Attractions of Alleppey
Krishnapuram Palace
This 18th century palace of the Travancore kings is built in typical Kerala style of architecture.On display are antique sculptures, paintings and bronze artifacts. The mural Gajendra Moksham, on the ground floor of the double storied palace is one of the largest of its kind in Kerala.It is the palace of Travancore kings. This is situated 47kms from Alleppey.
Monuments of Alleppey
Ambalapuzha
This famous Sri Krishna temple at Ambalapuzha, is famous for its traditional Kerala architecture and delicious palpayasam(sweet porridge made with milk). At a distance of 3kms from Ambalapuzha is the 10th century Karumadikuttan statue, a black granite statue of Buddha. This is 14kms away from Alleppey.
Aranmula
The Sri Krishna temple here is famous for the boat race held annually in August-September. Aranmula is famous for its Kannadi, hand-made mirrors made of polished metal.
Aruthunkal
The ancient St.Sebastian Church was built by the Portuguese and is a popular centre of pilgrimage for the Christians of Kerala.The feast of St.Sebastian is held every January. This is 22 kms north of Alappuzha.
Chettikulangara Bhagawati Temple
This temple of Bhadrakali (form of Parvati) possess miraculous powers. The festival is celebrated during February/ March every year and the festivity 'Kettukazhcha' is a procession of tall decorated structures in chariots in which effigies of horses, bullock and epic heroes, the Pandavas and various scenes from the puranas are displayed.
Mannarsala
One of the most important centres of serpent worship in Kerala. The festival is celebrated on the day of Ayilyam in September / October. This is situated 32 kms away from Alleppey near Harippad.
Beaches of Alleppey
Alleppey Beach
This spectacular beach is long and has dense palm groves on one end.This is very near to Alleppey Railway Station.
Backwaters of Alleppey
Life in Alleppey (Alappuzha) or "The Venice of the East", goes on on its wide network of canals and often,the small, low slung country boats are your only source of transport.Get on these boats and rub shoulders with a colourful and varied group of locals.Or take a ride into Kuttanad through lush green fields and watch coir workers soak, beat and weave coconut fibres into long ropes on spindles as you pass the endless stretch of coconut trees.
Lying between Quilon and Alleppey, the Kuttanad backwaters offer an unforgettable journey into dense vegetation and tropical palm groves. See life pass you by in the form of fishermen, local people sailing in narrow boats, Portuguese churches and local children on the shore. Finally, sail into Alleppey harbour, with its lush meadows and palm trees.
Every year, during August-September, Alleppey wakes up to the pulsating Nehru Cup Snake Boat Race, a water sport unique to Kerala.
Backwaters of kottayam
Kumarakom
On the shores of the picturesque Vembanad lake - a freshwater lagoon - Kumarakom is a cluster of fishing villages 14 kilometers from Kottayam.Cruise the backwaters in simply furnished houseboats, containing a living room, bedroom, bath and a private sit-out for the passengers. You could sail down the calm lagoons in rented canoes and indulge in fishing too. The regions specialities are Karimeen, considered the tastiest fish available in Kerala, and fresh Toddy(local wine). The 14 acre bird sanctuary on the eastern shores of the lake with its varied and rich species of birds is another major attraction here. Birds from distant lands like the Siberians Storks migrate here every year.Kumarakom is a cluster of fishing villages 14 kilometers from Kottayam.
Monuments of Kottayam
The Church here is another important pilgrim centre in Kerala. The mortal remains of the Blessed Sr.Alphonsa is laid to rest here.
Thrikodithanam Temple, Changanacherry
This is said to be one of the five temples where the idol of Lord Vishnu, worshipped by the Pandavas, (heroes of the epic Mahabharatha) is kept. Witness the beautiful Deepam (lamp) festival held every November/December.
Inside the popular Siva temple here, are beautiful wall murals and scupltures.Scenes from the epics and Puranas are carved around the shrine.The Mural Arts Centre of the State Archeaological Department is located near the temple.