Alappuzha backwater paradise, venice of the east

Alappuzha or Alleppey is a city on the #Lakshadweep Sea in the southern state of #Kerala, #India. It’s best known for its houseboat cruises along the rustic Kerala #backwaters, a wide network of interlinking, palm-fringed tranquil canals that are called backwaters. As such Kerala is called the ‘Backwater Capital of India and Alleppey or Alappuzha is often termed the “Venice of the East”. Also called the ‘Backwater Paradise in God’s Own Country’! the city is among the oldest planned towns in India and is famous for its several backwater canals, #beaches, paddy fields, and #lagoons.

Raja Kesavadas, the Dewan of #Travancore during the reign of Dharma Raja Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma in the 18th century was well known for his planning skills and administrative acumen. He was the mastermind in developing the planned Alappuzha town. Alappuzha beach is the site of the 19th-century Alappuzha Lighthouse, besides a magnificent #sunset and #sunrise view, the appeal of this beach is only amplified by the history attached to it, and a walk down the 137-year old pier is a must.

The city is most famous for the iconic snake boat race on Punnamada Lake for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, that are a well-known annual event held on the second Saturday of August and draw huge numbers of #tourist making it an important tourist destination. The name Ᾱlappuzha is a toponym. ‘Ᾱlayam’ means ‘home’ and ‘push’ according to Dr. Herman Gundert’s dictionary, meaning ‘watercourse’ or ‘river’. The name refers to the network of waterways and backwaters that Alappuzha and surrounding areas.

Besides the backwaters of Alappuzha is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kerala which attracts millions of domestic and international tourists. A tour of the backwaters on a #houseboat is another of the reasons Alleppey is one of the most favored destinations in Kerala for tourists. Mullakkal Temple features a traditional design. and is a must-visit site for anyone visiting Alleppey. The best time to visit Alleppey is from October to March. Alappuzha has located 169 km from the hill station of #Munnar.

There are numerous places, especially #temples that are worth visiting in and around Aleppey, these include Alappuzha Beach, Mullakkal Sree RajarajeswariTemple, Kalarkod Mahadeva Temple, Pazhaveed Bhagavathi Temple, Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, St. Andrew’s Basilica, Arthunkal, Mannarasala Temple, Cheriyanad Sree Bhalasubhramanya Swamy Temple, Chettikulangara Devi Temple, as well as Edathua Church, Alappuzha CSI Christ Church which is the oldest Anglican church in Central Kerala.

Also worth visiting are the #Marari #beach and #Kuttanad. Visit Champakulam Valia PalliVetticode Sree Nagaraja Seamy Temple at #Vetticode by tourists is also a good option. Tourists can also visit the Vembanad lake and Krishnapuram Palace Kerala is synonymous with #Ayurveda and while visiting Alleppey, visitors can experience the essence and aura of Ayurvedic treatment with some of the most relaxing and rejuvenating #massage #therapies and treatments at #ayurvedic centers.

The availability of raw materials and the existence of backwaters and canals suitable for the getting of green husk and the accessibility of transportation are the main factors of the development of this industry thereby making Allepey an important economic center in Kerala. Arabs had carried on trade in coir products from very ancient period. The manufacture of mats and mattings was first introduced in 1859 by Mr. James Durragh. Well connected by rail, road, sea, backwater, and air through #Cochin, the city is a major education hub with numerous colleges and universities.

The city is known for its festivals and events that boost #tourism as such there are numerous resorts, hotels, and lodges that provide luxurious, mid-range, and budget accommodation. The #nightlife of the city is also very happening with numerous watering holes, restaurants, and bars that serve delicious cuisine. Tourists can try out some toddy (palm wine) at a local toddy shop for adding a touch of authenticity to boost their #travel experience. A shoppers paradise, tourists In Alleppey can buy a lot of products like # handicrafts, painting, books, jewelry, ayurvedic medicine, and much more.