About Alleppey

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Alleppey Venice of the East

Known as the Venice of the East, Alleppey is an important backwater destination. Noted for its boat races, beaches, marine products & coir industry, Alappuzha is also home to Kuttanad – the Rice Bowl of Kerala, which is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.
Built in the 9th century AD, Alleppey, called Alappuzha lies on the edge of the great Ashtamudi Lake. With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast labyrinth of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers criss-crossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty.
Related to the Venice of the East by travellers from around the world, this Backwater Country is also home to diverse range of animals and birds. It has always been honored a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala for its proximity to the sea. Alleppey has earned fame in the commercial world as the world's premier supplier of coir.
Today, Alleppey has emerged as a Backwater Tourist Centre, beckoning thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alleppey is also famous for its Boat races, Houseboat Holidays, Beaches, Marine Products and Coir Industry. Every year, during August-September, Alleppey wakes up to the pulsating Nehru Trophy Boat Race, a water sport unique to Kerala.

Alappuzha Beach

A 137 – year – old pier which extends into the sea & an old light house add to the attractions of the beach. Here is children’s park also (Vijaya Park)

Pathiramanal Island

(1½ hrs by motor boat, 30 min by speedboat from Alappuzha) the enchanting island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of Hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. Pathiramanal Island visit

Ambalappuzha Temple

also called Dwaraka of the South. One of the oldest temples in kerala . Established during 15-17 AD by the ruler of chempakasherri , Sri. Devanarayan. Chembakasherri was later renamed as Ambalapuzha.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the bird sanctuary is spread across 14 acres. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal.A visit to the bird sanctuary, set within the lush acres of wooded land nearby, acquaints you to the variety of migratory birds that flock in thousands, some from the Himalayas, some even from as far as Siberia. In addition, you can get thrilled of the native kingfishers ablaze in psychedelic colours, experience a walk under rookeries of egrets and night herons or lone golden-backed woodpeckers and even delight in the acrobatics of the paradise fly-catchers

Kuttanad

Kuttanad is a favored tourist destination for tourists in Kerala as the place boasts of having several fully furnished houseboats and tourists are seen cruising along the backwaters in these house boats. Kuttanad is also called the rice bowel of Kerala and is one of the few places in the world where cultivation is done below sea level. A visit to Kuttanad offers the tourists a chance to mingle with the local population and learn their customs and traditions.

Champakulam Church

Champakulam Church is the mother church of most of the churches of the Catholic Syrian descent in Kerala. It was built way back in 427 AD and has seen a number of structural changes in its centuries of existence. The rich experience of history that this church has had over starkly changing times, can be gathered from the many ancient rock inscriptions found around the church. They each tell a story of the church, and the circumstances of various eras this church has seen. One of such relics from the past is the Rock Cross, dated to about 1151 AD. The most important fest held here, is in the name of its patron, St. Joseph held on the 19th of March every year. The annual fest is held on the third Sunday of October. It is 15 kilometers away from Alleppey mainland but can also be accessed through its backwaters in about an hour's time.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race

the popular boat race is held on the second Saturday of August every year at the Vembanad Lake & is the most important tourist event of Alleppey . Boats are sponsored by the different villages compete fiercely in the competition. The highlight of this prestigious event is “Chunden Vallem”, the 130 feet long snake boats, with over 100 rowers, 4 helmsmen & 25 cheer leaders decorated with colorful silk umbrellas. Thousands of spectators from all over the world watch avidly from the banks.

Marari Beach

Nestled in the Alappuzha District of Kerala, Marari Beach is a perfect location for holidaying with family or friends. This beach in Kerala is eternal with coconut palm trees and golden sands. The beach is quite beautiful and the name 'Marari' arises from 'Mararikulum', which is a local village on the Arabian Sea Coast. Marari originates from 'Mararikulum', a local fishing village on the Arabian Sea coast. The serenity and tranquility of this beach take beach lovers backwards in time. The indolent pace of local life makes vacationing near the Marari beach a reviving experience.

Arthunkal Church

Arthunkal Church, located in Alappuzha (Alleppey), is one of the oldest churches built in Kerala. There are different theories regarding the name of the church. One of the most believable arguments states that there used to be a temple somewhere at the grounds where the church stands now. A ceremonial procession used to take place every year, which used to start from a particular point, which was marked by a stone. Hence, Arthunkal Church derives its name from two words – Arattu meaning procession and ‘Kallu’ meaning stone. Later on, ‘Arattukallu’ became the present day ‘Arthunkal’ Church.