Kerala, also known as "God's Own
Country" is one of the most popular tourism destinations
in India. It's tropical climate, beautiful palm-fringed
beaches with pristine stretches of sand, the serenity of
the backwaters and the clear blue Arabian Sea, make Kerala
one of the most beautiful destinations in India.
Hamara
Holiday Pvt. Ltd.
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Kerala Alleppey
Hotels In Alleppey
ALLEPPEY (Alappuzha):
Alleppey has natural beauty with Arabian Sea on the west and a
vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers
crisscrossing it. Referred to as the Venice of the East by travellers
from across the world, this backwater country is also home
to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity
to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in
the maritime history of Kerala.
Allappuzha ( Alleppey) has grown in importance
as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of
foreign tourists each year. Alappuzha is also famous for its
boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and
coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the
region called Kuttanad. A land of lush paddy fields, Kuttanad is
called the Rice Bowl of Kerala and is one of the few places in
the world where farming is done below sea level.
KUTTANAD:
"Kuttanad" in Alappuzha (Alleppey) is one of few places in
the world where farming is done below sea level. Kuttanad is
a land of lush paddy fields and is called the 'Rice Bowl' of
Kerela. Kuttanad stretches for 75 Km sandwiched between the
sea and the hills. Kuttanad is the most beautiful backwaters
region of Kerala. It is here that most of the snake boat
races are conducted and a majority of the rice boat &
houseboat cruises are scheduled. Kerala's network of
navigable backwaters stretches to over 900km. These serene
waterways are fringed by palm grove and paddy fields and
offer a striking spectacle of the rustic life. Situated in
Kuttanad popularly known as the rice bowl of Kerala, QST & R
Block Kayals (backwaters) remind the visitor of the famous
dikes of Holland. A striking example of the indigenous
agricultural engineering know-how, here cultivation and
habitation are made possible at four to ten feet below the
sea level. For this purpose extensive land has been
reclaimed from the backwaters and is protected by dikes
built around it. A leisurely cruise along the canals here is
a memorable experience
THE VIJAYA BEACH PARK: Picnic spot with children's
park & boating facilities (Open 1500 - 2000 hrs). Entrance fee: Rs.
2 per person; Free entrance for children below 5 years. Boating
charge: Rs. 10 for 10 minutes. Other facilities for children: Toy
train, bicycles. Video permit: Rs. 25, Camera permit: Rs. 5
respectively SEA VIEW PARK: The park offers boating facilities and a
swimming pool. Boat rentals for 10 minutes: Round boat (4 seater)
Pedal boat (2 seater), Pedal boat (4 seater) etc.. MANNARSALA SREE NAGARAJA TEMPLE:
(32 km south of Alappuzha) Situated near Harippad, this is a serpent
shrine under the patronage of a brahmin family, headed by a
priestess. The ancient shrine is an internationally renowned pilgrim
centre dedicated to the Serpent God Nagaraja. Sarpa Yakshi and Naga
Yakshi are the beloved consorts of Nagaraja. It is believed that
Nagaraja as the installed diety is endowed with the form of Hari
(Lord Vishnu) and the spirit of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that the
first priestess of Mannarasala gave birth to a five-headed snake,
which is believed to reside in the ancestral house to safeguard the
family. At Mannarasala barren women are believed to be blessed with
children and a special turmeric paste available at the shrine is
credited with powers to cure even leprosy. CHAVARA BHAVAN: (6 km from Alappuzha.
Accessible only by boat): Chavara Bhavan is the ancestral home of
the blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara. It is now a holy shrine and
spiritual resort where thousands of devotees gather for prayer,
receive favours and feel amply gratified. Here, a 250 year old
historically important beacon of light is preserved intact in its
original and primitive form.
KARUMADIKUTTAN: (3km
east of Ambalapuzha): Many fascinating legends are associated with
this 11th century statue of Lord Buddha
AMBALAPPUZHA SREE KRISHNA TEMPLE:
(15 km south of Alappuzha)Built in the typical Kerala architectural
style, this temple is famous all over India for the Palpayasam, the
daily offering of deliciously sweet milk porridge.
It is also in this temple that Pallipana is performed by Velans
(sorcerers) once every twelve years. Paintings of the Dasavatharam
(the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) are on
display on the inner walls of the Chuttambalam. Ottanthullal, a
satiric art form originated by the poet Kunchan Nambiar, was first
performed on the premises of this temple.
EDATHUA CHURCH:
(24 km from Alappuzha, on the Alappuzha - Thiruvalla
Road)Established in 1810, the church is dedicated to St. George. It
is believed that prayers and offerings at this church help to heal
all mental disorders and other ailments.
During the annual feast (5th, 6th and 7th of May) pilgrims from all
parts of South India, irrespective of caste and creed, visit the
church and seek the blessings of the saint.
ARTHUNKAL CHURCH: Arthunkal
known for the St. Andrews Church established by Portuguese
missionaries is near Sherthallai, 22 km north of Alappuzha.The feast
of St. Sebastian is held here in every January
CHETTIKULANGARA BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE, MAVELIKKARA:The
Kettukazhcha festival at this temple draws large crowds of devotees.
Processions of tall decorated structures on chariots, brightly
decorated effigies of horses and bullocks and cultural performances
make a spectacular pageant. (Festival - February/March)
PATHIRAMANAL ISLAND (Backwater): This
little island on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of
rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island
is accessible only by boat.
BOAT RACE: Alappuzha Nehru
Trophy Boat Race at Punnamada (2nd Saturday of August) Alappuzha
Tourism Boat Race (9th January) Pulinkunnu Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race
(last Saturday of August) Champakulam Moolam Boat Race (Moolam day
of Midhunam - July) Payippad Jalotsavam (4th Onam day -
August/September) Neerettupuram Boat Race (Onam - August/September).
Q S T & R BLOCK KAYAL: Situated
in Kuttanad popularly known as the rice bowl of Kerala, QST & R
Block Kayals (backwaters) remind the visitor of the famous dikes of
Holland. A striking example of the indigenous agricultural
engineering know-how, here cultivation and habitation are made
possible at four to ten feet below the sea level. For this purpose
extensive land has been reclaimed from the backwaters and is
protected by dikes built around it. A leisurely cruise along the
canals here is a memorable experience. Kuttanad is the most
beautiful backwaters region of Kerala. It is here that most of the
snake boat races are conducted and a majority of the rice boat &
houseboat cruises are scheduled. Keralas network of navigable
backwaters stretches to over 900km. These serene waterways are
fringed by palm grove and paddy fields and offer a striking
spectacle of the rustic life.
Getting There:
QST & R Block Kayals are
accessible by boat from Alappuzha ( 1.30 hrs by motor boat and
30 minutes by speedboat.)
CHAMPAKULAM CHURCH:
One of the oldest churches in Kerala, the St. Mary's Church is
believed to be one of the seven established by St. Thomas. The
annual feast at this church falls on the 3rd Sunday of October
every year. The feast of St. Joseph is celebrated on March 19th.
KRISHNAPURAM PALACE:
He 18th century Krishnapuram Palace built during the reign of
the Travancore monarch, Marthanda Varma, is a double storied
structure which displays typical characteristics of Kerala
architecture-gabled roofs, dormar windows, narrow corridors. It
houses one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala called the
Gajendra Moksham. It measures14 feet by 11 feet and is at the
western end of the ground floor, a walking distance from the
Palace Pool. Inside is also a museum of antique sculptures,
paintings and bronzes. Situated 47 kms from Alappuzha on the way
to Kollam, Krishnapuram is easily accessible by bus from either
town
ALLEPPEY BEACH: is
located just 5 Kms from Town Referred to as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha
has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of
Kerala. Today, it is famous for its boat races, backwater
holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Alappuzha
beach is a popular picnic spot. The pier, which extends into the
sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the
Vijaya Beach Park add to the attraction of the beach. There is
also an old lighthouse nearby which is greatly fascinating to
visitors.
