| 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.
The Backwater Cruise
The backwater cruises from Alleppey to some of the other
backwater destinations of Kerala through a network of
interconnected lakes and waterbodies provides an experience
of a lifetime.The exquisite houseboats with all modern
amenities further add to the thrill of the cruise. The
sparkling backwaters and their picturesque banks could
be best explored in these cruises. Backwaters, boat
races, virgin nature and ancient temples; Alleppey provides
its visitors more than what they ask for.
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