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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 also has a rich crop of banana, cassava and yam. Inland waterways which flow above land level are an amazing feature of Kuttanad. This is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done 1.5 to 2 m below sea level. |
Alappuzha Beach
Alappuzha Beach is one of the most popular picnic spots in the district. The pier which extends into the sea here is over 137 years old. The old lighthouse on the beach is a fascination for visitors. The Vijaya Beach Park (Ph: 242960) offers children?s recreation and boating facilities (Open 3:00-8:00 pm)lEntrance fee: Rs. 5 per person; Children below 5 years: free lBoating: Rs. 15 for 10 minutes lOther facilities: Toy train, bicycles lPermits: Video: Rs. 50, Camera: Rs. 10 |
Sea View Park
Boating facilities and swimming pool. Boat rentals for 10 minutes: lRoundboat (4 seater): Rs. 10 lPedalboat (2 seater): Rs. 15 lPedalboat (4 seater): Rs. 25 lPermits: Video: Rs. 50, Camera: Rs. 10. |
Jain Temple
Jain Temple (Near Alappuzha beach):This architectural marvel in marble is a fascinating monument. |
Pathiramanal
Pathiramanal (90 min by motor boat/30 min. by speedboat from Alappuzha): Legends attribute a divine origin to the island. It is said that Pathiramanal (sands of midnight) was formed when the waters of the Vembanad Lake parted as a devout young brahmin dived in to perform his evening ablutions. The island is accessible only by boat and is a favourite haunt of rare migratory birds. |
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 falls on the 3rd Sunday of October. The feast of St. Joseph is celebrated on March19th. |
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. Here cultivation and habitation are made possible four to ten feet below sea level on land reclaimed from the backwaters. Cruises on these canals are one of the most charming experiences in the State. |
Chavara Bhavan
Chavara Bhavan (6 km from Alappuzha. Accessible only by boat): Chavara Bhavan, the ancestral home of the blessed Kuriakose Elias, is now a spiritual resort where devotees gather for prayer and receive favours. A 250 year old beacon of light is preserved intact in its original form. |
Sree Krishna Temple, Ambalappuzha
15 km south of Alappuzha, Built in the typical Kerala architectural style, this temple is famous all over India for palpayasam, the daily offering of deliciously sweet milk porridge. The pallipana ritual is performed here by velans (sorcerers) once every twelve years. |
St. Sebastian?s Church, Arthunkal
St. Sebastian?s Church, Arthunkal (22 km north of Alappuzha): Famous pilgrim centre. Arthunkal Perunnal - feast of the patron saint (Jan). |
St. George?s Church, Edathua
St. George?s Church, Edathua (24 km from Alappuzha): It is believed that prayers offered at this church help to heal mental disorders and other ailments. During the annual feast (May) pilgrims from all parts of South India, irrespective of caste and creed, visit the church which was established in 1810. |
Chakkulathukavu (28 km from Alappuzha)
Goddess Vanadurga is the presiding diety. Pongala (Nov/Dec) and Naree Pooja - in honour of womanhood (Nov/Dec) are the main festivals. |
Sree Nagaraja Temple, Mannarasala (32 km south of Alappuzha)
Situated near Harippad, this ancient shrine dedicated to the Serpent God Nagaraja and headed by a priestess, is an internationally renowned pilgrim centre. Sarpa Yakshi and Naga Yakshi, the consorts of Nagaraja, are also installed here. It is believed that the diety is endowed with the form of Hari (Lord Vishnu) and the spirit of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that the first priestess of Mannarasala bore a five-headed snake which resides in the ancestral house to protect the family. At Mannarasala barren women are believed to be blessed with children and a special turmeric paste available here is credited with powers to cure even leprosy. |
Bhagavathy Temple, Chettikulangara
The Kettukazhcha festival at this temple draws large crowds of devotees. Processions of tall decorated structures on chariots, brightly decorated effigies of horses and bulls and cultural performances make a spectacular pageant. (February/March) |
Krishnapuram Palace (47 km from Alappuzha)
Built by Maharaja Marthanda Varma, this palace at Karthikapally in Kayamkulam is famous for the 18th century mural of Gajendramoksham - one of the largest murals in Kerala. The palace museum also displays antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes. (Open 09:30 am - 04:30 pm. Monday holiday) |
Karumadikuttan (3 km east of Ambalapuzha)
Many fascinating legends are associated with this 11th century statue of Sree Buddha. |
Subramanya Temple (32 km from Alappuzha; 2 km from Haripad railway station)
The largest temple dedicated to Sree Muruka (Subramanya) in Kerala, this temple is renowned for its architectural splendour - the tall kadimaram (flag mast), the koothambalam (theatre) and the large temple tank. Peacocks living in the premises are another attraction. |
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Thrikkuratti Mahadeva Temple, Mannar
Thrikkuratti Mahadeva Temple is located at Mannar,an an upcoming business town mid way between Mavelikara and Tiruvalla, in Alappuzha District of Kerala state, India, on State highway no. 6. It is situated on the banks of the Pamba River. It is one of the famous 108 Sivalayas built by Lord Parasurama. It is believed that the mammoth temple compound wall was built by a troup of Bhoothas of Lord Paramasiva in one night. The unique festivities of Thrikkuratti temple (Sahasra kalasam, Maikatti puja and Sivarathri Nritham) attracts lot of pilgrims. The antique wooden carving of temple sricovil came to lime light recently through visual media, attracting lot of art lovers including foreigners. At a special Nada (gate) on east side of the temple compound wall, other religious members, in particular, Muslims, present offerings on daily basis. This practice is believed to be centuries old and this is considered to be a true embodiment of religious harmony. The Thrikkuratti Mahasivarathri Festival (only next to Aluva sivarathri in terms of mass congregation) and Its well known procession with decorated floats, Kavadi aattam, Amman Kudom, Thaiyyam, and cultural stills etc, attracts thousands of devotees and tourists. The west nada (Parvathi) open once in a year for ten minutes during sivarathri nritham on Sivarathri day. The Major daily offering of the temple is "Satha Kalasam". The Thrikkuratti Mahavishnu temple sricovil is built in North indian architecture.
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