AREA
1414 sq. km

With the Arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes lagoons and fresh water rivers cirsscrossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Reffered to as the Venice of the East by travellers from across the world, this backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today alappuzha has grown in inportance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourist each year. Alappuzha is also famous for tis boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular characterstic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. The land of lush paddy fields, Kuttanad is called the rice bowl of Kerala is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.

CITY SIGHTS

Kuttanad
Kuttanad, called the rice bowl of Kerala, because of her wealth of paddy crops is 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 is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done 1.5 to 2m below sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land level are an amazing feature of this region.

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 Vijaya beach park add to the attractions of the beach. There is also an old light house which is greatly fascinating to visitors.

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

Arthunkal
(22 km north of Alappuzha): The St. Sebastian's Church here is an important Christian piligrim centre. Annual festival Arthunkal Perunnal-the feast of the patron saint (January).

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple
(32 km south of Alappuzha): Situated near Harippad, this is a serpent shrine under the patronage of a brahmna family, headed by a priestess. The ancient shrine is an internationally renowned pilgrim centre of the Serpent God Nagaraja. Sarpa Yakshi and Naga Yakshi are the beloved consorts of Nagaraja. It is believed that Nagraja as the installed diety of Mannarasala is endowed with the form of Hari (Lord Vishnu) and the spirit of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that the first priestess of Mannarasala gave birth to a five-headed snake, which is believed to reside in the ancestral house to safegaurd the family. At Mannarasala barren women are believed to be blessed with children with powers to cure even leprosy.

Krishnapuram Palace
(47km from Alappuzha) Built by Marthanda Varma, this palace at Karthikapally 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. The palace museum houses antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes.

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

ACCESS
By Road: Alleppey is 64km away from Kochi, 150 km from Thiruvananthampuram, 164 km from Thekkady, 174 km from Kovalam, 196 km from Idduki.

TEMPERATURE

Season	Temperature
Summer	February-May (24-33)
Monsoon	June-September(22-28)
Winter	October-January(20-30)

CLOTHINGS
Summer: Light Tropical
Winter: Light Wollen