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Kerala Alappuzha
With the Arabian Sea lashing on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it, Alleppey is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by travelers from across the world, this backwater country is also an abode 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, Alleppey has grown as an important backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alleppey is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. A land of lush paddy fields, Kuttanad is called the Rice Bowl of Kerala and is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.
Area: 1414 sq. kilometers
Population: 1,990,603
Altitude: Sea level
Telephone access code: ++91-477
Arrival & Departure
Air: Nearest international airports: Trivandrum (150 km); Cochin (85 km)
Rail: Well connected to major cities of India.
Road: An excellent road network links the district to all major towns and cities in India. There are frequent bus services to Trivandrum, Cochin and Kottayam. All buses going to Trivandrum pass through Quilon.
Ferry services: Kumarakom (2 hrs) Kottayam (3 hrs) Changanassery (3 hrs) Quilon (8 hrs) by special boat.
Sights & Attractions
• Kuttanad: Kuttanad, known as 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 and alive waterways also has a rich crop of banana, cassava and yam. This is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done 1.5meters to 2 meters below sea level. Inland waterways, which flow above land level are an amazing feature of this region.
• Alleppey Beach: This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alleppey. 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 the visitors.
• Pathiramanal (one and a half hours by motor boat; 30 min. by speedboat from Alleppey): 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 favorite 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.
• Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple (32 km south of Alleppey): Situated near Harippad, this is a serpent shrine under the patronage of a brahman family, headed by a priestess. The ancient shrine is an internationally renowned pilgrim centre dedicated to the Serpent God Nagaraja. Sarpa Yakshi and Naga Yakshi are the beloved consorts of Nagaraja. It is believed that Nagaraja as the installed deity is endowed with the form of Hari (Lord Vishnu) and the spirit of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that the first priestess of Mannarasala gave birth to a five-headed snake, which is believed to reside in the ancestral house to safeguard the family. At Mannarasala barren women are believed to be blessed with children and a special turmeric paste available at the shrine is credited with powers to cure even leprosy.
• 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.
• Q S T and R Block Kayal: These regions are wonders of the indigenous agricultural engineering know-how of Kerala and remind the visitor of the famous dikes of Holland. Extensive areas of land have been reclaimed from the backwaters and are protected by dikes built all around. Here cultivation and habitation are made possible four to ten feet below sea level. A leisurely cruise along the canals that surround these kayals is a memorable experience.
• Chavara Bhavan (6 km from Alleppey. 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 favors 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 Alleppey): 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 Alleppey): The St. Sebastian's Church here is an important Christian pilgrim centre. The annual festival is Arthunkal Perunnal - the feast of the patron saint (January)
• Edathua Church (24 km from Alleppey, on the Alleppey - 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.
• Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Mavelikkara: The Kettukazhcha festival at this temple draws large crowds of devotees. Processions of tall decorated structures on chariots, brightly decorated effigies of horses and bullocks and cultural performances make a spectacular pageant. (Festival - February/March)
• Krishnapuram Palace (47 km from Alleppey): 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 (3 km east of Ambalapuzha): Many fascinating legends are associated with this 11th century statue of Lord Buddha.
Festivals
• Mannarasala Serpent Temple, Harippad (October/November)
• Chirappu Mahotsavam, 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)
Boat Races
• Alleppey Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Punnamada (2nd Saturday of August)
• Pulinkunnu Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race (last Saturday of August)
• Champakulam Moolam Boat Race (Moolam day of Midhunam - July)
• Payippad Jalotsavam (4th Onam day - August/September)
• Neerettupuram Boat Race (Onam - August/September).
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