Alappuzha, Kerala

[160 kms / 3 hrs Road Drive from Trivandrum]

Alappuzha (or Alleppey), in the state of Kerala, is known for its unique beauty and easygoing nature. Founded by Raja Keshawadasan, Divan of Travanacore in 1762, Alappuzha is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Due to its proximity to the sea, you will enjoy a pleasant weather here. Apart from the plethora of other allures, the prime tourist attraction in Alappuzha is its backwater destination.
Popular Tourist Attractions in/ around Alappuzha
Famous backwater destination, Alappuzha is renowned for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Apart from these, the other tourist attractions in Alappuzha are–

Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple (Built in 790)
Founded by Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran, Alleppey’s Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Apart from the distinct architectural features, this temple is also famous for 'PalPayasam' (exclusive sweet dish). Kerala’s very own Ottamthullal has seen its first light here in this temple.

Highlights: Architecture, sculpture, 'PalPayasam', Ottamthullal, traditional visual martial art Velakali etc



Kayamkulam Krishnapuram Palace (Built in between 1729-1758 AD)
This Palace is built during the period of Anizham Thirunal Martanda Varma. Located about 47 km from Alappuzha, Krishnapuram Palace is protected under the Archaeology Department. It houses the famous wall painting 'Gajendramoksham'. With gabled roofs, narrow corridors and dormer windows, this former resident of the Kayamkulam kingdom is a must-see for visitors.

Highlights: Krishnapuram palace museum, murals, Buddha Mandapam, Kerala style of architecture, wall Painting etc

Pathiramanal
This small beautiful island is located in the Vembanad Lake. You can come to this island from Kumarakom or Muhamma by boat. For an avid bird watcher this place is no less than a paradise. A trip to this island will take you to a land of colors.

Highlights: Natural beauty, numerous species of bird and butterflies, backwater cruise

Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple (Established by Parasurama)
Established around 1200 years ago, Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathi Temple is considered one among the five auspicious temples, established by Lord Parasurama. Dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, this temple draws a large number of devotees. Aswathy Day, Ethirepu Utsav, Bharani Festival, Parayeduppu Utsav etc are some most popular festivals of this temple.

Highlights: Vedic recitals, Cultural programmes, Bharani festival, Parayeduppu Utsav, Ethirepu Utsav, ritual folk art performances like Padayani, Kolkali etc

Backwater Tour in Alappuzha
Being an important backwater destination, Alappuzha also offers travellers nice backwater cruise options, ranging from a couple of hours to a few days. You will have a number of tour operators in Alappuzha, who conduct regular backwater tours. Washed by the Arabian Sea, interlocked by a number of canals and bridges, Alappuzha backwater, will take you to the major tourist attractions in Alappuzha. The most reasonably priced backwater boat cruises are conducted by Alleppey Tourism Development Co-operative Society.

The important ferry distances are given below: -

1. Alleppey to Kottayam - 29 kms 3 & 1/2 hours
2. Alleppey to Ernakulam (alternate days) - 74 kms 7 to 8 hours
3. Alleppey to Quilon (only one trip) - 85 kms 8 hours
4. Alleppey to Champakulam - 16 kms 1 & 1/2 hours

Popular Excursions from Alappuzha
From Alappuzha- Kerala you will have plenty of options of excursions. Visit Ambalapuzha Krishna Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. Twenty second km North of Alappuzha, Arthunkal famous for the St. Andrews Church and the feast of St. Sebastian, is placed. By boat only 6 km from Alappuzha, Kerala you will find 250 years old ancestral home of Kuriakose Elias Chavara, Chavara Bhavan. Kuttanad, which is famously known as the rice bowl of Kerala, is yet another beautiful tourist destination.

Popular Shopping Items/ Shopping Centres in Alappuzha
During your tour to Alleppey, like many other cities of south region, Alappuzha also will offer you a mixed bag of shopping to its visitors. Alappuzha offers beautiful products. Coconut shells are carved into vases and bowls, coir made floor mats and rugs, wooden statues, spices. If you want to buy some real good traditional stuff in a reasonable price then shop from Miami duty paid shop and K & K duty paid shop. These shop will give you cost worthy shopping experience.

Alappuzha Travel Information
Alappuzha is well accessible by air, water and road.

Closest Airport: Cochin International Airport (60kms from the city centre)

Closest Railway Station: Alleppey Railway Station

Water: Boat services to Cochin (5.30 hrs), Kollam (8 hrs), Changanasserry (3 hrs) and Kottayam (2.30 hrs).

Bus Stand: KSRTC bus stand

Road Link: National Highway 47

Local Transport in Alappuzha
For the local transportation you can always use buses, metered taxis, auto rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws. For the local transport, several tour operators in Alappuzha run tourist deluxe coaches and tourist taxies. Alleppey is connected by bus with Quilon, Cochin, Trichur, Thiruvananthapuram, Kanyakumari, Guruvayoor, Calicut, Palghat etc. You can also use ferry services to reach other cities in Kerala including Kottayam, Kollam, Kumarakom and Changanassery.