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Alappuzha District

Alleppey situated in south of Cochin, is the center for backwater cruises in Kerala. To label Alapuzha (The Malayalam name for Alleppey), the ‘Venice of the East’. It has a large network of canals which passes through the town, provides its lifeline & has a long sandy beach. It is also the center of the famous coir products of Kerala. Nehru Trophy Boat Race - the most colourful snake-boat race in Kerala.

The commercial importance of Alleppey began to decline after the late 1920s with the development of Cochin into a major port. However, today Alleppey is still a major centre for trade in coir, copra and coconut oil. Thanks to its long coast, Alleppey is also a centre for fishing and marine products processing activities.

For tourists Alleppey is the pivotal point for trips into Kerala’s famed backwaters and the state’s lush rice bowl, Kuttanad, Between Quilon to the south and Kottayam to the east lie some of the most entrancing scenery of palm-lined banks, quiet water-bound villages and little boats taking the local people to and fro-everything framed in green.

Altitude:Sea Level
Temperature:(deg C) - Summer- Max 35, Min 22.5, Winter- Max 32, Min 20
Rainfall:254 cm
Best Season:October to May

Places of Interest

Alleppey Beach

Alleppey Beach
Alappuzha beach, near Alappuzha town, south Kerala. Referred to as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, it is famous for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry.

Alappuzha beach is a popular picnic spot. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old.

Pathiramanal
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.
Pathiramanal

Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple
Built in the typical Kerala Architectural style, this temple is famous all over India for the Palpayasan. It is also in this temple that Pallipana is performed by Velans once every twelve years.

Karimarathinkal Sree Bhadrakali Temple
Karimarathinkal Devi Temple, situated in a small peaceful village called Chingoli. about 7 km from Haripad, near the main entrance of NTPC, Choolatherivu.

Kuttanad
It is cleed rice bowl of Kerala because of her wealth of paddy crops, is at the very heart of the backwaters. Inland waterways which flow above sea level are an amazing feature of this region. Inland waterways which flow above land level are an amazing feature of this region.
Kuttanad Alappuzha

Arthunkal 
The St. Sebastian's Church here is an important Christian pilgrim centre. Annual festival: Arthunkal Perunnal - the feast of the patron saint (January). It is about 22 km north of Alappuzha.
 
Edathua Church  
Established in 1810, the church is dedicated to St. George. It is believed that prayers and offerings at this church help to heal all mental disorders and other ailments. During the annual feast (5th, 6th and 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. 23.5 km from Alappuzha, on the Alappuzha - Thiruvalla Road
 
Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple 
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 live-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. 32 km south of Alappuzha.
 
Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Mavelikkara 
The Kettukazhcha festival at this temple draws large crowds of devotees. Processions of tall decorated structures on chariots, brightly decorated effigies of horses and bullocks and cultural performances make a spectacular pageant. (Festival – February-March).

Krishnapuram Palace  
Built by Marthanda Varma, this palace at Karthikapally in Kayamkulam is famous for its mural, depicting the story of Gajendramoksham. Dating back to the l8th century, this exquisite piece of art is one of the largest murals in Kerala. The palace museum houses antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes. 47km from Alappuzha.

Karumadikuttan  
Many fascinating legends are associated with this 11th century, statue of Lord Buddha. And about 3km east of Ambalapuzha.

How to reach Alappuzha?

Air:The nearest airport is Cochin, 64 km to the north, Trivandrum International Airport is 159 km to the south.
Rail:
Alleppey has recently been linked to Cochin by rail. Some trains link alleppey to cities like Chennai and Bokaro. The Alleppey Railway Station is 5 km from the central bus stand and the boat jetty.
Road:Alleppey is on the NH 47 highway and is connected to all important towns in south India by public state transport buses.

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