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Alleppey Day Tour -
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Alleppey - Alappuzha - Kerala, Tourism, Monuments,
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Alleppey Day Tour
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Also known as: |
The Venice of the East |
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Shopping: |
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History of: |
Mentioned below |
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Population: |
21 Lac |
Washed by the silvery waves of the Arabian Sea, Alleppey,
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.
The name
Alappuzha (Alleppey) 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.
The present Alappuzha district comprises of six taluks namely
Cherthala, Ambalappuzha, Kuttanad, Karthikappally, Chengannur and
Mavelikkara. Total area of this district is 1414 sq. kms. The district
head quarters is located at Alappuzha.
History
The history of the district in the palaeolithic age is obscure. It is
presumed that the coastal taluks of Cherthala. Ambalapuzha and
Karthikappally might have been under water and these areas were formed
by the accumulation of silt and sand later than the other parts of the
district. Kuttanad was well known even from the early periods of the
Sangam age. The early Cheras had their home in Kuttanad and they were
called 'Kuttuvans' named after this place. Some archeological antiques
like stone inscriptions, historical monuments etc. found in the
temples, churches, rock-out caves etc., and literacy works like "Unninili
Sandesam" give some insight into the ancient period of this district.
The famous travelers Pliny and Ptolemy of the first and second
centuries had mentioned about places like Purakkad (Barace) in their
classical works. Christianity had a strong foot-hold in this district
even from the Ist century A.D. The church located at Kokkomangalam or
Kokkothamangalam was one of the seven churches founded by St.Thomas,
one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. It is generally believed
that he landed at Maliankara in Muziris Port, presently known as
Cranganore or Kodungallur in 52 A.D and preached Christianity in South
India. During 9th to 12th century AD the district flourished in the
field of religion and culture under the second Chera Empire. The
famous literary work of this period was "Ascharya Choodamani" a
Sanskrit drama written by Sakthibhadra who was a scholar of Chengannur
gramam.
Major Attractions
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'.
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.
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.
Distance
from major cities
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Cochin |
64 Kms |
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Thiruvananthapuram |
159 Kms |
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Kovalam |
161 Kms |
How to reach there
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Nearest domestic airport is Cochin
(64kms) and Thiruvananthapuram International airport is 159kms
away. |
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Alleppey Railway Station is well
connected to all major cities in South India. |
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NH-47 is well connected to all
important towns in South India. |
Recommended
Restaurants
Indian Coffee House,
Alappuzha
Ayraas, Alappuzha
Annapoorna Restaurant,
Alappuzha
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