ALLEPPEY
Alleppey which is also known as Alappuzha is an important tourist spot of Kerala. Backwaters, lagoons, canals and beaches are the most attractive features of Alleppey. It is supposed to be the administrative headquarters of Alappuzha District. Besides backwaters, it is famous for the beaches so much so that it was described as the ‘Venice of the East’ by the British ruler Lord Curzon. Thus Alleppey is a very famous tourist spot.
PLACES TO VISIT
Alappuzha Beach
This popular picnic spot is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya beach park add to the attractions of this beach. There is also an old lighthouse which is greatly grabs the attention of visitors. The Vijaya beach park is a Picnic spot with children's park and boating facilities (Open 15:00 – 20:00 hrs). Entrance fee Rs. 2 per person. Free entrance for children below the age of 5 years. Boating charge is Rs. 10 for 10 minutes which is a very reasonable price for a nice long boat ride into the sunset with your loved ones. Your tiny tots can also be entertained by the attractive Toy train, bicycles. To capture these precious moments with your family and friends comes with a small price: Video permit Rs. 25, Camera permit: Rs. 5.
Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna temple: 15 Km south of Alappuzha
The finest example of Kerala architecture. The Palpayasam is the finest in the temple and makes it famous, the daily offering of deliciously sweet milk porridge attracts masses(especially all those food lovers out there!). It is in this temple that Pallipana is performed by Velans (sorcerers) once every twelve years. Paintings of the Dasavatharam (the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) are on display on the inner walls of the Chuttambalam, again something that will attract many art lovers and admirers from all over the world.
Krishnapuram palace: 15Km from Alappuzha
The Palace is noted for its characteristic style of Kerala Architecture. It also houses one of the largest single panel Mural paintings so far discovered in Kerala known as ‘Gajendra Moksha', which measures 53 sq.ft in area. An Archaeological museum is set up in the Palace in which stone and wood sculptures, bronzes, copies of Mural paintings, coins, stone inscription and such historically and archaeologically important objects are preserved and protected. This is the place to see for all those who have a passion for archeology and related subjects.
Champakulam Church
It is 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.
Edatua church
This church is dedicated to St. George. It was established in 1810. It is believed that prayers and offerings at this church help to heal all mental ailments and other disorders. 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.
Karumadikuttan: 3 Km East of AmbalaPuzha
Karumadikuttan is an ancient Buddhist image in Kerala. It is a statue of Lord Gautham Budhha in a sitting position. The statue is believed to be ancient as far as 9th to 14th century. The Karumadikuttan is a statue of Lord gautam Buddha made of black granite.
Sea View Park
If you just want to soak up the sun with your family or friends and enjoy a nice boat ride or a nice swim, this is the place to go. The park offers boating facilities and a swimming pool. The tariffs are as mentioned. Boat rentals for 10 minutes, Roundboat (4 seater) is Rs. 10; Pedalboat (2 seater) is Rs. 15; Pedalboat (4 seater) is Rs. 25. Capturing moments would cost you as follows, Video permit Rs. 15, Camera permit Rs. 100.
Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Mavelikkara
The festival- Kettukazhcha at this temple brings huge masses of devotees to this temple. Bright colors, Processions of tall decorated structures on chariots, brightly decorated horses and bullocks and various cultural performances make a spectacular pageant. Festival season is in February/March.
HOW TO REACH ALLEPPEY?
You can reach Allepey through air, road rail and water.Cochin international airport is 78 Km away from Alleppey. Trivandrum airport is 159 Km away to the South of Alleppey.
Many trains ply from various cities to Alleppey. Some trains that ply to Bangalore, Mangalore, Calicut, Amritsar passes via Alleppey.
WHEN TO VISIT ALLEPEY?
The summers are humid till it starts raining in June. However, October to February would be a good season to visit Alleppey.