Travel to Alappuzha, Kerala

Alappuzha, formerly known as Alleppey, is one of the exotic backwater sites in Kerala. Washed by the Arabian Sea and interlocked by a number of canals and bridges, this stunningly gorgeous 'Venice of the East' has more than the boat races, houseboats, beaches, marine products and the coir industry; Alappuzha is home to the diverse animal and bird life. Also referred to as the rice bowl of Kerala, Alappuzha was separated out from the former districts of Kottayam and Quilon. It is bounded by Kochi and Kanayannur taluks on its north; Vaikom, Kottayam, Changanassery Thiruvalla, Kozhencherry and Adoor taluks on its east; Kannathur and Karunagappally taluks on its south and the exotic Lakshadweep of the Arabian Sea on its west.

The climate of this small town is temperate and humid in general and relatively more pleasant in the winter season. The temperature ranges from 22 to 35°C in summer and 20 to 32°C during winters. The best time to visit Alappuzha is during the winter season. The months from August-September and February-March are ideal for a visit to this place.

History
The Portuguese were the predominant rulers of this place before it came under the Dutch control. Later Maharaja Marthandavarma came into power and was instrumental in developing the place. Slowly it became a very busy commercial place attracting merchants from all over. This resulted in the establishment of a number of coir factories producing coir-related goods of quality. The first coir factory was developed by an English sea captain and soon others followed suit. The first Anglican Church was built in 1816 by the Christian missionaries whose headquarter was in Alappuzha.

Travel to Kerala - Alappuzha - Attractions
"Venice of the East", Alappuzha is a not-to-be-missed delectable tourist destination if you travel to Kerala. Apart from its exotic backwater locations, Alappuzha is famous for the annual Nehru Trophy boat race takes place during the month of August-September in Punnamada Kayal. During this time the place becomes vibrant with festive and competitive spirit.

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.

Alappuzha is dotted with temples, highly revered not only in the state but throughout the country. 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. 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.

Alappuzha is also a shoppers delight. Among the locally available products of Alappuzha are the coir products and carpets. The fine quality, variety and reasonable price tag make these products stay high in the demand list of tourists. Besides Alappuzha is also famous for its pepper, coconut oil, areca nut, cardamon, sugar, etc. Several markets are available in Alappuzha, though the market of Kayamkulam is most important.

Getting There
Alappuzha is accessible by all the means of communication. The nearest airport is Kochi at a distance of 64 km north. The Trivandrum airport is located 159 km south of Alappuzha.

Cities like Cochin, Chennai, Howrah, Bangalore and Bokaro are well connected to Alappuzha. The Ernakulam Railway Station has a number of trains running to the nearby major places. National Highway 47 goes through Alappuzha connecting it with almost all the nearby places of South India. A number of buses ply to Alappuzha.

This exotic place is also well connected through waterways. It is linked by boat and ferry services through the scenic backwaters to Cochin, Kottayam, Kevalam, Changanassery and Chengannur.

Travel to Kerala - Alappuzha - Accommodation
Alappuzha is well equipped with the various types of accommodation facilities. Starting from luxurious hotels to reasonably cheap dormitories, all are available in this place.