Aleppey

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha is one of the most magnificent backwater sites of India. Located in the southern state of Kerala, Alleppey has shot into fame for its famous boat race. The coir industry here also produces coir of a very high quality. The Dutch and the Portuguese were the initial rulers of the place. Later, Maharaja Marthandavarma came to power and tremendously developed the infrastructure of the place. This also resulted in the establishment of a number of coir factories. The climate of this small town is temperate and the months of August-September and February-March are ideal for a visit to this place.

Accommodation and Connectivity:
To reach Alleppey, one can land at the nearest airport at Kochi situated at a distance of 64 km. The Trivandrum airport is located 159 km to the

south of Alappuzha.

The place is also connected by waterways to Cochin, Kottayam, Kevalam, Chengannur and Changanassery. As the national highway 47 passes through Alleppey, the place also has good road connectivity with rest of the state and elsewhere. The place is served by both state and private bus services.

Presently developing as a major tourism hub, Alleppey is also fast developing her infrastructure for accommodation.


Tourist Attractions

Punnamada Kayal
It is the place where the famous annual boat festival of national fame is held. The boat race has been christened as the Nehru Trophy. During the month of August-September, the backwaters become crowded with thousands of spectators arriving from all over the country to witness this breathtaking event. The boats are built to resemble snakes. Each boat can accommodate 120 competitors who make two rows of 60 each. The competitors sweat it out to get the topmost honour.

Krishnapuram Temple
Krishnapuram Temple is a two-storied building and well displays the typical Keralan style of architecture. Gajendra Miksham, the largest mural painting is displayed in a museum in the temple premises.

Ambalapuzha Temple

Ambalapuzha Temple of Lord Krishna is also an important temple to visit.The delicious Payasam served here is very popular among the devotees.

St. Andrew's Church
This church was established by the Portuguese missionaries. The architecture of the place is highly appreciable.

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple
In the midst of thick green forests, Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is where the king of serpents is worshiped. Devotees throng this place the entire year.

The Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple
This temple is believed to have miraculous powers to cure diseases and grant wishes to the devotees. Hence, the number of devotees always remain very large.

Kottamkulangara Mahavishnu Temple and Devi Temple
These are the oldest temples of Alappuzha and are widely visited by devotees during the time of festivals.