Alleppey, Information about Alleppey, Alleppey Tour

Alappuzha or Alleppey, also known as the Venice of the East is the famous tourist destination in Kerala. This place symbolizes the confluence of all the natural graces and beauty. Alleppey is surrounded by the Arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscross it. Alleppey is a place of immense natural beauty and a home of diverse animal and bird life. Due to 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 destination, which attracts thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alleppey was built in 1752 as a trading centre. The traders from across the seven seas came here in search of black gold and souveneirs. The abundant growth of coconut palms reclaimed from backwaters has contributed to a thriving coir industry with high quality export oriented products. Alleppey is famous for its unending coconut groves, sea, limitless backwaters, boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. The life of the people in Alleppey revolves around water. Children learn to swim before they walk. They learn to row boats before they bicycle.

Geography of Alleppey

Alleppey covers an area of 1526 square km and is flanked by 2195 square km Vemband backwater, where one can witness the magnificent union of six major rivers which spread out extensively before joining the 80 km coast line of the district. The town of Alleppey is crisscrossed by a system of canals, which is a part of the National Waterway 3. The richness of the coastal waters is expressed annually in the blooming and consequent deposit of a huge quantity of fishes and prawns on the Alleppey coast called ‘Chakara’. This annual shifting sandbank appears during the post-monsoon period and contributes to the local economy and is a festive season for the people of Kerala. The annual floods rejuvenate and cleanse the soil and water due to which there is abundance of marine life like prawns, lobsters, fishes, turtles, mangroves and other flora in the sea. The backwaters and wetlands host thousands of migrant teals, ducks and cormorants every year who reach here from long distances. One of the major feature of this land is the region called Kuttanad, the granary of Kerala. Kuttanad is also known as the rice bowl of Kerala and is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. The paddy fields lie about 0.6 to 2 m below mean sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land level is also an amazing feature of this unique land.

Tourist attractions in Alleppey

The main tourist attraction in Alleppey is the Alleppey Beach, Krishnapuram palace and Pathiramanal. Alleppey Beach is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alleppey. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is about 140 years old. The Krishnapuram palace museum is known for its collection of antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes. The 18th century mural Gajendramoksham is the largest mural in Kerala. Pathiramanal, the little island on the backwaters is a favourite place 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. More....

Festivals in Alleppey

Some of the festivals which are celebrated in Alleppey are Mannarasala Serpent Temple, Harippad (October/November), Chirappu Mahotsavam, Mullackal Temple (December), Kidangamparampu Temple (December), Chandanakudam, Kakkazhom Juma Masjid.

Boat Races in Alleppey

During the harvest season i.e between July and September various boat races are held in Alleppey. The most famous boat race is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race that is held in the month of August. Some other famous other boat races held in Alleppey are as follows:
Alleppey Tourism Boat Race (9th January)
Pulinkunnu Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race (last Saturday of August)
Champakulam Moolam Boat Race (Moolam day of Midhunam – July)

Around Alleppey

Aranmula (20 km)
This picturesque Hindu pilgrim centre on the banks of river Pamba is famous for its rich culture and heritage. It was declared as a ‘Heritage (INTACH) and is believed to be the only place in the world to manufacture the traditional non-refractive metal mirrors called as Aranmula Metal Mirrors. These mirrors were supposed to be used in Italy and Crete in 2000 and 3000 BC.

Parthasarathy Temple:
This ancient temple is said to be one of the five temples built by the legendary Pandava brothers, along the river Pamba. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna as Parthasarthy, the charioteer who preached Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna.

Aranmula Vallomkalli:
The Snake Boat Race on Pamba river is held every year in the month of Chingam (Aug.-Sept.), commemorating the consecration of the 5ft. idol of the presiding deity is said to be endowed with the form of Hari (Lord Vishnu) and spirit of Lord Shiva.

How to reach Alleppey

By Air:
The nearest airport is located at Kochi which is about 64 km and Alleppey is about 59 km.

By Rail:
Alleppey is well connected with Kochi, Chennai, Bakaro, Guruvayoor and Thiruvananthapuram.

By Road:
An excellent road network links the district to all major towns and cities in India.

By Sea:
Kottayam, Changanasseri, Kollam and Kumarakom can be reached very easily by special boat.

To know the distances from Alleppey click here.