Alleppey
Built in the 9th century AD, Alleppey, called Alappuzha lies on the edge of the great Ashtamudi lake. With the Arabian Sea onthe west and a vast labyrinth of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers criss-crossing it, Alappuzha is a district ofimmense natural beauty.Related to the Venice of the East by travellers from around the world, this Backwater Country is also home to diverse rangeof animals and birds. It has always been honoured a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala for its proximity to thesea. Alleppey has earned fame in the commercial world as the world's premier supplier of coir.Today, Alleppey has emerged as a Backwater Tourist Centre, beckoning thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alleppey isalso famous for its Boat races, Houseboat Holidays, Beaches, Marine Products and Coir Industry. Every year, duringAugust-September, Alleppey wakes up to the pulsating Nehru Cup Snake Boat Race, a water sport unique to Kerala.Sightseeing at Alleppey -
Alleppey Beach : Close to Alleppey Railway Station, the Alleppey beach is long and has thick palm groves on one end. This is an ideal place to sit and relax.
Krishnapuram Palace : Situated about 47 km from Alleppey, this 18th century palace of the Travancore kings is built in typical Kerala style of architecture. On the show are antique sculptures, paintings and bronze artifacts, which are worth appreciating.
Alleppey Backwaters : Alleppey - Kuttanad - The enticing backwaters and the amazing backwater house boats attracts thousands of tourists to this place. Get on these boats and rub shoulders with a colourful and varied group of locals.Or take a ride into Kuttanad through lush green fields and watch coir workers soak, beat and weave coconut fibres into long ropes on spindles as you pass the endless stretch of coconut trees.Ambalapuzha Temple : This famous Sri Krishna temple at Ambalapuzha, is known for its traditional Kerala architecture and delicious palpayasam (sweet porridge made with milk). About 3 kms from Ambalapuzha is the 10th century Karumadikuttan statue, a black granite statue of Buddha.
Aruthunkal : Situated 22 km north of Alleppey is the ancient St.Sebastian Church, which was erected by the Portuguese and is a popular centre of pilgrimage for the Christians of Kerala.The feast of St.Sebastian is held every January.