Alappuzha

Alappuzha(Alleppey) district was formed on 17th August, 1957 and consisted initially of seven taluks, namely Cherthala, Ambalappuzha, Kuttanad, Thiruvalla, Chengannur, Karthikappally and Mavelikkara.

The name Alappuzha is derived from the geographical position and physical features of the place. It means the land between the sea and network of rivers flowing into it. The district is bounded on the north by Kochi and Kanayannur taluks of Ernakulam district, on the east by Vaikom, Kottayam and Changanassery taluks of Kottayam district and Thiruvalla, Kozhencherry and Adoor taluks of Pathanamthitta district, on the South by Kunnathur and Karunagappally taluks of Kollam district and on the west by Lakshadweep sea.It is the Venice of the East

Situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake, the town's commercial centre lives in a maze of canals. Set in the labyrinth of Backwater channels, the town is one of the best gateways to explore the unspoilt countryside.

A historic and romantic name from Kerala's past, Alappuzha was once one of the best known ports along the coast of Malabar.

The centre for Backwater Cruises in Kerala, the Backwaters of Alappuzha (Alleppey) can be best experienced in a country boat. Alappuzha (Alleppey) is a bustling, messy town of ramshackle wood and corrugalated roof houses, chiefly significant in the Coir industry.
Cities of Kerala
The large network of canals provides Alleppey its lifeline. It has a spectacular long sandy beach. At one end are the dense palm groves that are so characteristic of Kerala's landscape.

How to Reach Alappuzha
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.

In and Around Alappuzha

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.

Alappuzha Beach
This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea is over 137 years old.

Sea View Park
The Park offers boating facilities and a swimming pool.

Chavara Bhavan
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 prayers, receive flavours and feel amply gratified.

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.

Arthunkal
The St. Sebastian's Church here is an important Christian pilgrim centre.

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.

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple
This ancient shrine is an internationally renowned pilgrims from all parts of South India, irrespective of caste and creed.

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 culrural performances make a spectular pageant.

Krishnapuram Palace
Built by Marthanda Varma, this palace is famous for its mural depicting the story of Gajendramoksham. The palace museum houses antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes.

Karumadikuttan
Many fascinating legends are associated with this 11th centuary statue of Lord Buddha.