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Kerala | KeralaTourism | Alappuzha Attractions

With Arabian Sea in the west and intertwined by a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. The never ending panorama of backwaters, lush paddy fields and glorious greeneries give Alappuzha a great significance in the tourist map of Kerala. This backwater abode is also home for diverse animals and birds. Venice of the East is the synonym for Alappuzha. This was once a leading port of Southern India with commodities like spices, coir and aquatic products dominating exports. Today Alappuzha is an important backwater destination attracting several thousand foreign tourists every year. Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singularity of this district is the region called Kuttanad, a land of lush paddy fields referred to as the rice bowl of Kerala and one of the few places in the world where farming is done below the sea level.

AlappuzhaTourism Destinations | Alappuzha Hotels and Resorts

Alappuzha-destination
  • Fact Sheet
  • STD Codes
  • Access
  • Communication
Fact Sheet
Area: 1414 sq km
Population (2011): 21, 21,943
Male: 10, 10,252
Female: 11, 11,691
Altitude: Sea level
Clothing: Tropical
Tourist Season: August to March
Telephone Access Codes
Alappuzha ++ 91 477
Chenganoor ++ 91 479
Cherthala ++ 91 478
Haripad ++ 91 479
Kalavoor ++ 91 477
Kayamkulam ++ 91 479
Mavelikkara ++ 91 479
Access
Air: Cochin International Airport (85 km), Ph: 0484 2610113 Trivandrum International Airport (150 km), Ph: 0471 2501220
Rail: Railway station, Ph: 0477 2238465, 2253865
Road: KSRTC Bus Station, Ph: 0477 2252501
Communication
DTPC, Ph: 0477 2251796, 2253308
Info Kerala Communications, Ph: 0484 4051532
Dept. of Tourism, Ph: 0477 2260722
Alappuzha Destinations
Chavara Bhavan:(6 km from Alappuzha and accessible only by boat) Chavara Bhavan is the ancestral home of the Blessed Father Chavara Kuriakose Elias. Chavara Bhavan is now an important pilgrim center. One can reach this shrine only by boat.
Kuttanad: Kuttanad is known as the rice bowl of Kerala. With a vast stretch of greenery Kuttanad is situated in the heart of backwaters. The farming is done 1.5 to 2 meters below sea level. Inland waterways, which flow above land level, are amazing features of this region.
Pathiramanal:(½ hrs by speedboat and 1½ hrs by motor boat from Alappuzha) Sands of Midnight is the literal meaning of the term Pathiramanal. This tiny island on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. Pathiramanal is accessible only by boat.
Alappuzha Beach: A 137 years old pier which extends into the Sea is the main attraction. An age-old Light House attracts large crowds. Vijaya Beach Park which is a picnic spot with children’s park and boating add beauty to the beach.
Krishnapuram Palace: (47 km from Alappuzha) Krishnapuram palace in Karthikapally in Kayamkulam was built by King Marthanda Varma in 18th century. Krishnapuram palace is famous for the mural painting of the puranic story of Gajendramoksham which sized in 14 feet by 11 feet.
Champakkulam 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 Apostle. The annual feast of this church is usually celebrated on the third Sunday of October every year.
St. Andrew’s Basilica, Arthunkal: (22 km from Alappuzha) The feast of  St. Sebastian known as Arthunkal Perunnal celebrated in January, gathers together many devotees  in this important Christian pilgrim center which is near to Cherthala.
Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple:(32 km South of Alappuzha) Mannarasala in Alappuzha, situated near Haripad, is perhaps the only temple unique with its deity of Nagaraja, the Serpent God.  Snake worship is common in Kerala and the temple, it is believed, is the residence of five-headed snake grant boons to devotees.
Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple: (11 km South of Alappuzha) Ambalapuzha was the capital of Chembakassery Kings. In AD 1754, Divan Ramayya attached this Taluk to Travancore. Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, built in typical Kerala architectural style, is an important pilgrim centre for Hindus.
Varanad Devi Temple: The Varanad Devi Temple is a very ancient temple situated on the North Eastern side of Chertala. The Goddess is represented as riding on the Vethala after killing the demon Darika.
Karumadikuttan: (15 km from Alappuzha) Many interesting legends are associated with this 11th Century statue of Lord Buddha.
St. George Church, Edathua: (24 Km from Alappuzha on the Alappuzha-Thiruvalla Road) The church, established in 1810, is dedicated to St. George. It is believed that prayers and offerings at this church help to heal all mental disorders and other ailments.
Aravukad Devi Temple:The temple is eight km south from Alappuzha town, at the eastern side of National Highway at Punnapra. The idol is designed out of Krishnasila and represents the different forms of the Goddess as Saraswathi, Parvathi and Lakshmi.
Chettikulangara Bhagavati Temple:The Kettukazhcha festival at this temple draws large crowds of devotees. This is one of the few temples in Kerala where ritual arts like Garudan Thookkam are performed.
Chakkulathukavu Bhagavathy Temple:Chakkulathukavu Bhagavathy Temple known as the Sabarimala of women is located at Neerettupuram in Alappuzha District of Kerala after Thakazhi and Edathua. This Bhagavathy temple is famous for its Pongala Festival.
Q S T and R Block Kayal: These regions are wonders of the indigenous agricultural engineering know–how of Kerala and remind the visitor of the famous dikes of Holland. Extensive areas of land have been reclaimed from the backwaters and are protected by dikes built all around.
Thrikkunnapuzha Dharmasastha Temple: The archeological researches have recorded the Dharmasastha Temple had attained its glory centuries ago. The abode of Sree Dharmasastha idol with wife and son is an important Hindu pilgrim centre. Dharmasastha Temple is also well known as Padinjare Pathinettampadi.
Munnodi Durga Temple: The Kanjiramchira Munnodi Bhagavathy temple, well known for its prosperity and bounty, is situated on the sea shore of Alappuzha. In this temple the main deities are Durga and Bhadrakali and they are given equal importance.