The beach here is not as big as the others. However, north of Alleppey, the Arthunkal beach is worthy of development as an international holiday resort. Watching rural life at close quarters - the many activities like toddy tapping, fishing, coir-making, prawn farming, and scores of other sights by a boat trip in a country craft, up and down the narrow canals in the coastal region, is gaining in popularity among the foreign tourists and the North Indian visitors alike.

District Head Quarters : Alappuzha
Area : 1,414 Sq Km
Population : 21,05,349
Literacy : 93.66%

Location :

Alappuzha or Alleppey is one of the exotic backwater sites of Kerala. Washed by the Arabian Sea, interlocked by a number of canals and bridges, it is also famous for its Nehru Trophy boat race held every year.


Access :

Air : Nearest International Airports : Kochi (Nedumbassery - 85 km). Thiruvananthapuram (150 kms).

Rail : Well connected to Major Cities.

Road : An excellent road network links the district to all major towns and cities in india.


History :

Before the Dutch took over this place, the Portuguese were the predominant rulers of this place. Later Maharaja Marthandavarma came into power and he gave ample importance to the developmental works of the place. Slowly it became a very busy commercial place attracting merchants from all over. This resulted in the establishment of a number of coir factories producing coir-related goods of quality. The first coir factory was developed by an English sea captain and soon others followed suit. The first Anglican Church was built in 1816 by the Christian missionaries whose headquarter was in Alappuzha.


Climate:

The climate of this small town is temperate and humid in general and relatively pleasant in the winter season. The temperature ranges from 22 to 35°C in summer and 20 to 32°C during winters. The best time to visit Alappuzha is during the winter season.


Pilgrimage Centres :

Mullakkal Rajeswari Temple It is dedicated to the Goddess Rajarajeswari. The nione day 'Navrathri' festival celebrated twice a year is of special significance. Another important festival of the temple is 'Thaipooyakavadi'

Ambalapuzha Temple The Pilgrim centre 14 km. from Alappuzha is renowned for the Sri Krishna Temple. The temple is noted for Splendid architecture and 'Palpayasam' - a sweet milk porridge offered to the deity.

Arthunkal Church This christian Pilgrim centre near Sherthalai is 22 km. north of alappuzha. The St, Andrews Church here was built by Portuguese missionaries. The annual feast of St. Sebastiab is held here in the month of January.

Champakulam Church The St. Mary's Church is one of the oldest church in Kerala. It is said to be one of the seven churches established by St.Thomas. Tha annual feast is held on the 3rd Sunday of October.

Chavara Bhavan The ancestral home of the blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara, lies 6 km. from Alappuzha. Thousands of devotees gather at this shrine and spiritual resort.

Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple The shrine is known for Kettukazhcha festival, which attracts a large number of devotees. The festival is held in Feb./Mar. and colourful procession is taken our.

Edathua Church This church dedicated to St. George is of special significance. The annual feast held from 5th - 7th May, attracts devotees from all parts of south India.


Fairs and Festivals :
NEHRU TROPHY BOAT RACE : The Nehru trophy regatta at Alappuzha on 14th August every year has become an Independence Day feature. Different types of boats take part in this competition. They include the bean-shaped boats, Kitetailed, curly-headed and so on.


Places to visit :
Krishnapuram Palace : It is a double storied structure, which displays typical characteristics of Kerala architecture - gabled roofs, dormer windows and narrow corridors.

Pathiramanal : In the Vembanad lake there is a small beautiful Island known as 'Pathiramanal', which could be reached only by boat. On Sundays there is a boat from Kumarakom and Muhamma to this place.

Maramon : Kozhencherry is the venue of the great Christian religious convention called 'Maramon Convention'. It is held on the vast sands of the river Pamba. Christians from all over India participate in this convention. 'Maramon Convention' is said to be the biggest religious gathering of Christians in Asia.

Mannarasala : This is situated near Haripad, 32 kms. away from Alleppey. The temple is one of the most important centres of serpent worship in Kerala.

Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple : 'Kettukazhcha' is very famous and it is a procession of tall decorated structures in chariots where effigies of horses and bullocks are displayed. This festival is celebrated during February/March.

Ambalapuzha :
It is situated 14 kms. away from Alleppey. In its architectural features, the Sreekrishna Temple confirms the typical Kerala style. The temple is famous through out Kerala for 'Palpayasam', a milk porridge of exceptional sweetness offered to the deity.

Karumadikkuttan : Situated 3 km east of Ambalapuzha, this village is known for its 10th century Karumadikkuttan statue, a black granite figure of the great Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. There are many interesting legends connected to this idol.


Excursions :

Arthunkal - 22 km north of alappuzha
Edathua Church - 24 km from alappuzha, on the alappuzha thiruvalla road
Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple - 32 km south of allappuzha
Krishnapuram Palace - 47 km from alappuzha

Beaches :
Alappuzha Beach Alappuzha beach is quite a popular hangout and relaxation spot in the district of Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is around 140 years old. Blessed with nature's green beauties such as lagoons, vast lakes and numerous fresh water rivers, Alappuzha is a natural wonderland of Kerala state.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race The popular boat race is held on the second saturday of august every year at the Vembanad lake and is the most important tourist event of alappuzha.