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 crisscrossing it. Alleppey is a place of immense natural beauty and a home 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 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 souveniers. Alleppey covers an area of 1526 square km and situated at the sea level. Alleppey 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 navigational channel classified as National Waterway 3. The abundant growth of coconut palms reclaimed from backwaters has contributed to a thriving coir industry with high quality export oriented products. 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 Aleppey coast called ‘Chakara’. This annual shifting sandbank which appears during post monsoon period 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 travel to reach this pristine aqua refuge. The culture of this district is also resplendent with rich and diverse ways of celebrating life – the boat races, songs and festivals all hold the spirit of the people. 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.
Alleppey is famous for its unending coconut groves, sea, limitless backwaters, boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. 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 held every August. One of the major characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad, the granary of Kerala. This is one of the places in the world where farming is done below sea level. The paddy feilds lie about 0.6 to 2 m below mean sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land level is an amazing feature of this unique land.

Tourist attractions in Alleppey
The major 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,

Boat Races in Alleppey
Some of the famous boat races held in Alleppey are
1. Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Punnamada (2nd Saturday of August)
2. Alleppey Tourism Boat Race (9th January)
3. Pulinkunnu Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race (last Saturday of August)
4. Champakulam Moolam Boat Race (Moolam day of Midhunam – July)

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.