Built in the 9th century AD, Alleppey, called Alappuzha lies on the edge of the great Ashtamudi Lake. With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast labyrinth of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers criss-crossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Related to the Venice of the East by travellers from around the world, this Backwater Country is also home to diverse range of animals and birds. It has always been honored a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala for its proximity to the sea. Alleppey has earned fame in the commercial world as the world's premier supplier of coir. Today, Alleppey has emerged as a Backwater Tourist Centre, beckoning thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alleppey is also famous for its Boat races, Houseboat Holidays, Beaches, Marine Products and Coir Industry. Every year, during August-September, Alleppey wakes up to the pulsating Nehru Cup Snake Boat Race, a water sport unique to Kerala.
About Alleppey
Alleppey (Alappuzha)
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.
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.
Kumarakom
It is a village on Vembanad Lake in the backwaters of Kerala, Southern India. It’s laced with canals, where houseboats ply the waters.Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is home to many species including cuckoos and Siberian storks. Nearby, the Bay Island Driftwood Museum displays wooden sculptures. In the lake, Pathiramanal Island is a heaven for rare migratory birds. Ancient Thazhathangady Mosque is east of Kumarakom.
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.
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.
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.