its original and primitive form.
Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple (15 km south of Alappuzha) Built in the typical Kerala architectural style, this temple is famous all over India for the Palapayasam, the daily offering of deliciously sweet milk porridge. It is also in this temple that Palipana is performed by Velans (sorceres) once every twelve years. Paintings of the Dasavatharam (the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) are on display on the inner walls of the Chuttambalam. Ottanbullal, a satiric art form originated by the poet Kunchan Nambiar, was first performed on the premises of this temple.
Arthunkal (22 km north of Alappuzha) - The St. Sebastian's Church here is an important Christian pilgrim centre. Annual festival - Arthunkal Perunnal - the feast of the patron saint. (January).
Edatgya Church (24 km from Alappuzha, on the Alappuzha - Thiruvalla Road): Established in 1810, the church is dedicated to St. George. It is believed that prayers and offering s at this church help to heal all mental disorders and other ailments. During the annual feast (5th, 6th, 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.
Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple (32km south of Alappuzha): 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. Sarpa Yakshi and Naga Yakshi are the beloved consorts of Nagaraja. It is believed that Nagaraja as the installed deity is endowed with the form of Hari (Lord Vishnu) and the spirit of Lord Shiva. legend has it that the first priestess of Mannarasala gave birth to a five-headed snake, which is believed to reside in the ancestral house to safeguard the family. At Mannarasala barren women are believed to be blessed with children and a special turmeric paste available at the shrine is credited with powers to cure even leprosy.
Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple The Kettukazhcha festival at this temple draws large crowds of devotees. Processions of all decorated structures on chariots, brightly decorated effigies of horses and bullocks and cultural performances make a spectacular pageant. (Festival - February / March).
Krishnapuram Palace (47km from Alappuzha) Built by Marthanda Varma, this palace at Karthikaplly 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 larges murals in Kerala. The palace museum houses antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes.
Karumadikuttan (3km east of Ambalapuzha): Many fascinating legends are associated with this 11th century statue of Lord Buddha.

¤¤ How to Reach
Air : Nearest international airports Thiruvananthapuram ( 150 km ); Kochi ( Nedumbassery - 85 km).
Rail : Well connected to major cities.
Road : An excellent road network links the distrit to major towns and cities in India. There are frequent bus services to Thiruvananthapuram.
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