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Alleppey |
Information about
Alleppey |
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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.
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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. |
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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....
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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. |
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Boat
Races in Alleppey |
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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) |
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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.
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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.
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