Know all about Alappuzha

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FAMOUS CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

Parumala church- 2312202
Thanky St. Mary's church, Cherthala – 2812065
Arthunkal St. Sebastian’s Forone church- 2572374
Muttom St.Mary’s forona church, Cherthala- 2812579
Kokkamangalam St.Thomas church, Cherthala- 2822448
Pallippuram St.Mary’s Forane church, Cherthala – 2552246
Edathua St.George Forane church- 225851

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Alappuzha (Allepppey) is a tourist paradise. Most tourists visit the town for viewing the popular Nehru Trophy snake boat race (Second Saturday of August every year), boating in houseboats and for visiting the nearby tourist places.

Alappuzha has a large network of canals and is the centre of backwater cruiseas in Kerala. Aso known as the 'Venice of the East', it's famous for it's beaches, marine products and coir product industry.

Boat races

Alappuzha district can be proud of being the cradle of boat races. All the important boat races, namely the Nehru Trophy boat race at Punnamada, the Pulinkunnu Rajiv Gandhi boat race (August Last Saturday), the Champakkulam Moolam boat race, the Payippad Jalotsavam, the Thiruvandoor, Neerettupuram (Onam in August-Sep), Karuvatta (at Haripad) and Thaikkottom boat races are held on or around the Onam holidays at different places in the district. Thousands of people from all parts of the world come and witness these races.

Other Boat Races are Tourism Boat Race: Connected with Great Elephant on March- 11th January, Pamba Boat Race: Thiruvalla, and Mannar Boat Race.

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Alappuzha beach

A 137 plier, which extends into the sea and an old lighthouse are the attractions here. Entertainment faciliteis at the Vijaya beach park include boating, toy train and bicycles. Open from 1500 - 2000 h. An ancient Jewish synagauge, CSI church and Cathedral are the other attractions in the town.

Kuttanad

Known as the 'Rice Bowl of Kerala', Kuttanad is at the very heart of the backwaters. This is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done 1.5 to 2 m below sea level. Inland watrerways which flow above land level are an amazing feature of this region. The boat trip to Changanacherry passes through this beautiful and fertile region.

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Pathiramanal island

This is a small beautiful uninhabited island in the Vembanad lake and is accessible only by private boat from Muhamma (nearest) and Kumarakom. The enchanting island on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds gfrom different parts of the world. One can enjoy tender coconuts and lime juice here in day time.

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Arthunkal feast

Arthunkal is a major Christian pilgrim centre in Alappuzha district of Kerala. The St. Sebastian's church feast at St Andrew's Forane Church is celebrated from 10 to 27 Jan. The procession of the saint in a palanquin, on 20 Jan, by hundreds of devotees from church to beach chapel and back attracts a huge crowd of devotees. More than two lakh pilgrims visit the church during the festival. The octave is on 27 Jan with a procession of the saint's statue to the beach. Sabarimala pilgrims too visit the church during their pilgrimage. The belief is that Loard Ayyappa and St Sebastian are brothers.

The church was established by Portuguese missionaries four centuries ago. The church is 7 km from Cherthala and 22 km from Alappuzha. The main days of the festival are 20 & 27 th Jan.

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Krishnapuram palace

The 18th century palace built during the reign of Travancore monarch, Marthanda Varma, is a double storied structure which displays typical characteristics of Kerala architecture-gabled roofs, dormer windows and narrow corridors. It houses one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala called the Gajendra Moksham. It measures 14 ft by 11 ft and is at the western end of the ground floor, walking distance from palace pool. Inside is a museum of antique sculptures, paintings and bronze.

Located 47 km Alappuzha, near the Kayamkulam bus stand.

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Alappuzha has long shoreline with serene white sand beaches and tranquil stretch of emerald backwaters. One can enjoy scenic paddy fields of Kuttanad, an Ayurvedic massage or an enchanting display of Kerala art forms. Alappuzha has popular Nehru Trophy boat race, magical temple
festivals, fireworks, elephant pageantry, exotic cuisine, historic and cultural monuments. Alappuzha is a charming unique destination where one can enjoy Houseboats cruise & stay in backwaters.

How To Reach

Air : Nearest Airport is at Kochi (Nedumbassery, 85 km), Thiruvananthapuram (150 km).
Rail & Road : Well connected to all majotr cities.

Where to Stay

KTDC Yatri Niwas Ph : 2244460

Festivals : Mullackal Carnival is a 10 day affair which takes place in December.

Shopping : Its famous for coir products and the annual export is around Rs 700 crore. The main shopping aera is Mullackal Street. The other items to purchase are spices, Kerala cloths, jewels and jewellery.

Tourist Information Offices : Dept Of Tourism Ph : 2260722

District Tourism Promotion Council Ph : 2251796, 2253308

Money Changer : Canara Bank Ph : 2237939

Important Telephone Numbers

Medical College Hospital Ph : 2251611
Government District Hospital Ph : 2253324
Police Station Ph : 2251161
Postal Enquiry Ph : 2245334
Railway Enquiry Ph : 2253965
Kochi International Airport Ph : 0484 2610113

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March 2 : Chettikulangara Bharani festival famous for 'Kettukazcha'.

Located near Kayamkulam, Alappuzha District, Kerala.