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Alleppey Travel Guide
The
town was founded by Raja Keshawadasan, Divan of Travanacore in 1762.
With the arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh
water rivers crisscrossing 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, Alappuzha (Alleppey) has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre,
& also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products
and coir industry.
Places To See in Alleppey
Kuttanad :
Kuttanad, called 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 waterways also has a rich crop of banana, cassava and yam. This
is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done 1.5 to
2 m below sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land level are an amazing
feature of this region.
Alappuzha beach :
This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha. 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 visitors. The Vijaya beach park: Picnic spot
with children's park & boating facilities (Open 1500 - 2000 hrs). Entrance
fee Rs. 2 per person; Free entrance for children below 5 years. Boating charge:
Rs. 10 for 10 minutes. Other facilities for children: Toy train, bicycles, Video
permit Rs. 25, Camera permit: Rs. 5 respectively.
Sea View Park :
The park offers boating facilities and a swimming pool. Boat rentals for 10
minutes: Roundboat (4 seater): Rs. 10 Pedalboat (2 seater): Rs. 15 Pedalboat
(4 seater): Rs. 25. Video permit Rs. 15, Camera permit Rs. 100 respectively.
Pathiramanal (11/2 hours by motor boat/30 min. by speedboat from Alappuzha):
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
favourite 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 Alappuzha):
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 diety 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.
