Alappuzha, Venice of the East
General Information
District:AlappuzhaState:KeralaCountry:IndiaArea:1414 Sq. Km.Language Spoken:Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi and English.Long Distance Code:+91-477Importance:Scenic BackwatersBest Time To Visit:August to MarchDescription:
The proximity of the sea has always been the lifeline of this place as it was one of the most important places in the maritime history of India. The Dutch and the Portuguese had made this place their bastion long before the British came into the picture. But it was Maharaja Marthanda Verma who took recognized the value and potential of this place and took into development of the same as he came into power. As the trade increased the place soon started developing its coir industries thus making it one of the important trading points in the whole southern sector. Today, Alleppey is famous for its scenic backwaters and tourists from all around the world come here to seek solace with the nature. It is also famous for its coir industry and the Nehru Trophy Boat race that is held here annually during the festival of Onam.Location:
This virtual Venice of the East is strewn with various water streams. Lakes and rivers, lagoons and tributaries of the rivers, and much more, Alleppey has a vast network of waterways giving the impression of Venice. Surrounded by the districts of Ernakulam, Kottayam, Pathanmthitta and Kollam, on the west of Alleppey is the vast coastline of the Arabian Sea.
A short distance from Alappuzha is Punnapra, a village that has gone down in history as the scene of a bitter and heroic fighting between the communists and Travancore State Police in the Punnapra Vayalar Communist uprising of 1946.These are the memorial of the martyrs located in Alappuzha near Kalarcode.
A must visit place near the backwaters, which is famous for the annual Nehru Trophy boat race. During this time the whole area is crowded with people who come from far flung places to enjoy this national annual event during the month of August - September.
An ancient church built in the early 19 century, is dedicated to Saint George. The Edatgya church is famous for its healing powers and people form all over the country come here to take the blessings.
The unique temple of Mannarsala Nag Raja located in the deep forests of Alleppey is dedicate to the Serpent God. The place is believed to have spiritual powers as child less couples come here to take blessings and the special turmeric paste given is said to heal leprosy.
This beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is built in typically Kerala style architecture. The temple is famous for its paintings on the wall depicting 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the Dasha - avatar.