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of Kerala
Alappuzha
- Kerala
Area:
1256 sq. Km. Population: 1,990,603 Altitude:
sea level
With the
Arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons,
and fresh water rivers criss crossing it. Alappuzha is a district of
immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by
travellers from across the world, this backwater country is also
home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to
the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime
history of Kerala. Today Alappuzha is 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 holydays, beaches, marine products and coir industry.
Here, one can see coconut husks being beaten into fiber for making
beautiful mats and coir products. A singular characteristic of this
land is the region called Kuttanad. The rice bowl of Kerala.
Kuttanad is perhaps the only place in the world where farming is
done below sea level.
Places
To Visit
Alappuzha
beach: This is one of the
most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into
the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the
Vijaya beach park add to the attractions of the beach. There is also
an old lighthouse which is greatly fascinating to visitors.
The
Vijaya beach park: Picnic
spot with children's park & boating facilities
(Open 1500 - 2000 hrs). Entrance fee Rs. 2 per person; Free entrance
for children below
5 years. Boating charge: Rs. 10 for 10 minutes. Other facilities for
children: Toy train, bicycles Video permit Rs. 25, Camera permit: Rs.
5 respectively Ph: 242960
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 banana, cassava and yam. This is perhaps the only
region in the world where farming is done 1.5 to 2 m below sea
level. Inland waterways which flow above land level are an amazing
feature of this region.
Sea
View Park: The park
offers boating facilities and a swimming pool. Boat rentals for 10
minutes: Roundboat (4 seater): Rs. 10 Pedalboat (2 seater): Rs. 15
Pedalboat
(4 seater): Rs. 25. Video permit Rs. 15, Camera permit Rs. 100
respectively.
Champakulam
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 annual feast at this church falls on the 3rd Sunday
of October every year. The feast of St. Joseph is celebrated on
March 19th.
Arthunkal:
(22 km north of Alappuzha):
The St. Sebastian's Church here is an important Christian
pilgrim centre. Annual festival: Arthunkal Perunnal - the feast of
the patron saint (January)
Chettikulangara
Bhagavathy Temple, Mavelikkara:
The Kettukazhcha festival at this temple draws large crowds of
devotees. Processions of tall decorated structures on chariots,
brightly decorated effigies of horses and bullocks and cultural
performances make a spectacular pageant. (Festival - February/March)
Krishnapuram
Palace: (47
km from Alappuzha): Built by Marthanda Varma, this palace at
Karthikapally in Kayamkulam is famous for its mural depicting the
story of Gajendramoksham. Dating back to the 18th century, this
exquisite piece of art is one of the largest murals in Kerala. The
palace museum houses antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes.
Edathua
Church: (24
km from Alappuzha, on the Alappuzha - Thiruvalla Road): Established
in 1810, the church is dedicated to St. George.
It is believed that prayers and offerings at this church help to
heal all mental disorders and other ailments. During the annual
feast (5th, 6th and 7th of May) pilgrims from all parts of South
India, irrespective of caste and creed, visit the church and seek
the blessings of the saint.
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