Alappuzha tourist places – top list

List of top places to visit in Alleppey: Alappuzha tourist places

Alappuzha is an important backwater tourist center, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. The intricate networks of canals that snake their way through the vast expanse of  paddy fields, through the lanes give Alappuzha the sobriquet of Venice of the East. The district is famous for its boat races alleppey houseboat holidays, beaches , marine products and coir industry.

• KUTTANADU:
  

Kuttanad is Called the rice bowl of Kerala, Kuttanad is surrounded by backwaters. Kuttanad is the most greeny place in the list of Alappuzha tourist places. Inland waterways which flow above land level are an amazing feature of this region. A alleppey boathouse cruise through the enchanting backwaters is the most enticing experience. It is also a best way to get a feel of the rustic life. Kuttanad is land with lush paddy fields and one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Alappuzha Nehru Trophy boat race at Punnamada backwaters is a major crowd puller. It is conducted on the second Saturday of August. Other boat races include pulinkunnu Rajiv Gandhi boat race (On the last Saturday of August) Champakulam Moolam boat race (July), Payipppad Jalotsavam (4^th Onam day), Neerettupuram boat race (during Onam).

• AMBABLAPUZHA SREEKRISHNA TEMPLE:

This is one of the most fascinating temples in Kerala. Built in the typical Kerala architecture, this temple is famous for its paintings of Dasavatharam (The term incarnations of lord Vishnu).

• KRISHNAPURAM PALACE:

The Krishnapuram Palace Built by Marthanda Varma, it is at Karthikapally in Kayamkulam and is famous for its mural depicting the story of Gajendramoksham. In this 18-century museum you can see antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes. The Kerala architectural style of the palace with gabled roof, narrow corridor, dormer windows, large pond and the secretive tunnel attracts the tourists. Palace holds exhibits that belonged to Krishnapuram Palace. Built in typical Kerala architecture the place is double storied with gabled roofs, dormer  windows, narrow corridors, etc. The palace museum has exquisite collection of paintings, antique sculptures, and bronzes, It houses one of the largest mural painting in Kerala called the Gajendramoksham, measuring 14 ft by 11ft.

• THAIKAL BEACH:

Thaikal Beach situated  near the pilgrimage spot ARTHUNKAL at Alleppey district. A visit to this beach gives you  a very refreshing experience.  In Thaikal you can experience almost untouched peaceful beauty of a beach.

• ALAPPUZHA BEACH:

A popular picnic spot, the major attraction here is a 137year old pier that extends into the sea. Alleppey Beach is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alleppey. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. There is also an old lighthouse, which is greatly fascinating to visitors

• PATHIRAMANAL:

This is a small island. It is also referred to as sands of midnight. This little island is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds. Pathiramanal Island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom.The name Pathiramanal is derived from the meaning sands of night as the scenic beauty of both sides of the lake as well as that of the island is mind blowing. This green islet which is accessible only by boat, is an apt place for a break in the journey while on backwater cruise

• KARUMADIKUTTAN / GRANITE STATUE OF LORD BUDDHA:

The small village near Ambalapuzha is known for the black granite statue of Lord Buddha known as Karumadikuttan. The statue dates back to 10th century. Karumadikuttan is located in Karumadi, a small village near Ambalapuzha. Karumadikuttan statue is located 3 kms. East of Ambalappuzha, in Alapuzha district. When you travel 15 Km from Alappuzha enroute NH 47 between Kollam and Alappuzha, you can reach the Karumadikuttan statue. Buddhism came to Kerala in the 3rd century B.C. Renaissance in the 8th century B.C. saw the decline of  Buddhism. ( read more… )

• VIJAY BEACH PARK :

Vijaya Beach Park is one of the popular hangouts located within Alappuzha town in the state of Kerala. It has a children’s park and offers boating facilities. The park is open from 1500 to 2000 hrs. Other facilities for children: Toy train, bicycles. Video permit: Rs. 25, Camera permit: Rs. 5 respectively

• SEA VIEW PARK:

The park offers boating facilities and a swimming pool. Boat rentals for 10 minutes:- Round boat (4 seater): Rs. 10 – Pedal boat (2 seater): Rs. 15 – Pedal boat (4 seater): Rs. 25 – Video permit: Rs. 15 – Camera permit: Rs. 100 respectively.

• CHAMPAKULAM St.Mary’s Church:

Champakulam Kalloorkadu Marth Maryam (St. Mary’s) Basilica is an ancient Christian Church in Kerala. It belongs to the Syro-Malabar Church under the Archeparchy of Changanacherry. It is a Forane church, with several Parishes under it. The Champakulam Valia Palli Church is believed to one of the oldest church dotting the landscape of Kerala. It is one of the oldest Catholic Syrian churches located in the Allepey district. There is no concrete proof to this but it is believed that the church was established in 427 AD and has been rebuilt many times.

• ARTHUNKAL:

Arthunkal is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Kerala. It is considered as a holy land by hundreds of thousands of devotees, of Christian as well as other faith. Arthunkal Church is situated 22 kms. north of Alappuzha, the St. Sebastian’s Church is an important Christian pilgrim centre. Annual festival – Arthunkal Perunnal – the feast of the patron saint. (January).

• QST and R BLOCK:

Situated in Kuttanad popularly known as the rice bowl of Kerala, QST & R Block Kayals (backwaters) remind the visitor of the famous dikes of Holland. A striking example of the indigenous agricultural engineering know-how, here cultivation and habitation are made possible at four to ten feet below the sea level.

• CHAVARA BHAVAN:

Chavara Bhavan, located in Alappuzha, 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, receive favours and feel amply gratified. Chavara Bhavan (6 kms. from Alappuzha, accessible only by boat) 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, receive favours and feel amply gratified. Here, a 250 year old historically important beacon of light is preserved intact in its original and primitive form.

• EDATHUA CHURCH:

The Edathua church is dedicated to St. George. It is believed that prayers and offerings at this church help to heal mental disorders and other ailments. Edathua Church Situated 24 kms. away from Alappuzha, on the Alappuzha – Thiruvalla Road. Established in 1810, the church is dedicated to St. George. It is believed that prayers and offerings at this church help to heal all mental disorders and other ailments. During the annual feast (5th, 6th, 7th of May) pilgrims from all parts of South India, irrespective of caste and creed, visit the church and seek the blessings of the saint.

• CHETTIKULANGARA BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE:
  

Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, located in Mavelikkara is one of the most famous temples in Kerala. The deity of the Bhagavathy temple is believed to have healing powers. This temple houses a massive oil lamp which is made from granite. Processions of all decorated structures on chariots, brightly decorated effigies of horses and bullocks and cultural performances make a spectacular pageant. (Festival – February / March).

• MULLAKKAL RAJARAJESWARI TEMPLE:

In Mullakkal Temple of Alleppey the presiding deity here is Goddess Rajarajeswari and it is located at the heart of the town. Navarathri is an important festival and colourful proces¬sion of elephants are conducted during the last two days of Navarathri.This pretty old temple is accessible to all devotees from all caste and religions, and it showcases the thought of secularism in Kerala. The temple draws attention of every eye with its old Kerala architectural style, well maintained surrounding walls, beautiful pond, ample trees and aromatic jasmine plants.

• PUNNAPRA:

Punnapra, a village which 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.

• MANNARASALA SRI NAGARAJA TEMPLE:

Mannarashala Sri Nagarjuna Temple is dedicated to the King of Serpents. It is situated near Haripad, amidst the thick forest. 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.