Location: Near
Alappuzha town, South Kerala.
Tourist Attractions: House boats, Boat races, Sri
Krishna Temple, Krishnapuram Palace, Pathiramanal Island, St. Sebastian
Church and many more.
Beach Activities: Water sports, boat races.
About Alppuzha Beach
Alappuzha beach is also known as Alleppey beach and is one of the most
popular tourist spots in the district of Alappuzha, attracting several
thousands of foreign tourists. This beautiful beach has Arabian Sea on the
west and a web of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers
criss-crossing it. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is around 140
years old. Alappuzha is also famous for its Boat races, Houseboat Holidays,
Beaches, Marine Products and Coir Industry.
Also called as the 'Venice of the East' by visitors from across the world,
this lovely backwater country also provides shelter to diverse animals and
birdsa. Vijaya Beach Park is an added attraction of the Alappuzha beach.
There is also an old lighthouse nearby that attracts innumerable for the
visitors.
Major Attractions at Alappuzha Beach
Ambalapuzha
Located 14 km away from Alleppey, Ambalapuzha is known for the architecture
of Sree Krishna Temple that confirms the typical Kerala style. The temple is
famous throughout Kerala for 'Palpayasam', that is milk porridge of
exceptional sweetness offered to the deity.
Aruthunkal
Better known as St. Sebastian Church, is situated 22 km north of Alleppey.
It is one of the most important pilgrim centres of Christians in Kerala,
established by Portuguese missionaries, which is near Sherthallai. The feast
of St. Sebastian is held here every year.
Chettikulangara Bhagvathy Temple
It's a very famous temple in Alleppey (Alappuzha) and also the venue of
Kettukazhcha festival that draws large crowds of devotees. An extravagant
processions that includes cultural performances is taken out, and is a major
attraction. This festival starts in the month of February/March.
Pathiramanal Island
This is a small island in Alleppey (Alappuzha) about 10 acres in area and
is a favorite residing place of hundreds of rare migratory birds, which
arrive here from different parts of the world. The island is accessible only
by a boat.
Krishnapuram Palace
Located 47 km from Alleppey and built in 18th century during the reign of
the Travancore king, Marthanda Varma. This double storied structure,
displays typical characteristics of Kerala architecture-gabled roofs, dormer
windows, and narrow corridors. The 'Ganjendra Moksham' mural that is one of
the largest mural paintings in Kerala is seen on the ground floor of the
Palace. A museum with antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes is storeyed
inside the building.
Champakulam Church
One of the seven churches established by St. Thomas in Kerala. 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.
Chavara Bhavan
Chavara Bhavan is located 6 km away from Alleppey and is accessible only by
boat. It is the ancestral home of the blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara. It is
now a holy shrine and spiritual resort where thousands of devotees gather
for prayer. Here, a 250-year-old historically important beacon of light is
preserved intact in its original and primitive form.
Beach Activities
Water Sports
Thrilling water sports that are popular here, include surfing, parasailing,
swimming and beach volleyball. Alappuzha beach has the best of aqua-sport
equipment such as water-scooters and high-speed boats, etc.
Boat Races
The Alappuzha beach is famous for boat races. The Nehru trophy boat race is
a major attraction here. In the months of August and September, the moist,
rain-drenched earth and the glorious ever flowing backwaters present a
beautiful scene. The Snake Boat Races also interest the tourists.
Getting There
Air : The Nearest airport is Kochi International Airport, about 85
km from Alappuzha town.
Rail : Nearest railway station is Alappuzha, about 5 km from the
beach.
Road :The place is connected to all the south Indian towns, by a
well-developed network of roads.
Accommodation
There are quite a good number of hotels available in Alappuzha. Various
resorts are also available here.
