Alappuzha City built during the9th century on
the edge of the great Ashtamudi lake. Surrounded by cashew and
coconut groves, Quilon is the gateway to the spectacular backwaters
of Kerala. A boat trip to Alleppey through these placid stretches
of water filled with lotus and lilies and the water-birds flapping
their wings as though to greet you is an out of the world experience.
You can have a picnic to the huge lighthouse at Thanaserri, 3
km away too. The cantilevered Chinese fishing nets used in the
waterways add the right touch of colour to the scerinity of this
place. Alappuzha has a large network of canals and is a
centre for backwater cruises in Kerala. Alappuzha has earned fame
in the commercial world as the world's chief supplier of coir.
The temples of Alappuzha represent the Kerala style of architecture.
Some of the most exquisite specimens of Kerala murals are still
preserved here.
Tourist Attractions
Nehru
Trophy Boat Race
The most colourful water sport in Kerala, is conducted at PUNNAMADA
LAKE in Alappuzha on the second saturday of every August. This
prestigious cultural event of Kerala has been attracting people
from all over the world. Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a festival
for the people of Alleppey the main attraction of which is the
sportive sprits among the participants of the race.
This trophy named as NEHRU TROPHY was donated by the late Prime
Minister of INDIA Jawaharlal Nehru to the winners of the first
boat race which was an impromptu one conducted in 1952 in honour
of Panditji who visited Alappuzha
This aquatic festival fosters a sense of unity and fraternity
and sports man spirit event and attaching foreign tourists also.
In the year 1952, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru visited the erstwhile
Travancore-Cochin. On his way to Alleppey from Kottayam he was
given a roaring reception by the people of Alleppey, escorted
by the huge snake-boats. Having gone through the tremendous excitement
of sailing in a snake-boat popularly known as Chundan, Jawaharlal
Nehru donated a rolling trophy to be awarded to the winner.
The trophy is a replica of a snake-boat in silver, placed on wooden
abacus on which the following words of Panditji are inscribed
above his signature.
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 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.
Pathiramanal (14 kilometers from Alappuzha)
This little island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt
of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the
world. This island is accessible only by boat.
Alappuzha
beach
The Alappuzha beach, with its beautiful garden on the shore, gives
an exclusive sight. Imposing buildings of a colonial past overlooks
the shore. The long pier which darts over to the sea is a rare
sight. Dense Palm groves at one end and an ancient towering light
house at the other end. Vijay Park and Sea view park are situated
near the beach. Boating Facility is available in both Parks.
Krishnapuram
Palace
He 18th century Krishnapuram Palace built during the reign
of the Travancore monarch, Marthanda Varma, is a double storied
structure which displays typical characteristics of Kerala architecture-gabled
roofs, dormar windows, narrow corridors. It houses one of the
largest mural paintings in Kerala called the Gajendra Moksham.
It measures14 feet by 11 feet and is at the western end of the
ground floor, a walking distance from the Palace Pool. Inside
is also a museum of antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes.
Situated 47 kms from Alappuzha on the way to Kollam, Krishnapuram
is easily accessible by bus from either town..
Pilgrim
Centers
Ambalappuzha
The Sri Krishna Temple at Ambalapuzha, 14 kms from Alleppey is
among Kerala's more famous ones boasting of the typical temple
architectural style of the state. It is equally famed for its
palpayasam - a sweet milk porridge offered to the diety. The temple's
main festival occurs in March/April. It was in this temple that
the 16th century poet Kunjan Nambiar staged his first Ottan Thullal,
a solo dance performance with high social content.
Arthunkal
Arthunkal known for the St. Andrews Church established by Portuguese
missionaries is near Sherthallai, 22 km north of Alappuzha.The
feast of St. Sebastian is held here in every January.
