Alappuzha
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Alappuzha is called the Venice of the East and is one of the most attractive and green backwater destinations in Kerala. It has a large number of canals and is the centre of backwater cruises in Kerala. It also offers houseboat cruise on the backwaters. A large numbers of tourist come to this district and it is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products, and coir industry. Alappuzha is the world’s largest supplier of Coir. A singular characteristic of this land is a region called Kuttanad. A land of lush paddy fields, Kuttanad is also called the Rice Bowl of Kerala and is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. It is also famous for toddy tapping, fishing, coir making, and prawn farming. Its cheerful people add to the town's charm. Alappuzha offers enjoyable boat cruises to Kollam along the scenic Vembanad Lake. The old lighthouse at the beach also adds to the beauty and the pier, which extends into the sea, is over 137 years old.

Places to Visit

Kuttanad

Kuttanad is also called the Rice Bowl of Kerala and is one of the places in the world where farming is done below sea level (1.5 -2 meters below sea level). Inland waterways that flow above the land level is an amazing feature of this land. Kuttanad is the heart of the backwaters of Kerala. This beautiful countryside with its waterways also has a rich crop of banana, cassava and yam.

Alappuzha Beach

Alappuzha beach is one of the most popular spots in Alappuzha. There is a beautiful garden on the shore which gives an exclusive sight. There are colonial buildings that overlook the shore. The pier, which extends into the sea is more than 140 years old. There are dense palm groves at one end and an ancient towering lighthouse at the other. There are two beautiful parks which are the Vijay Park and Sea view park, boating facility is available in both parks.

Boat Races

Alappuzha district is the cradle of boat races. All the important boat races, the Nehru Trophy boat Race at Punnamada, the Payippad boat race near Haripad, the Thiruvandoor boat race, the Neerettupuram, the Karuvatta and the Thaikkoottam boat races are held at different parts of Alappuzha during August or September months. People from all parts of the world arrive in Alappuzha to witness these races.

Krishnapuram Palace

This palace was built in the 18th century and is located at a distance of 47 km from Alappuzha on the way to Kollam. This palace was built by Marthanda Varma the king of Travancore. The palace is noted for its typical Kerala architecture, with gabled roof, dormer windows and narrow corridors. Here you will find the famous mural kept in the western end of the ground floor, called ‘Gajendra Moksham’ which is the largest mural in Kerala. There is also a museum of antique sculptures, paintings and bronze articles in the palace.

Ambalapuzha Temple

The famous Ambalapuzha temple is constructed in the typical Kerala architectural style. This temple is famous all over India, for the Palpayasam, the daily offering of sweet milk porridge. This temple witnesses the performance of Pallipana by Velans (sorcerers) once every twelve years. A number of mural paintings are displayed on the inner walls of the temple.

Mararikulam

Mararikulam is situated on the southern coast of Alappuzha. It houses a quiet beach and has an adjoining fishing village. There are leisure facilities provided such as pool, tennis, watersports and Ayurvedic treatments.