Alappuzha Tourist Places

Details

Category: Travel and Tourism

Published on Tuesday, 18 June 2013 12:30

Written by kripasreerag

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District Tourism Promotion Council

Etymologically speaking the word Alappuzha is derived from two words, Ala and Puzha. According to Dr. Gundert the German Lexicographer, Ala means broad and Puzha is river. It is a Land Mark between the broad Arabian sea and a net work of rivers flowing into it. In the early first decade of the 20th Century the then Viceroy of the Indian Empire, Lord Curzon made a visit in the State to Alleppey now Alappuzha. Fascinated by the Scenic beauty of the place, in joy and amazement, he said, “Here nature has spent up on the land her richest bounties”. In his exhilaration, it is said, he exclaimed, “Alleppey, the Venice of the East”. Thus the sobriquet found its place in the world Tourism Map. The presence of a port and a pier, criss -cross roads and numerous bridges across them, a long and unbroken sea coast might have motivated him to make this comparison. Of course Alleppey has a wonderful past. Though the present town owes its existence to the sagacious. Diwan Rajakesavadas in the second half of 18th century, District of Alappuzha figures in classified Literature. History says it had trade relations with ancient Greece and Rome in B.C and in the Middle Ages. For example, Purakkad an ancient port near Alappuzha was Barace for them. Different religious such as the Parsur, Gujaratis, Mamens and Anglo Indians to mention a few, commingled together and settled here. They built their churches and mosques and temples having architectural grandeur. Such sites are worth seeing. The whole of kuttanadu, the Netherland of the East presents another picturesque sight.

Places of interest

1. Pathiramanal - According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanadu lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island of (sands of midnight) Pathiramanal . This little island on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundred of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessable only by boat.

2. R-Block. - These regions are wonders of the indigenous agricultural engineering kow-how of Kerala and remind the visitor of the famous dikes of Holland. Extensive areas of Land have been reclaimed from the backwaters and are protected by dikes built all around . Here cultivation and habitation are made possible four to ten feet below Sea Level. A leisurely cruise along the Canals that surround these Kayals is a memorable experience.

3.Karumadikuttan -Many fascinating legends are associated with this 11th century statue of Lord Buddha.

4. Kumarakodi - 20 km south of Alappuzha, Mahakavi Kumaranasan, one of the greatest poets of modern Kerala is laid to rest here. He was the P.D Shelly of Malayalam Literature. As an brought great changes in literature and could give the clarions call for changing the society also.

5. Saradha Mandiram, Mavelikkara - A.R Rajaraja Varma was a great poet and grammerian, The Malayalam literature is much indebted to Sri. A.R Thampuran. Saradha Mandiram was built by him as his residence. Now it is bought by the State Govt. & kept as his memorial.

6. Krishnapuram Palace - Built by Marthandavarma, this place at karthikappally in Kayamkulam is famous for its mural depicting the story of Gajendramoksham. Dating back to the 18th century, this exquisite piece of art is one of the largest murals in Kerala. This palace museum houses antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes.

7. 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 light house which is greatly fascinating to visitors.

8. Sea View park – The park offers boating facilities and a swimming pool.

Bat for rent - for 10 minutes

• 4 seater round boat Rs.10

• 2 seater pedal boat Rs.15

• 4 seater pedal boat Rs.25

• Photography permit Rs.15

• Videography permit Rs.100/-

9. Vijay beach park –picnic spot with children’s park & boating facilities.

Conducted Tours

District Tourism Promotion Council - regularly conducting following tours

• Daily back water tours of the District Tourism Promotion Council
• Alappuzha - Kollam /Kollam - Alappuzha backwater cruise (8hours) Departure : 1030 hrs from DTPC boat jetty . Fare Rs.300/- per head Tour covers Karumadikuttan Budha idol, Kumarakody, Kayamkulam Lake, Alumkadavu. Wayside attractions: Chinese fishing nets, coir making,vast paddy fields,typical Nalukettu Kerala houses and every thing else that make Kerala unique.
• Explore Kuttanad Boat Cruise: Alappuzha – Kumarakom – Alappuzha : Departure : 1100 hrs from DTPC boat jetty. Fare Rs.150/- per head. This will conduct only if there is minimum 10 persons.
• Village Tour: Row-Boat : Rs.150 per hour

Tourist boat cruises : The mechanized and motorized tour section of DTPC has a wide range of luxury boats and speed boats for backwater cruises on the Vembanad Lake.

• Rajakesavads(Luxury cruiser)Capacity: 100 pax Rs.500/hour, Rs.4500/day.
• Karumadikuttan(Luxury cruiser)Capacity: 60 pax Rs.400/ hour,Rs.3750/day.
• Kaliyodam(cruiser)Capacity : 50 pax Rs.350/hour, Rs.3000/ day.
• Pamba (Luxurycruiser)Capacity : 15 pax Rs.200/hour, Rs.1500/day.
• RajaHamsam(Speed boat):Capacity : 4 pax Rs.700/hour.
• Round the Venice : Alappuzha town sight seeing by vehicle. Departure 3PM
• Fare: Rs.100/- per head - Only if there is minimum 10 persons

Sight seeing vessels/vehicles

• Speed launches(4 seater)
• Luxury boat(100 seater,60 seater,50 seater)
• Ordinary boat(25 seater, 15 seater)
• Qualis vehicle : 10 seater
• Mini Bus : 27 seater.

Where to Stay (Acess code - 91-477)

Homestays (access code 91-477)

Where to eat

For more information contact :