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Kerala Tourism Destinations -
Alappuzha |
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About Alappuzha
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Washed by the silvery waves of the
Arabian Sea, Alappuzha, the Venice of the East welcomes you to the
backwaters of kerala. The Palm fringed canals and shores bustling with
glimpses from the day to day life in the country side, the mirror still
lagoons, picture book lakesides and its long sandy beach has blessed
Alappuzha, the water locked district, to become one of the best Backwater
tourism destinations in God's Own Country.
The large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Water carnivals
using the gigantic snake boats and the country canoes of varying sizes
have an important role in the community life of the people of the
district.Washed by the silvery waves of the Arabian Sea, Alappuzha, the
Venice of the East welcomes you to the backwaters of kerala. The Palm
fringed canals and shores bustling with glimpses from the day to day life
in the country side, the mirror still lagoons, picture book lakesides and
its long sandy beach has blessed Alappuzha, the water locked district, to
become one of the best Backwater tourism destinations in God's Own
Country.The large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Water
carnivals using the gigantic snake boats and the country canoes of varying
sizes have an important role in the community life of the people of the
district.
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General Information
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District Name : ALAPPUZHA
State : KERALA
Country : INDIA
Geographical location
North Latitudes : 9o 05' & 9o 54'
East Longitudes : 76o 17' 30"& 76o 40'
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Climate
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The climate is moist and hot in
the coast and slightly cool and dry in the interior of the district. The
average monthly temperature is 250C. The district also gets the benefit of
two outstanding monsoons as in the case of other parts of the state.
Hot season - March to May
South-west monsoon (Edavappathi) - June to September
North-east monsoon (Thulavarsham) - October to November
Dry weather - December to February
The district has 8 reporting rain gauge stations at Arookutty, Cherthala,
Alappuzha, Ambalapuzha, Harippad, Kayamkulam, Mavelikkara and Chengannur
as recorded in 1989. The average rainfall in the district is 2763 mm.
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Alappuzha Tourist Attracions
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Alappuzha Beach -Alappuzha beach is one of
the most popular spots in the district of Alappuzha. Its beautiful garden
on the shore gives an exclusive sight. Imposing buildings of a colonial
past overlook the shore. The pier, which extends into the sea is more than
140 years old and is a rare sight. Dense Palm groves at one end and an
ancient towering light house at the other, Vijay Park and Sea view park
are all spectacular sights one should never miss. Boating Facility is
available in both Parks. Facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park: Boating, a
children’s park with toy train and bicycles. Open from 1500 - 2000 hours.
Backwater Cruise -View the landscape beauty , monuments,
temples,churches and industries of Alappuzha by cruising through its
rivers,canals and backwaters.The starting point is from Alleppey and the
finishing point is at Jetty .
Boat races -Alappuzha district is proud of being the cradle of boat
races. All the important boat races, namely the Nehru Trophy boat Race at
Punnamada, the Payippad near Haripad, the Thiruvandoor, Neerettupuram,
Karuvatta and Thaikkoottam boat races are held at different parts of the
district during August-September . Thousands of people from all parts of
the world come and witness these races.
Krishnapuram Palace -Located at a distance of 47 km from Alappuzha
on the way to Kollam, this palace was built in the 18th century during the
reign of Marthanda Varma. This 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.
Kuttanad Region -The region is known as the 'Rice Bowl of Kerala'.
It is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done below sea
level. The boat trip to Changanacherry passes through this beautiful and
fertile region.
Mullakkal Rajeswari Temple -It is dedicated to the Goddess
Rajarajeswari. The nine day 'Navarathri' festival is celebrated twice a
year and is of special significance to the people of Alappuzha. Another
important festival of the temple is 'Thaipooyakavadi'.
Pathiramanal -This is a small captivating island in the Vembanad
Lake. Situated between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, this island is the
favourite spot for hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts
of the world.
Ambalapuzha Temple -Constructed in the typical Kerala architectural
style, this temple is famous all over India, and is renowned for the
Palpayasam, the daily offering of sweet milk porridge. This temple
witnesses the performance of Pallipana by Velans (sorcerers) once every
twelve years. Paintings of the Dasavatharam (the ten incarnations of Lord
Vishnu) are displayed on the inner walls of the temple. The ‘ Ottanthullal’,
a satiric art form based on social themes was the brain child of the poet
Kunchan Nambiar who performed it for the first time in the premises of
this temple.
Arthunkal Church -This christian Pilgrim centre near Sherthalai is
22 km. north of alappuzha. The St. Andrews Church here was built by
Portuguese missionaries. The annual feast of St. Sebastian is held here in
the month of January.
Champakulam Church -The St. Mary's Church is one of the oldest
church in Kerala. It is said to be one of the seven churches established
by St.Thomas. Tha annual feast is held on the 3rd Sunday of October. The
feast of St. Joseph is celebrated on March 19th.
Chavara Bhavan -The ancestral home of the blessed Kuriakose Elias
Chavara, lies 6 km. from Alappuzha. Thousands of devotees gather at this
shrine. It can be reached only by boat from Alappuzha.
Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Mavelikkara -The shrine is known
for the Kettukazhcha festival, which attracts a large number of devotees.
The festival is held in Feb./Mar. and colourful procession is taken out.
Edathua Church -This church, dedicated to St. George is of special
significance as it is believed that prayers and offerings here help in
healing all kinds of mental disorders and other ailments. The annual feast
is held from 5th - 7th May and attracts devotees from all parts of south
India. The Church is just 24 kms. from Alappuzha.
Karumadikuttan -The small village near Ambalapuzha is known for the
black granite idol of Lord Buddha known as Karumadikuttan. The idol dates
back to 9th or 10th century.
Mannarsala -It is 32 kms. from Alappuzha
near Haripad and is famous for the ancient temple of Sree Nagaraja, the
King of Serpents. Pilgrims from all over the country assemble here during
the two day annual festival.
Q S T and R Block Kayal -These regions are famous for farming over
reclaimed land from the backwaters. The area is protected by dikes built
all around and reminds visitors of the famous dikes of Netherlands. A
cruise along the canals here is quite a memorable experience.
Punnapra -A short distance from Alappuzha is Punnapra, a village
which has gone down in history as the scene of a bitter and heroic
fighting between the communists and Travancore State Police during the
Punnapra Vayalar Communist uprising of 1946.
Mararikulam -Situated on the coast south
of Alappuzha,12 Kms. from Alappuzha, it houses a quiet beach and has an
adjoining fishing village. Pool, tennis, water sports and Ayurvedic
treatments are the leisure time activities one can avail of.
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How To Reach
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Air The
nearest airport is Cochin, 64 kms to the North. Thiruvananthapuram
International airport is 159 kms to the south.
Road
Alappuzha is on the NH 47 highway and is connected to all important towns
in South India.
Bus Timings
Bangalore: 14.00 (17 hrs)
Coimbatore: 06.15 (7 hrs)
Cochin: Frequent buses (1½ hrs)
Trivandrum: Frequent buses ( 3½ hrs)
Quilon: Buses going to Trivandrum passes through Quilon (2 hrs)
There are also frequent buses to Kottayam, Trichur, Palghat and Calicut.
Rail
Alappuzha is linked by rail to cities like Cochin, Chennai, Kolkota,
Bangalore and Bokaro.The railway station is situated 5 kms away from the
bus station and ferry station.( Enquiry Phone : 253965, 253865)
Train Timings
Ernakulam: 06.00, 07.35, 09.40,
14.30, 15.00, 15.45, 18.05, 19.15
Guruvayoor: 12 midnight
Kannur: 15.45 (Daily except Wed. & Sat)
Madras: 15.00
Trivandrum: 00.40, 07.25.
Alappuzha is linked by boat service through the backwaters to
Quilon, Changanassery, Kottayam, Cochin, Kumarakom, Kovalam and Chengannur.
Ferry Services
The ferry station (Ph : 0477 - 252015) and bus station are close to each
other. The ferry boats from Alleppey passes through scenic backwaters.
Ferry Timings
Kottayam : 07.30, 10.00, 11.30, 14.30, 17.30 ( 3hrs)
Changanassery : 10.00, 13.45, 17.30(3 hrs)
Nedumudy : Frequent ( 1 hr)
Quilon : At present there is no public ferry.
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Backwaters
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One night cruise on the
backwaters of the Alappuzha is one of the most popular cruises
offered. A round trip, in which you board the boat at Alappuzha and
disembark at Alappuzha after having spent the night in the tranquility of
the Backwaters.The cruise takes you through the clear waters of the
prominent Punnamada Lake – the venue of the legendary Nehru Trophy Snake
Boat Race. You can visit the 400 year old Champakkulam church, one of the
7 churches established by St. Thomas. The Chavara Bhavan, located 6 km
from Alappuzha, is another interesting place that one can't affoed to
miss. The ancestral home of the Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara, the
Chavara Bhavan houses the legendary 250 year old beacon of light –
preserved intact in its original and primitive form.After spending the
night at the romantic Vattakayal Lake, you sail back to Alappuzha.
The Routes in Alappuzha-There are many interesting routes to cruise
on the Backwaters of Kerala, each route is more enchanting than the
other.Alappuzha to Alappuzha is a one night round about cruise which takes
you through the Legendary Punnamada Lake. Sail along the gentle clear
backwaters to the romantic Vattakayal Lake and spend a night
aboard.Alappuzha to Kumarakom, a one night cruise which offers you a
magical night. Water birds – both residents and migratory adorn the canals
and water ways. The water lilies when seen in the night dazzle like the
twinkling stars in a dark sky. Fishing women and men add to the magic with
their imaginative ways of fishing.
Alappuzha to Kottayam is one of the most exotic Backwaters cruises.
A cruise from Alappuzha through these backwaters tantalizes you with its
breathtaking serenity to remain as the most beautiful reminiscences of
your life. See the toddy tappers at work and farming done at below sea
level.
Alappuzha to Thottappally – a cruise of many historical places.
Visit significant places like the Ambalphuzha temple and the Champakkulam
Church. The cruise from Alappuzha to Kidangara takes you through the
exotic backwaters to the Vembanad Lake and the fascinating Pathiramanal
Island.
Alappuzha to Mankotta – this cruise takes you through the Punnamada
Lake and provides you the opportunity of visiting the coir making villages
and other historically important sights.
Alappuzha to Alumkadavu – offers both a one night cruise as well as
a two night cruise. This cruise takes you to the place of origin of the
house boats you are traveling in – the Kettuvallams. Alumkadavu is the
place where entire clans used to make these Kettuvallams.
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