My alappuzha

Alappuzha, washed by the silvery waves of Arabian Sea, occupies a significant place in the tourist map of Kerala. Interlocked with large number of canals and bridges, this water locked district has immense untapped potential of backwater tourism. Alappuzha, a centre of coir and carpet industries is an ideal place for backwater touring as well as for visits to the lovely church filled town of Kottayam, and the town of Aranmula where Onam based water competitions takes place. Alappuzha is also a good jumping base trips to Munnar and Periyar.


Alappuzha has several canals and lakes fit for boat cruise. The prominent rivers in the southern grid of Kerala like Achankivil, Pamba and Manimala are in Alappuzha. The Vembanadu lake stretching from Alappuzha to Cochin and Kayamukalam lake which lies in both Alappuzha and Kollam districts are used for inland water transport cargo and passengers. The important Tourist places in Alappuzha are Krishnapuram palace, Pathiramanal, Ambalappuzha, Karumadi, Arthunkal church, Kuttanadu, Alappuzha beech, Edathua church, Chavara Bhavan, Chettikulangara bhagavathi temple etc. The 18th century krishnapuram palace built during the reign of Travancore monarch, situated at karthikappally in kayamkulam. Pathiramanal is a small beautiful island in vembanadu lake. Ambalappuzha and Arthunkal are famous pilgrim centres. Kuttanadu is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done below the sea level. Kuttanadu is also known as the rice bowl of kerala and main crop is paddy. Alappuzha beech is very beautiful and popular among both international and domestic tourists. The pier which extended out into the sea, over 137 year old.

The St.Mary's church at Champakulam is regarded to be one of the seven established by St.Thomas. This is one of the oldest churches in Kerala. The St.George church, Edathua on the bank of Manimala river was established in 1810. Chavara Bhavan is the ancestoral home of the blessed kuriakose Elias CHAVARA. It is now a holy shrine and spiritual resort where thousand of devotes gather for player, recieve favors and feel amply gratified. The Kuthyottam and Kettukazhcha festival at Chettikulangara devi temple draws large crowds of devotees.

The not to be missed spectacle in Alappuzha is the Nehru Trophy Boat race which began in 1952 on the occasion of visits of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru to Alappuzha. It is now a major event held on 2nd saturday of every August and features the gigantic Snake boats of Kerala, the Chundan-onc the battleships of the Malayalee king ofyore. Chamapankulam "Moolan Vallamkali" is the traditional annual boat race of Kerala.

The kettuvallams of Alappuzha showcase a unique heritage. They are giant country crafts, measuring up to so feet in length. It took great skill and meticulousness to construct these giants by tying huge planks of jack wood together with out the use of a single nail. Today, these good carriers have been adapted to make the most exciting tour to Alappuzha, "The Venice of the East".