To label Alappuzha (The Malayalam for Alleppey) The Venice of the East' might today appear a far etched cliche of travelogue writes, but this quaint little town is certainly the Venice of India.Nowhere else will you find, spread out across the center of twon m a unique crisscrossing network of canals on which thatch covered country boats put along leisurely.The proximity of lakes adds to the Venetian ambience.For tourists Alappuzha is the pivotalpoint for trips into Kerala's famed backwaters and the states lush rice bowl, Kuttanad, Between Kolam to the south nd Kottayam to the east lie some of the most entrancing scenery of palm lined banks, quiet water-bound villages and little boats taking the local people to and fro- everything framed in green.A singular characheteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad.
The Rice bowl of Kerala.Kuttanad is perhaps the only place in the world where farming is dome below sea level.Apart from the boat trips through the towns many canals and lages, and the Mullackal Bhagavathi Temple in the heart town, Alappuzha offers glimpses of the coir manufacturing process - from the coconut husk to the final rope/coir yarn stage.There are also several shops selling coir matting and carpets often at prices cheaper than elsewhere .The long sandy beach at Alappuzha has a lighthouse and a pier jutting out inot the sea , once active in the unloading of goods from ships calling atAlappuzha.Children can rop in the Vijay Beach Park.The not-to-be missed spectaclein Alappuzha is ofcourse the Nehru Trophy Boat Rice which began in 1952 on the occassion of the visit of Inida's first Prime minister , Jawaharlal Nehru , to Alappuzha, It is now a major event held on the second saturday of ever August and features the gigantic snake boats of Kerala, the chundans, once the battleshipsof the Malayalee kings of yore.Today the Boat Race has grown into Alappuza's single most important tourist eent with each boat being sponsered bya different village.Competition is severe as the boats , with over 100 rowers in each race to the fiish to the accompaniment of rousig music.
Alappuzha Backwaters
Alleppy Venice of the East figures prominently on the tourist trail as one of the major centeres for backwater boat trips served by ferries to Quilon and Kottayam in particular .One of the best known ports along the coast of Malabar.It is often referred to as the Venice of the East.
Alappuzha Backwaters
Alleppey Venice of the East figures prominently on the toursit trailas one of the major centres for backwater boat tripsa, served by ferried to Quilon and Kottayam in particular.One of the best-known ports along the coast of Malabar, it is oftern referred to as the Venice of the East' Alappuzha has the peculiar geographical feature of having the water in level with the land.This gives the advantage ofgetting a closer lok at the village life on shore while on a backwater ride .Siling along in a Kettuvallam(House Boat) through the enchanting backwaters of Alappuzha is sure to rob your heart.Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either sides of the foget.One can glimpse chinese fishing nets, flock of ducks swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky..It is as close as one can get to feel the vibrant life style in the countrtside if God's own country .Kuttanad : The 75 kilometre long sparkling network of rivers ,cansls l;akes lagoons and tiney streamless between Quilon and Cochin and beyond to Thiruvananthapuram ,, of which the Kuttanad (Backwater) comprises of are akin to tropical land of canals.This bewildering labyrinth of shimmering waterways composed of lakes, canals, rivers and rivulets is lined with dense tropical greenery and preserves Kerala life styles that are completely hidden by road called the rice bowl of Kerala, because of her wealrth of paddy crops is at the very heart of the backwaters.Yams and cassava which accompany the rice bowl as side dishes this is the one of the places in the workd where farming is done below sea leve (1.5-2) metres belwo sea level.In lnd waterwaysthat flow above the land levelis an amazing feature of this land.Kuttanad is the heart of the ackwaters of Kerala.This beautiful countryside with its waterways also has a rich crop of banan.Cassava and yam.Thje scenic countryside of Kuttanad with its shimmmering waterways also has a rich crop of bananas.Allepy ahs a large netwotk of canals and is the centre for backwater cruises in kerala.Alappuzha is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes.Alappuzha remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerala as of the major centres for backwater boat trips.
KUTTANAD
Kutttanad is called as the rice bowl of Kerala, because for her wealth of paddy crops are at the very heart of the backwaters.The scenic country side of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich croip of bananas, casava and yams, which accompany the rice bowlas side disehd This is perhaps the only land in the work where farming is dome below sea level .In land waterways which flow above land level are an amazing feature of this unique land.
BOATRACES
Alappuzha district is proud of being the cradle of bat races, namely the Nehru Trophy boat Race at Punnamada, the Thiruvndoor, Neerettupurm, Karuvatta and Thaikkootam boat races are held at different parts of the district during August-September.Thousands of people from all parts of the world caome and witnes these races.
Alappuzha beach is one of the most popolar spots in the districts of Alappuzha .Its beautigul garden on the shore gives an exclusive sight .Imposing building of a colonia past overlook the shore.The peir, which extends into the sea is morethan 140 yearas old and is a rare sight house at the other, Vijay Park and Sea view park are all spectacular sights one should never miss.Boating Facility is available in both Parks.
Facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park: Boatng, a childeren's park withtoy train and bicycles.Open from 1500- 2000 hours
PATHIRAMANAL
According to mythology a young brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake toperform his evening ablutions and the water made a way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island of Pathiramanal.This little island on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different partrs of the world.The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarako, and its accessible only by boat.
Arthunkal Chruch.This Christaian Pilgrim centre near Cherthalai is 22km .Noth of alappuzha.The St.Andrewas Church here was built by Portuguese missionaries.The annual feast of St.Sebastain is held here in the month of January.
Ambalappuzha
The Sreekrishan Temple here built in the typical Kerala architectura;l style is famouns all over Kerala for Palapayasam the daily offereing of deliciously sweert milk poprridge, which tastes like rice pudding.It is also in this temple that pallipana is performed by Velans (Scorcerers) onein twelve years.Human Sacrifies was conducted in ancient times.However cocks have now replaced humans on the sacrificial altar.
The Routes in Alappuzha
There are many interesting routes to cruise on the backwaters of Kerala, each route is more enchanting than the other.
Alappuzha to Alappuzha
is a one night round abot cruise which takes you through the Legendary Punnamada Lake.Sail along the gentle clear backkwaters tothe romanticVattakayal lake and spend a night aboard.
Alappuzha to Kumarakom
a one nigth cruise which offers you a magicalnight.Water birds- both residents and migratory adorn the canals and water seen in the night dazzle like the twinkling stars in a dark sky.Fishing women and men add to the magic with theirimaginaitve ways of fishing.
Alappuzha to Kottayam is one of the most exotic Backwatersccruises.A Cruise from Alappuzha through these backwaters tantalizes you with its breathtaking serenity to remain as the most beautiful reminiscences of your life.See the toddy tappers at work and farming done at below sea level.
Alappuzha to Thottappally
a cruises of many historical places.Visit significant places likethe Ambalappuzha temple and the Champakkulam Church .The cruise from Alappuzha to Kidangara takes you through the exotic backwaters to the Vembanad Lake and the fascinating Pathiramanal Island.
Alappuzha to Mankotta
this cruise takes you through the punnamada Lake and provides you the coir making villags and other historically important sights.
Alappuzha to Alumkadavu
offers both a one night cruise as well as a two night cruise.This cruise takes you to the place of origin of the house boats you are traveling in the Kettuvallams. Alumkadavu is the place where entire clans used to make these Kettuvallams.
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