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              ALAPPUZHA TRAVEL GUIDE

Alappuzha also known as Alleppey, is a town in Alappuzha District of Kerala state of
southern India. A town with picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons,
it was described as the List of places known as Venice of the East by Lord Curzon.

It is the administrative headquarters of Alappuzha District. Alleppey has a wonderful
past. Though the present town owes its existence to the sagacious Diwan Raja
Kesavadas in the second half of 18th century, district of Alappuzha figures in
classical Literature. Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala with the unending stretch of
paddy fields, small streams and canals with lush green coconut palms , was well
known even from the early periods of the Sangam age. History says Alappuzha had
trade relations with ancient Greece and Rome in B.C and in the Middle Ages, as well
as with other parts of India.

The best thing about Alappuzha and Kerala in general is the weather. Due to its
proximity to the ocean it is more temperate than central India. The temperature rarely
goes above 35 degrees Celsius and never below 20 degrees. The best time to visit
is from August to March. Monsoon is always heavy.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Time zone         IST (UTC+5:30)
Area                   1,414 km˛ (546 sq mi)
District(s)          Alappuzha District
Population        2,105,349 (2001)
Density              1,492/km˛ (3,864/sq mi)

PLACE TO VISIT

Alleppey is known for its snake-boat race - the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race , held
on the second Saturday of August. It is named after Jawaharlal Nehru, who
inaugurated it in 1952. The race is very popular with the locals. Traditional snake
boats, each manned by over a hundred local people compete for the Cup. Tourists
could rent a houseboat and watch the race close up from those boats.

If you are visiting Alappuzha, enquire about the schedule of temple festivals.
Alappuzha is one of the few towns in Kerala where non-Hindus are generally
allowed enter the temple premises. Most of the famous Kerala temples do not allow
such thing, and if you are a foreigner you are immediately branded as non-Hindu
and prevented from entering. Alappuzha temples are generally not that narrow-
minded, though there might be a few areas inside the temples where the entry is
restricted. The Ambalapuzha temple festival is particularly impressive. Five
elephants carry the Krishna idol for quite a long distance with a music
accompaniment. The temple is 14 kilometres away from Alappuzha. It is famous for
its rose palpayasam. The temple makes this traditional very sweet milk-based dish
as an offering. Because of long boiling the milk condenses turning light pink colour.

Alleppey has a high percentage of Christians. St. Mary’s Church (Champakulam) is
believed to be one of the seven churches established by St. Thomas.

Houseboats Alappuzha is inlaid with channels that support its thriving backwater
tourism. Any tourist coming to Alappuzha should take a cruise along the backwaters.
Houseboats can be rented for 12 Hrs to few days. They come equipped with well
furnished bedroom, sitouts, kitchen and modern bath and toilet facilities. Some of
the house boats even sport an air-conditioner, though most people prefer a calm
cruise with lanterns which add to the rustic feel. The houseboats are manned by
drivers and a cook. From the boat one can observe the everyday village life of people,
stop for toddy (traditional mildly alcoholic drink made from coconut sap) with grilled
prawns, watch birds, and relax in the middle of the lake. It is nice to go towards
Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala, where rice farming is done below sea level.

Alleppey beach is another nice place to hang out. However, it is not a place for
swimming. The water is very deep and the current is very strong. Sun tanning might
not be a good idea unless you are in a private place.


HOW TO REACH

By plane - Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport. Expect to pay about
450rp for a taxi to get from Cochin airport to Cochin, then Bus or train to Alleppey.
Alternatively come to airports at Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kozhikode
(Calicut), Chennai, Bangalore and catch a train to Alappuzha.

By train - You can also reach Alappuzha from other cities like Kochi(Cochin),
Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Chennai, Bengalooru(Bangalore), Coimbatore,
Mumbai(Bombay), New Delhi, and Kolkata by train.

By bus - There are bus services operating from cities like Cochin (1:15 hours, Rs
33), Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Chennai, Bangalore (overnight luxury Rs 650),
Mysore, Coimbatore (overnight Rs.220) to Alappuzha.

By car - Alappuzha is well connected to other cities Kochi, Kottayam, Kollam,
Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore by road.
Tourist taxis are the most convenient way to travel around attractions, especially
while travelling in a group. Most airports and railway stations have tourist taxi
services that would take you anywhere you would want to go.