Alleppey City
The town was founded by Raja Keshawadasan, Divan of Travanacore in 1762. With
the arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water
rivers crisscrossing it, alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty.
Referred to as the venice of the east by travellers from across the world, this
backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life.
By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique
place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, Alappuzha (Alleppey) has grown
in importance as a backwater tourist centre, & also famous for its boat
races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry.
Places To See in Alleppey
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 banana, cassava and yam. This
is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done 1.5 to 2 m below
sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land 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 here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya
beach park add to the attractions of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse
which is greatly fascinating to visitors. The Vijaya beach park: Picnic spot
with children's park & boating facilities (Open 1500 - 2000 hrs). Entrance
fee Rs. 2 per person; Free entrance for children below 5 years. Boating charge:
Rs. 10 for 10 minutes. Other facilities for children: Toy train, bicycles, Video
permit Rs. 25, Camera permit: Rs. 5 respectively.
Sea View Park :
The park offers boating facilities and a swimming pool. Boat rentals for 10
minutes: Roundboat (4 seater): Rs. 10 Pedalboat (2 seater): Rs. 15 Pedalboat
(4 seater): Rs. 25. Video permit Rs. 15, Camera permit Rs. 100 respectively.
Pathiramanal (11/2 hours by motor boat/30 min. by speedboat from Alappuzha):
According to mythology a young brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform
his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus
creating the enchanting island of Pathiramanal (sands of midnight). This little
island on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory
birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom
and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat.
Champakulam Church :
One of the oldest churches in Kerala, the St. Mary's Church is believed to be
one of the seven established by St. Thomas. The annual feast at this church
falls on the 3rd Sunday of October every year. The feast of St. Joseph is celebrated
on March 19th.
Chavara Bhavan (6 km from Alappuzha. Accessible only by boat):
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 prayer, receive favours and feel amply gratified. Here, a 250 year old historically
important beacon of light is preserved intact in its original and primitive
form.
Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple (15 km south of Alappuzha):
Built in the typical Kerala architectural style, this temple is famous all over
India for the Palpayasam, the daily offering of deliciously sweet milk porridge.
It is also in this temple that Pallipana is performed by Velans (sorcerers)
once every twelve years. Paintings of the Dasavatharam (the ten incarnations
of Lord Vishnu) are on display on the inner walls of the Chuttambalam. Ottanthullal,
a satiric art form originated by the poet Kunchan Nambiar, was first performed
on the premises of this temple.
Arthunkal (22 km north of Alappuzha) :
The St. Sebastian's Church here is an important Christian pilgrim centre. Annual
festival: Arthunkal Perunnal - the feast of the patron saint (January)
Edathua Church (24 km from Alappuzha, on the Alappuzha - Thiruvalla Road):
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. During the annual feast (5th, 6th and 7th of May) pilgrims from all
parts of South India, irrespective of caste and creed, visit the church and
seek the blessings of the saint.
Krishnapuram Palace (47 km from Alappuzha):
Built by Marthanda Varma, this palace at Karthikapally in Kayamkulam is famous
for its mural depicting the story of Gajendramoksham. Dating back to the 18th
century, this exquisite piece of art is one of the largest murals in Kerala.
The palace museum houses antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes.
Karumadikuttan (3km east of Ambalapuzha):
Many fascinating legends are associated with this 11th century statue of Lord
Buddha.
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