With its trading history and interconnecting canals, tourist literature ids found of referring to Alappuzha as the ‘‘Venice of the east”. Do not miss out on a ride into Kuttanad through shimmering, green paddy fields and tail-wagging, head-bobbing groups of ducks. The coir-workers too present an interesting sight as they soak coconut fibre in pools, beat them out and weave the tough brown strands into long ropes on spindles stretched between coconut trees.Alappuzha is a good jumping off base for trips to Munnar and Periyar. |
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| Transport and Communication :- | ||||||
| Air
-
Nearest airport – Cochin International airport (NEDUMBASSERY
- 86Kms). Trivandrum International airport 150 Kms. |
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Around Alappuzha :- |
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Alappuzha beach is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha. Its beautiful garden on the shore gives an exclusive sight. Imposing buildings of a colonial past overlook the shore. A 137 year old pier, which extends into the sea isa rare sight. |
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Pathiramanal is a tiny island on the backwaters is a favorite hunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. This place lies between Thanneermukkam and Kumarakom. |
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Mararikulam: is 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. |
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| 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. |
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Mannarsala
: It is 32 kms. from Alappuzha near Haripad and
is famous for the ancient temple of Sree Nagaraja, the King of Serpents.
Pilgrims from all over the country assemble here during the two
day annual festival. |
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| Alappuzha - Kollam backwater trip: One of the best backwater experiences- an 8 hour boat trip through canals and lakes like Asthamudi, Kayakulam and Vembanad Lake. | ||||||
| Snake Boat Races :- | ||||||
Alappuzha
really comes alive on the second Saturday of August in every year,
when it serves as the venue for one of the Kerala’s major
spectacles –Nehru Trophy Boat Race. The colorful boat pageantry
which precedes the boat race is a marvelous treat to the eyes. The
snake boats with a length of 30 to 60 meters and with 100 to 150
oarsmen plough the waters with the rhythm and symbols to the tune
of the legendary songs. The Nehru Trophy was instituted by the late
Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru who was enthralled by the charm
and gaiety of the water carnival. The boat race attracts a large
number of tourists, domestic and foreign. |
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Alappuzha - Accommodation :- |
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The
never ending panorama of backwaters, lush paddy fields, glorious
greeneries give Alappuzha a great significance in the tourist
map of Kerala. Alappuzha once ranked among the wealthiest ports
along the Malabar Coastas a clearing house for spices, tea, coffee,
cashews, coir and other produce shipped frpm the back waters.
This land is also famous for its boat races . Alappuzha is interlocked
with a large number of canals and bridges.This water locked district
has immense untapped potential for backwater tourism, preserved
through the ages and completely hidden from the road is an enchanting
experience to any visitor. Gliding along the calm and serene backwaters
flanked by green leaves and palms seeing a rural more so while
sailing a slow-moving, spacious Kettuvallam .
