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If you are looking for a place to escape the stress and the strains of a crowded city life, then the backwaters of Alappuzha is just the paradise that you are looking for. Popularly known as the ‘Venice of the east’ Alappuzha is a town famous for its boat races, houseboats and beach. The kayal or the backwaters are fringed by coconut palms and lush, green paddy fields and offer an enchanting spectacle of country life. Here, cultivation is done at four to ten feet below the sea level. These lands have been reclaimed from the backwaters and are protected by dikes.
The best way to explore this scenic locale is to take a houseboat and spend a day or two on the Punnamada Kayal. It’s the most romantic of holidays for those in love and it’s the tastiest feast for the senses for any nature lover. House boats look primitive from the outside but come decked with a whole lot of amenities that can make your stay very comfortable. Listen to the gentle rhythm of the waters as the oars gently caress the pristine waterways. Watch the reflection of the palms on the clear waters below. Wave to the children who play on the shores. Explore a tiny village as your boat docks for a few hours. Catch your own dinner fresh from the waters and eat a traditional seafood dish. See fishermen work on Chinese fishing nets or toddy tapers at work. Or lie down on the boat and count the stars as the blanket the night sky. It’s the idyllic holiday of your dreams.
History of Alappuzha:
Alappuzha was first ruled by the Portuguese and later the Dutch. Coir industry was the prime source of income in this idyllic little town during the British rule. The first coir factory was developed by an English sea captain and soon others followed suit. The first Anglican Church was built in Alappuzha in 1816 by British missionaries. The town remains a starting point for the growth of Christianity in South India.
Special attractions in and around Alappuzha Backwaters:
- Backwater cruises: You can rent out a houseboat and cruise along the beautiful backwaters. You can go fishing or simply laze around enjoying the exquisite view. Houseboats usually come with a whole lot of amenities.
- Boat Races: Boat races are very famous here during the months of August and September. The Nehru trophy boat race and the snake boat races are a spectacle to behold.
- Beach Activities: Surfing, parasailing, swimming, beach volleyball and sun bathing are common here. Water-scooters and high-speed boats are available for rent.
- Sree Krishna Temple at Ambalapuzha: Located 14 km away from Alappuzha, the Temple architecture confirms to the typical Kerala style.
- St. Sebastian Church at Aruthunkal: The church was established by Portuguese missionaries and the feast of St. Sebastian is held here every year.
- Krishnapuram Palace: Located 47 km from Alappuzha, this 18th century palace was built during the reign of the Travancore king, Marthanda Varma.
- Champakulam Church: One of the seven churches established by St. Thomas in Kerala.
- Chavara Bhavan: It is the ancestral home of the blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara. It is a holy shrine and is accessible only by boat.
Best Time to Visit Alappuzha:
July- September
Location of Alappuzha Backwaters:
State: Kerala
District: Alappuzha
Distance from Alappuzha – 5 km
How to reach Alappuzha:
Nearest airport: Kochi International Airport - 85 km.
Nearest railway station: Alappuzha – 5 km.
Directions by road from nearby cities: Drive on NH 47, which links Salem to Kanyakumari; frequent bus services from Ernakulam, Kottayam, Kollam and Trivandrum available.
Contact
Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala
Park View, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India - 695 033
Phone: +91-471-2321132
Fax: +91-471-2322279
Tourist Information toll free No:1-800-425-4747
Email:
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Climatic Conditions:
22 to 35°C in summer and 20 to 32°C during winters. Winter climate is pleasant, while summer tend to be a little warm.
Clothing:
Cottons around the year
Tourist places near Alappuzha Beach:
Arthunkal - 22 km, Cherthala - 20 km,Vayalar – 2 km.
This article was contributed by Rupa P.
If you have any photos / travelogues of Alappuzha Backwaters, we would be happy to upload them on this page with due credits given to you as photographer/author.
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