|
The Venice of the East, with the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers cris crossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by travellers from across the world, this backwater country is also 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 Alapphuza 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. The rice bowl of Kerala, Kuttanadis perhaps the only place in the world where farming is done below sea level.
Krishnapuram Palace ( Kayamkulam (47 Km) )
Built by Marthanda Varma, this palace at Karthikaplly 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 larges murals in Kerala. The palace museum houses antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes.
Kuttanad Backwaters
Kuttanad lies sandwiched between the sea and the hills. The 75 kilometers long sparkling network of rivers, canals, lakes, lagoons and tiny streamlets between Kollam and Cochin and beyond to Thiruvananthapuram, of which the Kuttanad (Backwaters) comprises of, are akin to a tropical land of canals. Kuttanad, called the rice bowl of Kerala because of her wealth of paddy crops is at the heart of the backwaters.
The scenic countryside of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of bananas, yams and cassava which accompany the rice bowl as "side dishes". This is one of the places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land level is an amazing feature of this unique land.
Back
Boat Races
Alappuzha 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).
Aranmula
On the river of Pampa is Aranmula, a holy place with a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna as the charioteer of Arjuna. The annual commemoration falls on the last day of the week-long Onam festival, when the Aranmula Boat Race is conducted with a lot of pageantry and enthusiasm.
Aranmula is fast emerging as an important summer resort. Aranmula is also famous for its metal mirrors which make good souvenirs.
Back
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 has 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.
Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple
Built in the typical Kerala architectural style, this temple is famous for its Palpayasam or a sweet milk porridge. Paintings of the Dasavatharam(the ten incarnates of Lord Vishnu) are on display on the inner walls of the Chuttambalam
Back
Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple
The Kettukazhcha festival at this temple draws large crowds of devotees. Processions of all decorated structures on chariots, brightly decorated effigies of horses and bullocks and cultural performances make a spectacular pageant. (Festival - February / March).
Back
Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple
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.
Back
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.
Arthunkal
The St. Sebastian's Church here is an important Christian pilgrim centre. Annual festival - Arthunkal Perunnal - the feast of the patron saint. (January).
Edatya Church
It is believed that prayers and offering at this church help to heal all mental disorders and other ailments. During the annual feast (5th, 6th, 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.
Back
Alappuzha Beach
This is one of the most popular picnic spots in the city. The pier which extends into the sea, is over 137 years old. This beach is laden by dense palm groves and is suitable for swimming.
Chavara Bhavan
This is the ancestral home of the Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara. It is now a shrine, where thousands of devotees gather to offer prayers, receive favors and feel gratified. Here a 250-year-old beacon of light is preserved intact in its original and primitive form.
Pathiramanal
14 Kms from Alappuzha. According to the mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad lake to perform his evening ablutions and water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island of Pathiramanal (sand 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 by boat. |
