About:

Alappuzha/alleppey district is surrounded by Ernakulam district towards the north, Kollam district towards the south and Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts towards the east. Alappuzha or Alleppey is an entrancing region of awe-inspiring natural beauty with the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast tangle of cerulean lakes, serene backwaters and freshwater rivers, is usually referred as the Venice of the East.Alappuzha is one of the exotic backwater sites in the state of Kerala. This city of south India is situated close to the Arabian Sea and is interlocked by a number of canals and bridges. Alappuzha city guide is also famous for its Nehru Trophy boat race held every year. Alappuzha is not only known for its natural beauty but also its locally made coir products that are of a very superior quality.Alleppey city of Kerala is a lovely place to visit. It was named Alappuzha officially, in the year 1990. The town is beautiful and is visited by tourists to relax in serene backwaters. People traveling to Alappuzha usually head straight to the backwaters, beaches and lagoons, which are absolutely synonymous to Paradise. The place is absolutely captivating and you won't feel like leaving once you come here.



Experience the Godly charm of the Alappuzha backwaters with the deep shadows of the tall palms that stand proudly on the banks of the Alappuzha back waters on the glistening waters while you lazily watch your fishing line tailing along your houseboat. Alappuzha backwaters in Kerala, South India is rich with marine life and you will be amazed at the profusion of animal life in Alappuzha in Kerala, South India. Once a year the quiet and tranquil Alappuzha backwaters spring to life at the time of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. The special snake boats that are used for these races are called Chundanvalloms and are large enough to accommodate more than 100 oarsmen at a time.Alappuzha Travel The backwater cruises in the exotic houseboats of Alappuzha serve the best of the cuisines of the state of Kerala.The festivities of the Mullakal temple in Alappuzha city are highly recommended for the performance of some of India's finest temple musicians. Besides this, the locally made coir and carpets of coconut fibers in Alappuzha are great attraction among tourists these days. There are several places of tourist interest in and around Alappuzha.Punnamada Kayal is the must-visit place of Alappuzha where the annual Nehru Trophy boat race takes place. During the month of August-September, the backwaters become crowded with thousands of spectators and a large number of competitors come to participate in the famous Nehru Trophy boat race.

Alappuzha is dotted with temples, highly revered not only in the state but throughout India. Situated in the heart of the town, Mullackal Temple, dedicated to goddess Rajarajeswari, is also a place worth visiting. Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, surrounded by thick-green forests, is a holy place where the king of serpents is worshiped. Number of devotees from all over India and abroad visit this place every year. To get a feel of traditional and typical Keralan style of architecture, the two-storied Krishnapuram Temple, displays the best example. The largest mural painting, Gajendra Miksham, is displayed in a museum here. Typical temple architecture and culture of Kerala can be witnessed in Ambalapuzha Temple, where Lord Krishna is worshipped. During the festival period of March/April, the Keralan delicacy payasam can be savored. The Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple is believed to have miraculous powers and hence visited by number of pilgrims every year. Kottamkulangara Mahavishnu Temple and Devi Temple are the oldest temples of Alappuzha and are sites worth visiting, especially during the time of festivals. And a visit to St. Andrew's Church, established by the Portuguese missionaries, can give visitors to witness the feast of St. Sebastian.Similarly there are many churches like the Arthunkal Church or 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 or the St.Mary's Church was established by St Thomas, it is one of the oldest churches in Kerela.

Location info:

64 Km North of Kochi

Climate/Weather:

Alleppey has a moderate temperate and humid climate in general and becomes more pleasant during the winter season. In summers, Alleppey is humid and hot, making travel a little uncomfortable. The best time to visit Alleppey is from August to March.

History of Alappuzha City (Alleppey):

The Town was founded by Divan of Travanacore - Raja Keshawadasan in 1762. Owing to its propinquity to the sea, the town of Alappuzha previously called Alleppey, has enjoyed a significant position in the nautical history of Kerala. Alappuzha also had a gory past when the Communist activists fought with police in 1946.In the recent days, it has developed as a major backwater tourist centre and is renowned for its pristine beaches, exciting boat races, romantic houseboat holidays and coir industry.

Educational Institutions Alappuzha City (Alleppey):

Crescent Public School
Mannanchery, Alappuzha - 688538

Naduvattom Vhs School
Pullippad, Naduvattom, Alappuzha - 690512

Holy Angels English School
Pathanamthitta,Central, Edathua, Alappuzha - 689573

St Aloysius English Medium School
Punnapra, Alappuzha - 688004

St Augustines High School
Mararikulam North, Arthunkal, Alappuzha - 688530

Holy Trinity Idyabhavan
Karthikappally, Alappuzha - 690516

Sree Narayana Central School
Cherukunnam,Thekkekara, Mavelikara, Alappuzha - 690101

St James English Medium School
Paloothara, Varanam, Alappuzha - 688555

Holy Trinity English Medium School
Murukkummoodu,K P Rd, Kayamkulam Ho, Alappuzha - 690502

Langauge

The local language spoken here is Malayalam the mother tongue of the people of Kerala known as keralites or Malayalees

Culture:

The Alappuzha boat races are the most popular and an inseparable part of the delightful Kerala culture. The festivals of Kerala form an unbreakable thread that connects the religious traditions of the past with the present. Onam is the most important festival of Kerala and the celebrations that mark this harvest festival are an ideal reflection of the brilliant Kerala culture. Kerala Flexi Tours makes it possible for you to explore the wonderful Kerala culture which includes folk dances, traditional music, temple traditions, vibrant festivals, enigmatic rituals, a bounty of natural beauty and warmth etc.

Diffrerent festivals are celebrated at these temples of Alappuzha/alleppey in these months

  • Mannarasala Serpent Temple, Harippad (October/ November)
  • Chirappu Mahotsavsm, Mullackal Temple (December).
  • Chirappu Mahotsavam, Kidangamparampu Temple (December).
  • Chandanakudam, Kakkazhom Juma Masjid.
  • Arthungal Perunnal (January).
  • Edathuwa Perunnal (May).
  • Thumpoli Church Perunnal.
  • Chettikulangara Kettukazhcha (February / March).

How to reach Alappuzha City (Alleppey)?

Nearest Railway Station:There are railways connected to Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram.
Nearest Airport:You can reach Alappuzha by air. The closest airport is at Cochin, 64 km. The Thiruvananthapuram Airport is 159 km away.
Road Transport: NH 47 passes through Alappuzha. Alappuzha is linked to MC Road by the Changanassery Road.

Tourist Attraction of Alappuzha City (Alleppey)

Ambalappuzha
The Sri Krishna Temple at Ambalapuzha, 14 kms from Alleppey is among Kerala's more famous ones boasting of the typical temple architectural style of the state. It is equally famed for its palpayasam - a sweet milk porridge offered to the diety. The temple's main festival occurs in March/April. It was in this temple that the 16th century poet Kunjan Nambiar staged his first Ottan Thullal, a solo dance performance with high social content.

QST and R block kayal
These regions are famous for farming over reclaimed land from the backwaters.

Arthunkal
Arthunkal known for the St. Andrews Church established by Portuguese missionaries is near Sherthallai, 22 km north of Alappuzha.The feast of St. Sebastian is held here in every January.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race
The most colourful water sport in Kerala, is conducted at PUNNAMADA LAKE in Alappuzha on the second saturday of every August. This prestigious cultural event of Kerala has been attracting people from all over the world. Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a festival for the people of Alleppey the main attraction of which is the sportive sprits among the participants of the race. This trophy named as NEHRU TROPHY was donated by the late Prime Minister of INDIA Jawaharlal Nehru to the winners of the first boat race which was an impromptu one conducted in 1952 in honour of Panditji who visited Alappuzha

Punnamada Lake
Lake near alappuzha where the annual nehru trophy boat race is held

Karimadi
This town is close to Ambalapuzha. There is a 9 th century black granite statue of Budha (called locally Karimadi Kuttan) which is of historical importance

Kuttanad
Kuttanad, called the rice bowl of Kerala, because of her wealth of paddy crops is at the very heart of the backwaters. The scenic countryside of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of bananas. Yams and cassava which accompany the rice bowl as "side dishes". This is one of the places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land level is an amazing feature of this unique land.

Pathiramanal (14 kilometers from Alappuzha)
This little island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. This island is accessible only by boat.

Karumadikuttan
Karumadikuttan situated 3km east of Ambalapuzha is the feted 11th century statue of Lord Buddha to which interesting legends are associated.

Houseboat Cruises
One of the chief attractions of Alappuzha is the houseboat cruises. You can glide through the azure backwaters and enjoy the dreamy, reposeful setting.

Krishnapuram Palace
The Palace was built in the 18th century during the region of Marthanda Varma. The place display the typical Kerala style of architecture by water of its gable roofs, charmar windows and narrow corridors. There is a museum of antique sculptures, paintings and bronze articles in the palace. on the western end of the ground floor is a large mural called Gajendra moksha. The palace pool is also nearby. the palace is 47 km from Alleppey at Kayamkulam, on the way to Kollam. Kayamkulam is 41 km away from Kollam

Chavara Bhavan
Ancestral home of the blessed Kurikose Elias Chavara

Edathua church
Dedicated to St.George established in 1810.

Alappuzha beach
The Alappuzha beach, with its beautiful garden on the shore, gives an exclusive sight. Imposing buildings of a colonial past overlooks the shore. The long pier which darts over to the sea is a rare sight. Dense Palm groves at one end and an ancient towering light house at the other end. Vijay Park and Sea view park are situated near the beach. Boating Facility is available in both Parks.

Krishnapuram Palace
He 18th century Krishnapuram Palace built during the reign of the Travancore monarch, Marthanda Varma, is a double storied structure which displays typical characteristics of Kerala architecture-gabled roofs, dormar windows, narrow corridors. It houses one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala called the Gajendra Moksham. It measures14 feet by 11 feet and is at the western end of the ground floor, a walking distance from the Palace Pool. Inside is also a museum of antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes. Situated 47 kms from Alappuzha on the way to Kollam, Krishnapuram is easily accessible by bus from either town.

Karumadi
Famous for 9th or 10 century black granite idol of Lord Buddha known as Karumadikuttan.

Pandavan Parra
The Pandavas of the Mahabarata are said to have stayed in a cave here.

Champakulam Church
It is one of the ancient churches in Kerala and is believed to have established by St. Thomas. The annual banquet at this church falls on the 3rd Sunday of October and the feast of St. Joseph is observed on March 19th.

Light House
This lighthouse was built in 1862 and was the first lighthouse raised on the western coast.

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple
This temple is located near Harippad ,32 km south of Alappuzha. This age old shrine that is dedicated to serpent God Nagaraja is renowned throughout the world.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation in Alappuzha City (Alleppey):

City Tower Hotel
Harippadu, Alappuzha-690514

Alleppey Prince Hotel
Alapuzha North, Alappuzha-688007

Royal Indraprastha Hotel
Thamarakkulam, Alappuzha-690530

Royale Park Hotel
Alapuzha Collectorate, Alappuzha-688001

Kayaloram Lake Resort
Punnamada,Alleppey3 Star Hotel Kayaloram Lake Resort, Alappuzha

Keraleeyam Home and Ayurvedic Resort
P.O. Thathampally , Alappuzha , Alleppey

Sauver Nigam House Boat, Alappuzha
Alleppey, , Alleppey

Vijaya Hotel
Alapuzha Ironbridge, Alappuzha-688011

Hotel Raiban
Alapuzha Hospital, Alappuzha-688001

Arcadia Regency Hotel
Alapuzha Collectorate, Alappuzha-688001

Ayyans Hotel
Anjipadam, Alappuzha-688005

The Marari Beach, Alappuzha
Mararikulam, , Alleppey

Alleppey Beach Resorts, Alappuzha Hotels
Alleppey,Alleppey

Raheem Residency
Alapuzha Bazar, Alappuzha-688012

Ootuputa Hotel
Alapuzha Bazar, Alappuzha-688012

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Alappuzha Beach
Alappuzha beach is one of the most popular beaches of Kerela located in the district of Alappuzha. The beach is located at roughly 5 kms from the Alappuzha railway station and has the Arabian Sea on the west and a large network of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers intersection.Alappuzha is a tiny place located on a thin strip of land between the Arabian Sea and the Punnamada Backwaters. The place is fondly referred to as the Venice of East because of its striking similarity between the two (Alappuzha and Venice) with regards to intricate maze of backwaters, canals and bridges......more
Marari Beach
Marari Beach (Mararikulam) is situated about 60 kms south of Cochin and even less from Alleppey.south of Cochin. This town ship will also be able to provide delight to your desires in the non vegetarian delicacies. This beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in India. The tourists would love to spend their days and evenings watching the fishermen perform their mundane chores. The din and bustle of the fishermen with their work will be able to calm the disturbances of your heart. Stand in the evening looking forward the setting sun and his valor, it is amazing.The tourists can also go out for swimming and sailing in the etherized water of the sea. .....more
Mararikulam Beach
This beatiful beach is situated at Marari village about 12 km from Alleppey and 60 km from Kochi, A pure and soft Mararikulam beach welcomes into its warm embrace as you decide to spend your holiday tours on this strikingly beautiful beach.Mararikulam Beach is comparatively a new beach destination where you have pristine sand beaches, swinging coconut palms and plenty of solitude. Experience the local aroma in the environment and traditional hospitality in the conduct of the people. Spend your time getting a stunning suntan, exploring the route of the backwaters, changing moods of the sea, witnessing the daily routine of the locals and consuming the scenic beauty of the beach......more
Pathiramanal Backwaters
Pathiramanal is a small island on the backwaters of Alappuzha,is a haven for hundreds of rare birds migrating from different parts of the world.This little Island on the backwaters is a birdwatcher's delight. Surrounded by the Vembanad Lake,stretching from Alappuzha to Kochi and the Kayamkulam lake, Pathiramanal is accessible only by boat.The green island thus forms an ideal place for a break in the journey while on a backwater cruise.Themainland Alappuzha has a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers criss crossing it and is a district of immense natural beauty.It has a mytholigical significance attached to its creation......more
St George Horeb Jacobite Syrian Church
St. George horeb Jacobite Syrian church (Chennithala Horeb Church) is located in chennithala Village, Mavelikkara thaluk of Alappuzha district in Kerala state.(Niranam Diocese) Under the holy apostolic see of Antioch and all the east. Chennithala is a village where Hindus, Muslims and Christians live together in religious harmony. There are many ancient Hindu temples. Christians of all denominations have their place of worship in Chennithala.The present Christian community in Chennithala is the generations of Christians converted by St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, who came to malankara and established a church in Niranam in A.D.58, which is one among the seven& half (Ezhera pally) churches in malankara.....more
Krishnapuram Palace
Krishnapuram Palace is located Kayamkulam, 47 km from Alappuzha (Alleppey), Alappuzha district. Built in the 18th century by Marthanda Varma, This two-storied Krishnapuram Palace was once the residence of the Maharajas/rulers of Kayamkulam kingdom. This palace features narrow corridors, saddled roofs and dormer windows. This palace is under the supervision of Archaeology department and is one of the brilliant Kerala highlights. Krishnapuram Palace has been restored as a heritage building and is visited by several tourists.Its gabled roofs, narrow corridors and dormer windows are reflective of the typical Kerala style.It is now under archeological survey of India and showcases the traditional Kerala architecture with narrow corridors, gabled roofs and dormer windows.....more
Pulinkunnu Island
Pulinkunnu is an island village nestled among Pampa Nadhi, backwaters, lakes, wetlands and canals.Pulincunnu is an island village in Alappuzha district in the Indian state of Kerala.Pulincunnu is located in the Kuttanad taluk and region of Alappuzha District.The scenic beauty of the wide river ride through the Pampa river is the reason why this route is one of the most favoured by houseboats tourism operators in Kerala. It is part of the Kerala Backwaters, a network of lakes, wetlands, and canals. The famous Rajiv Gandhi Trophy boat race is held here during the months of October-November every year.....more
Kayamkulam Lake
Kayamkulam Lake is located inKayamkulam, Alpuzzha district.it is spread over an area of 60 sq km and is one of the most scenic backwaters in Kerala. The lake, which lies in both the Allepey and Quilon district, is a shallow lake which merges with the sea at the Kayamkulam barrage. Stretching between Panmana and Karthikappally, the Kayamkulam Lake has an area of 59.57 sq km, a length of 30 km and an average breadth of 2.4 Km. It connects the Ashtamudi Lake by the Chavara-Panmana canal.he wide opening of the lake into the Arabian Sea offers spectacular view of the sunset through the web of Chinese fishing nets to the tourists cruising in the houseboats.....more
Punnamada Lake
Punnamada Lake is located just 3 kms from the Alappuzha city, Alappuzha district, kerala.Spread over 10.5 acres with water frontage stretching over a kilometer, the resort enjoys an ever refreshing weather.Punnamada Lake is surrounded by coconut and areca nut trees and lush vegetations. A journey in the country-made boats through the lake will provide awe-inspiring sights of paddy fields and stretches of coconut palm groves.Punnamada Lake is where the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race takes place. Every year during the second Saturday of August, thousands of people throng to this place to witness the breathtaking boat race......more
Ambalapuza Temple
The Ambalapuzha Temple is a typical Kerala style built temple, dedicated to Sree Krishna is situated 8 miles south of Alappuzha, kerala . Ambalapuzha temple is famous for its temple architecture and the milk porridge- Paalpaayasam. Chembakasseri Pooradam built this temple in 800 AD. One of the legends connected with the origin of this temple is related to the sage Vilwamangalam Swaamiyaar. Devanarayana Raja surrendered his kingdom to Sreekrishnan after the consecration of Ambalapuzha temple and assumed the name Devanarayanan. The idol at Ambalapuzha is likened to Parthasaarathhi with a whip in the right hand and a Shankhu (sacred conch) in the left. It is also in this temple that 'Pallipana' dance is performed by 'Velans' (sorcerers) once in twelve years.....more
Mannarshala Temple
Mannarsala Nagaraja Temple is one of the most important centre of snake worship in Kerala, Sree Nagaraja temple is situated at Mannarsala near Haripad town, about 35 Km away from Alappuzha on the Alappuzha-Kollam route. Mannarsala Ayilyam is the famous Festival of this Temple. It is believed that by 'Uruhi Kamizhthal', which is placing a bell shaped vessel upside down as an offering to the deity,childless couples are blessed with children. The sacred turmeric paste of the temple is believed to cure leprosy. The eldest Female member of the Mannarsala Family Known as 'Amma' is performing Pujas in the temple.The temple is one of themost important centers of serpent Worship in Kerala.....more