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:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::Alappuzha
- Kerala Tourist Spot:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alappuzha, the Venice of the East, is a district beautifully placed
between the Arabian Sea and the Vembanad Kayal.The midland is bed
of the famous river Pamba and also enjoys a special place among the
different tourist spots of Kerala as it hosts not one but two celebrated
boat races- 'Moolam Vallamkali' at Champakkulam and 'Nehru Trophy
Vallam Kali' at Punnamadakayal. The place is also historically important
as it has been the capital of the ancient Chempakassery kingdom. What
makes the place even more attractive is that it is the connection
link of Kottayam- Kochi- Kollam backwaters. Alappuzha that boasts
of being home to the oldest Sri Krishna temple.The famous St. George
Church has been erected and is one of the best known Christian pilgrim
centers of India. There is even a famous statue of Buddha (assembled
in the 11th century). The many temples and churches that flourish
side by side depict the city as a perfect instance of religious harmony!
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Places to see in and around :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pathiramanal
Island
Apart from the beautiful lake shore of the Vembanadu Lake the small
island Pathiramanal is the main tourist sport in muhamma. Pathiramanal
is an island in the Vembanadu Lake. It is an eco friendly tourist
center. It is accessable by boat from Alappuzha. Kayippuram jetty
is just about 2km east of the Kayippuram junction on the Alappuzha
- Thannirmukkam road.
This is an exquisite piece of land just a few kilometers off Alappuzha.
A trip to the place would be your chance to observe several exotic
species of birds that fly in from far and wide.
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Thanneermukkam Bund
The major occupation in Kuttanadu is farming. Rice is the important
agricultural product, giving Kuttanadu the monicker of "The
Rice Bowl of Kerala". Three crops are grown every year now
instead of the traditional two per year. Large farming areas near
Vembanad Lake (Vembanadu Kayal) were actually reclaimed from the
lake. The king decreed that whoever retains land can own it leading
massive redemption of land from the lake. As the farming in the
area increased farmers felt themselves constrained by the two cycles
a year for rice cultivation. The reason for which is the availability
of potable water in Kuttanadu.
During the monsoon seasons, the water from the mountains flow through
the rivers to the sea, bringing potable water to Kuttanadu. But
during summer, due to the low level of the region, seawater enters
Kuttanadu and makes the salt content of the water high making it
unpotable. During 1968, government of India proposed a project,
in which a bundh (Dam) will be made across the river so that seawater
will not be allowed to come inside Kuttanad during summer, allowing
farmers to cultivate and extra cycle per year. The project was planned
in three phases, the south side, the north side and another phase
to join the two sections. The project was delayed and by the time
the first two phases were complete the entire money alloted for
the project ran out and left the final phase in limbo. The farmers
who were expecting lots of financial benefits after the completion
of the project decided to take matters into their own hands and
one night in 1972, a large group of farmers filled the gap between
the north and the south side with earth. To this day, the earth
embankment between the two sections of the bundh remains.
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Alappuzha Beach
Referred to as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha has always enjoyed
an important place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, it
is famous for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine
products and coir industry. Alappuzha beach is a popular picnic
spot. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years
old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the
attraction of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse nearby
which is greatly fascinating to visitors.
Another
delightful experience while in Alappuzha is a houseboat cruise.
The ones you find in the backwaters of Alappuzha are in fact reworked
version of Kettuvallams of olden times. The original Kettuvallams
or rice barges used to carry tons of rice and spices. The Kettuvallam
or 'boat with knots' was so called because the entire boat was held
together with coir knots only.
Of
late, houseboats come with all creature comforts of a good hotel
including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms,
a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. And one can always enjoy
uninterrupted views of backwater life while staying in a houseboat.
The
beach
A few hours off at the lovely beach at Alappuzha Beach is an exhilarating
experience you should not miss. Along the sandy stretch one can
find sea piers that are over a hundred years old. There is also
a huge light houses in the beach. The amazing Vijaya Beach Park
and the Sea View Park are other attractions in close vicinity.
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Arthunkal St. Andrew's Church
The Arthunkal St. Andrew's Church is one of the famous Christian
houses of worship in the district. There is a grand feast organized
by the church authorities every January in memory of St. Sebastian.
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Kuttanad
Kuttanad has become synonymous with the word backwaters, and so
is a must visit spot when one plans a holiday to Kerala- the land
that is much known for its marvelous backwaters. Along the coast
of the vast expanse of lakes, canals, rivers that cover most of
Kuttanad, one can observe nuances of rural Kerala life styles.
The acres of well maintained paddy field in Kuttanad, a place several
feet below sea level, adds more greenery to the perfect picture
the place showcases.
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Harippad
This place is famous for the temple at Champakulam. Still better
known is the fantastic celebration at the temple every year. An
interesting procession of elegant water floats and boats decked
with colourful parasols carrying idols of the deity moves about
the water surface. People also render performances on these boats.
Boat races are also held in connection with the celebration. Most
famous is the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race- the oldest snake boat
race in Kerala. The annual boat race is held in June-July.
Mannarssala - (15 kms north of Krishnapuram Palace, and 32 km before
Alappuzha)
Mannarssala has a sacred place among those who believe in the powers
of Nagaraja or the serpent king. It is also faintly mentioned in
the great epic, the Mahabharata.. The temple here is one of the
most revered sites for snake worship in Kerala. Some families even
today worship the snake god and perform special rituals for them.
The temple complex encompasses many shrines, each built in typical
Kerala style; and there are numerous skillfully crafted idols of
different snakes, the snake king and his queen.
The annual festival in the month of Thulam (October/ November),
the related preparation and grand celebrations all present a vibrant
picture. The majestic processions, the offerings and special prayers
are feast for the eye. There is also 'vedikketu' or fireworks that
add to the life and vividness of the festivity.
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WATER CARNIVAL
Nehru Trophy Boat Race, the annual water carnival at Punnamada Lake,
is considered the biggest snake boat race in the world. The colourful
boat pageantry which precedes the boat race is a marvellous treat
to the eyes. The snakeboats with a length of 30 to 60 metres and
with 100 to 150 oarsmen plough the waters with the rhythm and symbols
to the tune of the legendary songs. The Nehru Trophy was instituted
by the late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru who was enthralled by
the charm and gaiety of the water carnival. The boat race attracts
a large number of tourists, domestic and foreign.
In addition to this the boat races at Payippad, Thiruvanvandoor,
Neerettupuram, Karuvatta and Thykkoottam are quite famous.
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Krishnapuram Palace (62 km from Pathiramanal):
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.
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FISHING
Alappuzha is a great centre of fisheries. 'Chakara' a rare marine
phenomenon in which a large number of fish throng together in the
early days of May to August is a peculiarity of Purakkad, one of
the main fishing centres on the coast of the Arabian Sea. This is
in fact a fishermen's fiesta.
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COIR
The district is the major centre of coir and allied products. There
are about 4000 production units including a few big factories with
mechanized looms. Alappuzha retains monopoly in coir production
and exports.
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KARUMADI
Karumadi, three Kms. east of Ambalappuzha, has a statue of Buddha
called Karumadikuttan, a perennial source of interest for the tourists.
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AMBALAPPUZHA-SREEKRISHNA TEMPLE
Amabalappuzha Sreekrishna Temple on the Kollam-Alappuzha Highway
is called the Dwaraka of the South. It is frequented by thousands
of devotees especially during the annual festival which falls in
April every year.
'Ambalappuzha palpayasam' the devotional delicacy of the temple,
is renowned for its unique taste.
Ambalappuzha is also famous for the traditional visual martial art
of Kerala, Velakali.
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Other Attractions
The beautiful monument of St. George Church at Edathua and the holy
shrine- Chavara Bhavan are other attractions. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Transport Facility
Air: Nearest international airports are at Thiruvananthapuram (150
km from Alappuzha) and Kochi (Nedumbassery - 85 km from Alappuzha).
Rail: Alappuzha has its own railway station.
Road: Well connected to major cities.
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