About Alleppey
Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Built in the 9th century AD, Alleppey—known locally as Alappuzha—rests along the tranquil waters of Ashtamudi Lake. Flanked by the Arabian Sea on the west and interwoven with lakes, lagoons, and freshwater rivers, it is a district celebrated for its breathtaking natural charm. Often hailed by travelers as the “Venice of the East,” this backwater paradise is also home to a wide variety of wildlife and bird species. Its strategic location along the coast has long secured Alappuzha an important role in Kerala’s maritime history. Globally, the town is renowned as the leading hub for coir production. Today, Alleppey stands as one of Kerala’s premier backwater tourism destinations, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Famous for its houseboat cruises, scenic beaches, vibrant boat races, marine products, and coir industry, the city comes alive every August–September with the thrilling Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race—a spectacle unlike any other.
Alleppey Beach
Alleppey beach is a popular picnic spot and the beach has a small park nearby. The Sea Bridge stands for the memory of good old days, as Alleppey Port was one of the important ports in Kerala. The Sea Bridge enabled the passage of goods via Ships. Usually visitors rush to the beach from all over the country and many popular movies were shot at Alleppey Beach. This is a favorite destination for tourists.
Alleppey Backwaters
Alleppey Is blessed with luxurious water body which host many species of plants , arthropods, is out standing by all means. The blue horizon and the blue water. Alappuzha 'Kuttanadu', an entirely different landscape is the gift of Alappuzha back waters non- venomous snakes and fresh water eels are found abundantly. A dawn and a dusk of Alappuzha back waters are unforgettable and it provides bread and butter to fisher men, tourist guys and peasants. And endless joy for whom visit this heavenly destination.
Kuttanad
Kuttanad is a vast paddy field region stretched among in three districts of Kerala (Alappuzha – Pathanamthitta – Kottayam) and where the farming is carried out below sea level (about 4 to 10 feet) and well known for its natural green scenery. This is also one of the historically important places in the ancient history of Kerala. The vast stretches of verdant paddy fields are interlaced with enchanting backwaters create some of the unforgettable sights. Four major rivers in Kerala Pampa, Meenachil, Achankovil and Manimala flow into this region. According to the legend, Kuttanad believed to be forest with dense tree growth was destroyed by a wild fire. Kuttanad is known as “Rice Bowl of Kerala” and large farming area near Vembanad Lake were reclaimed from the lake..
Nehru Trophy Boat Race
The most important tourist event in Alappuzha is Nehru Trophy Boat Race. It was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1952 on the occasion of his visit to Alappuzha. It is organized on the second Saturday of August every year, in which 130 feet long snake boats, each manned by over a hundreds of rowers, race through backwaters at high speed and cheered by the spectators throughout its course.
Karumadi
Only three kilometers east of Alleppey is the village of Karumadi. There is a large black granite statue there that is very famous. This sculpture is known as the Karumadi Kuttan. This statue is a left over remnant from the days that the Buddha religion was very popular in the region. Historians say that this black Buddha was carved in either the 9th or 10th century. Nowadays, Hindu is the more popular religion to belong to, but that does not change the beauty of this Buddha statue. The fact that it is made from black quartz makes it even more unusual, since quartz is normally associated with a gray color.
Pathiramanal
According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanadu lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island of (sands of midnight) Pathiramanal. This little island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundred of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thanneermukkom (Alleppey) and Kumarakom (Kottayam) and is accessable only by boat. This is one of the perfect destinations for Kerala Backwater Houseboat Tourist for taking a break between their backwater boathouse journeys to other destinations..
Champakkulam Church
Champakulam is a kuttanadan village on the backwaters in Kerala. And it is resplendent in green paddy fields, coconut groves and water fowl. Champakulam is an important tourist spot and is famous for the Moolam boat race. The river Pampa flows through the village connecting to various places. Champakulam Kalloorkadu St. Mary's Forane Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in India established in AD 427. Rebuilt many times and the many rock inscriptions found around the church tell us about the history of the church. The open air Rock Cross at Champakulam church is one of the most ancient ones with clear documentation of its antiquity up to AD 1151. There are many archaeological artifacts found around the church about its history. Champakulam Church had very friendly relations with the Jacobite Syrian group and had a pivotal role in many ecumenical efforts in the Eighteenth Century. The annual feast at this church is on the 3rd Sunday of October every year.
Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple
The Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple is built during AD 15th Century. The idol at Ambalapuzha is likened to Parthasarthi with a whip in the right hand and a Shankhu (sacred conch) in the left. This temple is directly associated to the Guruvayoor Sri Krishna Temple. During the raids of Tipu Sultanin 1789, the idol of Sri Krishna from the Guruvayoor Temple was brought to the Ambalappuzha Temple for safe keeping. The payasam served in the Ambalappuzha Temple is famous sweet pudding made of rice and milk has an interesting mythological legend behind. It is believed that Guruvayoorappan reaches here daily at the time of Palpayasa Nedyam to have it. The Amabalapuzha Temple Festival was established during 15th Century.
