About
Alappuzha beach is one of the most popular beaches of Kerela located in the
district of Alappuzha. The beach is located at roughly 5 kms from the
Alappuzha railway station and has the Arabian Sea on the west and a large
network of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers intersections.
Also referred to as the Venice of the East by travelers from across the
world, this Backwater Country is fairly rich in diverse animal and bird
life. In recent years, Alappuzha has grown in importance as a Backwater
Tourist Centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists every year
who come here to enjoy the serene marine beauty of the state. Boat races,
Houseboat Holidays, Beaches, Marine Products and Coir Industry are some of
the major attractions offered by Alappuzha. For the entertainment of
visitors there is a Vijaya Beach Park and an old lighthouse nearby.
Today,
Alappuzha 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.
Physiography
It is assumed that the name of Alappuzha was derived by the geographical
position and physical features of the place which means the land between the
sea and the network of rivers flowing into it. It is bounded on the north by
Kochi and Kanayannur taluks of Ernakulam district, on the east by Vaikom,
Kottayam and Changanassery taluks of Kottayam district and Thiruvalla,
Kozhencherry and Adoor taluks of Pathanamthitta district, on the South by
Kunnathur and Karunagappally taluks of Kollam district and on the west by
Lakshadweep sea.
The present Alappuzha district comprises of six taluks namely Cherthala,
Ambalappuzha, Kuttanad, Karthikappally, chengannur and Mavelikkaara. total
area of this district is 1414 sq. kms. The district head quarters is located
at Alappuzha.
Unique Attractions of Alappuzha
Water Sports
When you've had enough of lazing in the sun and are ready for some action
and fun, you can participate in any of the numerous beach activities offered
on the beautiful Indian beaches! For instance, you could indulge in any of
the exciting water sports such as surfing or parasailing, or go swimming in
the clear blue sea, or even try your hand at building a sand castle or
playing a game of beach volleyball!
Water sports are one of the most thrilling beach activities, and Alappuzha
beach have the best of aqua-sport equipment such as water-scooters and
high-speed boats. In fact, India is fast emerging as an Asian adventure
sports destination with immense scope in various kinds of water sports.
Water loving speed freaks will not be able to resist getting into a
speedboat. Sleek with a growling, throaty engine, these thoroughbred
speedboats are compelling machines that make the sea your road.
Boat Races
It is in the months of August and September that the moist, rain-drenched
earth and the glorious everflowing backwaters burst into song together, as
over hundred thousand men and women gather on the banks to witness a
spectacular water regatta - the SNAKE BOAT RACES. Boat race crews begin to
practice for the race months before the great day. They live together, eat
together, toil together to work themselves into a smooth, co-ordinated team.
A
splendid procession unfolds with all types of 'Kali-Vallangal' or RACING
BOATS, led by the largest and the most majestic of them, the 'Chundan'. Its
rowers sing songs known as ' vanchi pattu ' to the rhythm of the oars - a
feast for the eyes and the ears. The largest of the 'Chundan' boats the
length of which varies between a hundred and a hundred and thirty feet can
seat a hundred and twenty rowers, sixty on each side. Like the neck of an
angry snake it curves to a height of fifteen to twenty feet. The prow is
pointed and stands four feet above the water with its glistening brass
embellishments. The main steerman of the boat stands on the amaram with
specially made long oars. The efficiency with which they handles the oar is
what establishes the speed of the boat and its balance. They claim that a
single strong plunge of the oar into the water can take the boat three leaps
forward to a distance of thirsty feet.
The most famous of these is the "Nehru Trophy Boat Race"
On the Second Saturday of every August There are a dozen other Snake Boat
Races. The latest addition is the one in connection with the GREAT ELEPHANT
MARCH held on 19th of January every year.Champakulam, Kavalam, Karichal,
Jawahar Thayangari, Kallooparamban, Pacha, Pulincunnu, Nedubhagam,
Cheruthana, Kandangari and Paippad are the chief competitors for the
trophies. Large and spectacular chundans glide towards the finishing line
like meteors in the sky with water splashing violently on both sides like
streaks of lightning. An unforgettable and truly special scene. The fund of
energy, spirit of competition and unerring co-ordination makes this sport
one of the most dynamic.
Travel Attractions of Allappuzha
Kuttanad
Kuttanad, called the rice bowl of Kerala, because of her wealth of paddy
crops is at the very heart of the backwaters. The scenic countryside of
Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of bananas. Yams
and cassava which accompany the rice bowl as "side dishes". This
is one of the places in the world where farming is done below sea level.
Inland waterways which flow above land level is an amazing feature of this
unique land.
Krishnapuram Palace
The 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.
Ambalappuzha (Pilgrim Centre)
The Sri Krishna Temple at Ambalapuzha, 14 kms from Alleppey is among
Kerala's more famous ones boasting of the typical temple architectural style
of the state. It is equally famed for its palpayasam - a sweet milk porridge
offered to the diety. The temple's main festival occurs in March/April. It
was in this temple that the 16th century poet Kunjan Nambiar staged his
first Ottan Thullal, a solo dance performance with high social content.
Pathiramanal (14 kilometers from Alappuzha)
This little island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundreds of
rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. This island is
accessible only by boat.
