Alappuzha (Alleppey) - The Venice of the East

Washed by the silvery waves of the Arabian Sea, Alappuzha, the Venice of the East is blessed with the beauty of backwaters of kerala. The Palm fringed canals and shores bustling with glimpses from the day to day life in the country side, the mirror still lagoons, picture book lakesides and its long sandy beach has blessed Alappuzha, the water locked district, to become one of the best Backwater tourism destinations in God's Own Country. Alleppey (Alappuzha) has earned fame in the commercial world as the world's chief supplier of coir. "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 Kerala. 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 .

Tourist Attractions

Alappuzha Beach

Alappuzha beach is one of the most popular spots in the district of Alappuzha. Its beautiful garden on the shore gives an exclusive sight. Imposing buildings of a colonial past overlook the shore. The pier, which extends into the sea is more than 140 years old and is a rare sight. Dense Palm groves at one end and an ancient towering light house at the other, Vijay Park and Sea view park are all spectacular sights one should never miss. Boating Facility is available in both Parks.

Facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park: Boating, a children’s park with toy train and bicycles. Open from 1500 - 2000 hours.

Backwater Cruise

View the landscape beauty , monuments, temples,churches and industries of Alappuzha by cruising through its rivers,canals and backwaters.The starting point is from Alleppey and the finishing point is at Jetty . The houseboats start at 11Am daily morning and reach the jetty by next day 9AM. The boat men catch the fish then and there and cook it for you. You will get the facility of DTH also on the boat

Boatraces

Alappuzha district is proud of being the cradle of boat races. The most important boat races is Nehru Trophy boat Race at Punnamada lake. This boat race happens during the season of ONAM (regional festival) in the month of Aug – Sept – Oct.

Kuttanad Region

The region is known as the 'Rice Bowl of Kerala'. It is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done below sea level. The house boats will take you through the Kuttanad region which also consists of Champakulam, Kainakiri, Edathua etc Kuttanad, a stretch of 75 km stands sandwiched between the vast serene sea & the magnificent hills

Pathiramanal

Located about 14 kilometers from Alappuzha. This little island lies between Thanermukkam and Kumarakom.

Legend states that a young Brahmin dived into the Lake Vembanad to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating this enchanting island of Pathiramanal (Sands of Midnight). This little island is a favorite haunt for hundreds of migratory birds from different parts of the world. It is accessible only by boat.

Arthunkal Church

This christian Pilgrim centre near Sherthalai is 22 km. north of alappuzha. The St. Andrews Church here was built by Portuguese missionaries. The annual feast of St. Sebastian is held here in the month of January

Champakulam Church
The St. Mary's Church is one of the oldest church in Kerala. It is said to be one of the seven churches established by St.Thomas. Tha annual feast is held on the 3rd Sunday of October. The feast of St. Joseph is celebrated on March 19th.


Edathua Church
This church, dedicated to St. George is of special significance as it is believed that prayers and offerings here help in healing all kinds of mental disorders and other ailments. The annual feast is held from 5th - 7th May and attracts devotees from all parts of south India. The Church is just 24 kms. from Alappuzha

Hotels & Resorts

Arcadia Regency
Picasso Castle
Hotel Royale Park
Alleppey Prince Hotel
Green-Lagoon
Cghearth
Lake Palace Resort

Distances to important places (km)

Bangalore - 629
Chennai - 738
Kottayam - 50
Kozhikode - 287
Thrissur - 144
Thekkady - 164
Kollam - 87
Trivandrum - 159
Cochin - 64
Munnar - 192
Ooty - 376

How to Reach

By Air
From Nedumbasseri International airport take a taxi to Alappuzha. You will get lot of great hotels to stay in Alappuzha.

Distance – 65KM

By Road
Alappuzha is on the NH 47 highway and is connected to all important towns in South India.

Bus Timings
Bangalore: 14.00 (17 hrs)
Coimbatore: 06.15 (7 hrs)
Cochin: Frequent buses (1½ hrs)
Trivandrum: Frequent buses ( 3½ hrs)
Quilon: Buses going to Trivandrum passes through Quilon (2 hrs)
There are also frequent buses to Kottayam, Trichur, Palghat and Calicut.


By Train
The nearest railway station is Alappuzha railway station. From there 3 KMs to Alappuzha boat jetty

Train Timings
Ernakulam: 06.00, 07.35, 09.40,
14.30, 15.00, 15.45, 18.05, 19.15
Guruvayoor: 12 midnight
Kannur: 15.45 (Daily except Wed. & Sat)
Madras: 15.00
Trivandrum: 00.40, 07.25.

By Water
Alappuzha is linked by boat service through the backwaters to Quilon, Changanassery, Kottayam, Cochin, Kumarakom, Kovalam and Chengannur.

Ferry Services
The ferry station (Ph : 0477 - 252015) and bus station are close to each other. The ferry boats from Alleppey passes through scenic backwaters.