Alappuzha, on India’s south-western coast, is also known by its anglicised name Alleppey. Alappuzha’s backwaters, endowed with enormous natural beauty, have long been a backbone of Kerala tourism. Alappuzha port was once one of the busiest trade hubs, with trading routes to the Persian Gulf and even Europe. While visiting Alappuzha in the early twentieth century, the then British Viceroy Lord Curzon was enthralled by its beautiful splendour and called it the “Venice of the East.” Here some of the tourist places in Alappuzha.
Kuttanad
Kuttanad, often known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala,” is noted for its lush paddy fields and vibrant backwaters that add to the allure. A large stretch of water surrounds this picturesque area. The best way to appreciate the surreal charm of the place is to take a houseboat excursion around the gorgeous Vembanad backwaters. View more
Lighthouse
The Alappuzha Lighthouse in Alleppey is a prominent tourist destination in Kerala. These red striped lighthouses along the coast are not only famous, but they also provide breathtaking views of the area as well as a nice refreshing air! The lighthouse was built during the reign of Marthanda Varma II Maharaja of Travancore and finished during the reign of Rama Varma Maharaja of Travancore. Laterite stones and teak were used to build the lighthouse in Alappuzha. It is best remembered as a massive tower commemorating the loneliness of the coastal strip while sporting red and white stripes. The Alappuzha Lighthouse is open from 9 a.m. to 11.45 a.m. in the morning, then closes for a few hours before reopening at 2 p.m. until 5.30 p.m. On Mondays, it is closed.
Mannarasala
The Sree Naga Raja Temple in Mannarasala is a well-known pilgrimage site for devotees of snake gods, and it is well-liked by both residents and visitors. The temple is distinct in that the rites are traditionally led by a higher priestess. The shrine is about 32 kilometres from Alappuzha town, near Harippad. It is surely one of a kind in Kerala, with over 30,000 pictures of snake gods. view more
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the country’s most popular bird-watching destinations. Several uncommon avian species can be found in this area, which is spread out across 14 hectares. On the shores of the Vembanad Lake in Kottayam, visitors can view thousands of migratory birds from all over the world, including the Himalayas and Siberia. Here you can see a wide variety of birds, including endangered species like waterfowl, egrets, herons, cormorants, and Brahminy kites. Tourists may see the best of Kumarakom by taking a leisurely stroll through the lush green forest. The best way to see the sanctuary is to take a sail on the Vembanad Lake.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race
On the Punnamda Lake in Alappuzha, Kerala hosts the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. It is held every year on the second Saturday in August and attracts a large crowd. People come out in droves to see nearly 100-foot-long boats race against one another while listening to ancient boat music. The competition of snake boats, also known as chundanvallams or snake boats, is the main attraction of the boat race. With a high prow and a length of over 100 feet, chundans (snake boats) are a sight to behold. Former colonial authorities named them snake boats after a native boat found in Norway, despite the fact that Kerala’s Chundans exhibit little similarity to their European namesakes.
The explanation behind the name of this water race dates back to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s visit in 1952. He was so impressed by the sight of the gorgeous snake boats that he ignored his security cover and jumped onto one of them himself. Later in the year, he would contribute a silver trophy in the shape of a snake boat as a token of his appreciation for his time there. As a result, the race was later dubbed the Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
Ambalapuzha Temple
The Ambalapuzha Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is known as the “Dwaraka of the South.” The temple knows how to attract devotees of many religions with its beautiful mural paintings and the “Ambalapuzha Palpayasam” (sweet milk porridge). Kunjan Nambiar’s satirical art form, ‘Ottan Thullal,’ was also performed on the temple grounds. The temple is definitely in the southern architectural style, and it might be a fun experience for those who enjoy art and culture. See more
Vijay Beach Park
This lovely park, which is located on the southern side of Alappuzha beach, is a popular hangout for residents. This park, which is surrounded by lush green trees, is a wonderful respite after a day at the beach. The park provides several amenities in addition to its lush nature. For example, the park provides a distinct section with swings and slides for small children. The park also features a toy train that takes the little ones on a tour of the grounds. Many cultural events take place in the evening. Within the park, there is also a boating facility. The park opens at 3:00 p.m. and closes at 8:00 p.m. You can bring video and still cameras inside for an additional fee of INR 25 and INR 5 (respectively).
Pandavan Rock
Visit Alleppey’s lone historic site, which plays a crucial significance in India’s epic history — the Mahabharata. According to legend, this cave served as one of the Pandavas’ hideouts during their 14-year exile in the forest. Aside from its historical significance, the rock has become a popular hiking destination. You can climb the other rocks beside Pandavan rock to gain a wonderful perspective of the surrounding forest and Kallada dam, even though the rock has lost its original shape over time. With the passage of time, the cave has transformed into a tiny mound; don’t expect to see a hollow cave with walls covered with pictographic script!
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