Alappuzha City Travel Guide
- Kerala
General Information Of
Alappuzha
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Area 70.48 sq. km
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Population 2,27,716
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Altitude Sea level
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Languages Malayalam and
English
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STD Code 0477
Best time to visit August to March
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Introduction to city Alappuzha -
In Kerala
One of the exotic backwater locales of India’s southern state of
Kerala, the town of Alappuzha, or Alleppey as it was called, is
famous for its annual boat race that draws thousands of tourists
from all over the country and world. Alappuzha is also the
headquarters of Kerala’s coir industry and an important place
for cashew nut processing. The town is bound by Kochi and
Kanayannur in north; Vaikom, Kottayam, Changanassery Thiruvalla,
Kozhencherry and Adoor taluks in east; Kannathur and
Karunagappallyin in south and Lakshadweep islands in its west.
The Portuguese were the predominant rulers of this place before
the Dutch took over. It was only during the reign of Maharaja
Marthandavarma that the town of Alappuzha became a busy
commercial place.
Alappuzha has a humid climate. The winters are relatively more
pleasant and ideal time to visit this place.
Sightseeing : Places
to visit in destination - Alappuzha
Washed by the Arabian Sea and interlocked by a number of canals
and bridges, Alappuzha is a pleasant and easygoing destination.
A trip to this place during mid-December enables you take part
in the festivities at the town temple. A walk through the
streets makes you familiar with the Kerala style of
architecture. The major destinations in the town include
Kuttanad,
Alappuzha Beach, Sea View Park, and Pathiramanal
Alappuzha Sightseeing :
Places to visit in destination Alappuzha
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Places to visit in the city Alappuzha |
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ALAPPUZHA BEACH - Alappuzha
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A popular picnic spot, the Alappuzha beach is located near
to the Alappuzha town. The pier, which extends into the
sea here, is over 137 years old. One of the great
fascinations for the visitors here is the nearby
lighthouse and entertainment facilities at the Vijaya
Beach Park. The park offers boating facilities and a
children\’s park with toy train and bicycles. |
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PATHIRAMANAL - Alappuzha
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For bird lovers, this small island on the backwaters of
Alappuzha is a must visit. About a 1½-hour drive by
motorboat from Alappuzha, Pathiramanal is a haven for
hundreds of rare birds migrating from different parts of
the world.
Pathiramanal is accessible only by boat as it is
surrounded by the Vembanad Lake, stretching from Alappuzha
to Kochi and the Kayamkulam Lake. |
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KUTTANAD - Alappuzha
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One of the prominent features of Alappuzha is the region
called Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala. Sandwiched
between the sea and the hills, Kuttanad stretches for
about 75 km It is believed to be the only place in the
world where farming is done below sea level. |
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SEA VIEW PARK - Alappuzha
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For those who love enjoying themselves by water, the Sea
View Park is a place to visit while in Alappuzha. The park
has a swimming pool and offers boating facilities.
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Excursions : Places
nearby city - Alappuzha
The places around Alappuzha provide an equally interesting
experience for the visitor. One gets insight into the region’s
past by visiting the palaces built here. Also a visit to the
churches and temples gives one an idea of how religion fared in
this region over the period of time. Some of the major
excursions around Alappuzha are Arthunkal,
Edatgya Church, Chavara Bhavan, Krishnapuram Palace, and
Ambalapuzha Krishna temple.
Alappuzha Excursion :
Places nearby Alappuzha - Kerala
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Places to visit nearby destination - Alappuzha |
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Ambalapuzha Krishna Temple
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A visit to this temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, will
enable you to witness the typical temple architecture of
Kerala. You can also get the glimpses of the town culture
and taste payasam, if you happen to visit this place
during the festival time of March. |
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Arthunkal
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Twenty-two kilometres north of Alappuzha near Sherthallai
lies a pilgrim centre, Arthunkal. The town is known for
the St. Andrews Church established by Portuguese
missionaries. Every January the feast of St. Sebastian is
held here. |
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Chavara Bhavan
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About 6 km from Alappuzha and accessible only by boat,
Chavara Bhavan is the ancestral home of Kuriakose Elias
Chavara. Today it is a holy shrine and spiritual resort
where thousands of devotees gather for prayers. A
250-year-old historically important beacon of light is
preserved here in its original form. |
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Edatgya Church
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About 24 km from Alappuzha on the Alappuzha-Thiruvalla
Road stands the Edatgya Church. Dedicated to St. George,
the church was established in 1810. Pilgrims from all
parts of South India visit this church during the annual
festival held in the first week of May. |
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Krishnapuram Palace
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Forty-seven kilometres from Alappuzha lies Krishnapuram
Palace, a rare specimen of the Kerala style of
architecture. The palace had been the residence of the
rulers of Kayamkulam kingdom. It was renovated some time
in the 18th century and is complete with gabled roofs,
narrow corridors and dormer windows. The palace has been
declared a protected monument by the department of
archaeology. One of the most fascinating exhibits here is
the 49 sq. metre Gajendra Moksham, the largest single band
of mural painting discovered in Kerala. The other
attractions include a beautifully landscaped garden in the
palace compound and a newly erected Buddha mandapam, where
a statue of the Buddha is housed. |
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