ABOUT ALAPPUZHA:

• Alluring Alappuzha, the ‘Venice of the East’ is endowed with exceptional natural beauty and has emerged as a major tourist destination of the State.
• Serene Vembanad Lake covering an area of 204 sq. kms stretches from Alappuzha to Kochi.
• Kayamkulam Lake with an area of 59.57 sq. kms extends to the districts of Alappuzha and Kollam.
• These lakes are widely used for the inland water transport of cargo and passengers in the region.
• It provides a perfect introduction to the amazing backwaters of the State.

MODE OF COMMUNICATION:

• Airport: Cochin International Airport, Kochi (COK), 64 kms away from Alappuzha city centre.
• Rail: Alappuzha Railway Station, Alappuzha, 3 kms away from Alappuzha city centre.
• Road: Well connected with NH47.

SIGHTSEEING AT A GLANCE:

For more information visit  https://alappuzha.nic.in/

ATTRACTIONS OF ALAPPUZHA

Nehru Trophy Boat Race:

• It is held annually on the second Saturday of August at the Vembanad Lake and is the most important tourist event of Alappuzha.
• Boats sponsored by different villages compete fiercely in the competition.
• Highlight of this prestigious event is “Chundan Vallam”, the 130 feet long snake boats, with over 100 rowers, 4 helmsmen and 25 cheer leaders decorated with colourful silk umbrellas.
• Punnamada Kayal is the starting point for the race.

Alappuzha Beach:

• Beautiful beach with a distinct colonial ambience has and old lighthouse.
• 1,000 feet long pier which was built in 1862, by Captain Hugh Crawford.

Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple:

• Shrine of Goddess Rajarajeswari is set in the heart of Alappuzha town.
• Important festivals celebrated here are nine day ‘Navrathri’ and ‘Thaipooyakavadi’.

ATTRACTIONS AROUND ALAPPUZHA

Ambalapuzha:

• 14 kms away from Alappuzha town.
• Sri Krishna Temple built in traditional Kerala architecture is one of the most important shrines of Kerala.
• It is known for ‘Palpayasam’ – a sweet milk porridge prepared everyday as an offering to the deity.
• It is also ritual of Pallimpana performed by Valans (sorcerers) once in every twelve years.

Aranmula:

• Located on the banks of river Pamba, 20 kms away from Alappuzha town.
• Pictureque Hindu pilgrim centre famous for its rich culture and heritage.
• It was declared as a ‘Heritage Village of India’ by the Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH).
• Main attractions are Parthasarathy Temple and Aranmula Vallomkalli, the famous Snake Boat Race held every year in the month of Chingam (August – September).

Mannarsala:

• Charming site near Haripad on the Alappuzha – Kollam route, 32 kms away from Alappuzha town.
• Famous for the ancient temple of Sree Nagaraja, the King of Serpents.
• Nagaraja, the presiding deity is said to be endowed with the form of Hari (Lord Vishnu) and spirit of Lord Shiva.