Alleppey Backwaters
Alleppey is described as the “Venice of east” by the famous Italian traveler Marco Polo, Alleppey is a beautiful small town with fantastic landscape, back waters, lush green paddy fields and cocnut palms, and this is one of the enchanting tourist destinations. Alleppey is also known as the “rice bowl of kerala”.
Alappuzha is a prominent destination on the tourist trail of Kerala, as one of the major place for backwater cruise. An enchanting backwater destination, Alleppey offers visitors many other leisure options besides boating and fishing facilities. Ajmal Tours & travels offers packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world experience at Alleppey.
Another major attraction is Nehru trophy boat race conducted on the second Saturday of every years August in Punnamada Lake, every year lot of tourist from across the world come to view this unique event of this kind.
How to reach Alleppey Backwaters
• From Kochi International Airport, Alleppey is a 2 hour journey by road.
• Alleppey takes around an hour and half to reach, from the Ernakulam Railway Station
Important places
Krishnapuram Palace
The 18th century Krishna-puram Palace built during the reign of the Travancore monarch, Marthanda Varma, is a double storied structure which displays typical characteristics of Kerala architecture-gabled roofs, dormar windows, narrow corridors. It houses one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala called the Gajendra Moksham. It measures14 feet by 11 feet and is at the western end of the ground floor, a walking distance from the Palace Pool. Inside is also a museum of antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes. Situated 47 kms from Alappuzha on the way to Kollam, Krishnapuram is easily accessible by bus from either town..
Mannarasala
Situated near Harippad, is is a serpent shrine under the patronage of a Brahmin family, headed by a priestess. Legend has it that the first priestess of Mannarasala gave birth to a five headed snake, which is believed to reside in the ancestral houses to safeguard the family. At Mannarasala barren women are believed to be blessed with children, and a special turmeric paste available at the shrine is credited with powers to cure even leprosy.
Kuttanad
Kuttanad, is called the rice bowl of Kerala because of its wealth of paddy crops. It lies at the very heart of the backwaters. The scenic countryside of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of banana, cassava and yam. This perhaps the only region in the worked where farming is done 1.5 to 2 ms. below sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land level are an amazing feature of this region. This is perhaps the only land in the world where farming is done below sea level.The scenic country side of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of bananas, casava and yams which accompany the rice bowl as "side dishes".
Alappuzha Beach
This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya beach park add to the attractions of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse which is greatly fascination to visitors.
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