Alappuzha

Known as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha has always held a major place in the maritime history of Kerala. Alappuzha (Alleppey) is a landmark between a network of rivers flowing into it and the Arabian Sea.

A backwater cruise on a houseboat allows you to see the scenic man made islands and beautiful sights of coconut fringed backwaters and paddy fields. The houseboats are luxuriously equipped with all of the modern amenities you would need.

Located in the district of Ambalappuzha, Alappuzha in the state of Kerala in South India, Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Built in the traditional Kerala style architectural pattern, the temple is famous for its delicious rice pudding prepared in sweet milk, popularly known as Pal Payassam and is believed that the Lord Guruvayoorappan visits the temple daily to accept the offering.

Andhakaranazhi is a coastal village located 4 km west of Pattanakkad under Pattanakkad Panchayath under Cherthala Taluk. It is famous for its beach which draws a number of domestic and international tourists. An azhy similar to an isthmus, is a sand sediment formed by the constant action of seawater where the backwaters merge into the sea. Two barges having large mechanized shutters are erected near the north and south end of the azhy.

St Andrew's Church, Arthunkal is one of the famous pilgrim centres located at Alappuzha in South India. Though the Church is named after St. Andrew the Apostle, it is the feast of St. Sebastian that has brought fame to Arthunkal. The Arthunkal Perunnal, or the ten-day annual festival, of St. Sebastian's Church in Arthunkal is a joyous event celebrated with much pomp and fervor.

A museum to display a unique collection of superior quality driftwood sculptures of very high artistic value, prepared through a rare and innovative modern art form, Bay Island Driftwood Museum is located at the scenic village of Kumarakom. A visitor would find there a huge collection of root sculptures of various shapes and designs.

Religious sites have provided succour and relief to many an anxious devotee, and the Edathua Church in Alappuzha is no different. Legend has it that those with medical issues, especially mental disorders, have found salvation at this holy site. Built in 1810 and dedicated to St. George, the St. George Forane Church is among the prime attractions in this tranquil backwater district.

The Coir Board had established an International Coir Museum in the Diamond Jubilee year, depicting the historical events and evolution of technological advancements made in the Coir Sector. The International Museum was inaugurated by Shri Oommen Chandy, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala on 27th May 2014 at Coir Board Complex, Kalavoor. This Museum is now open to the public.

Sunset in Kerala, India, is greeted by a series of rituals. Here on Kakkathuruthu, a tiny island in Kerala’s tangled backwaters, children leap into shallow pools. Women in saris head home on skiffs. Fishermen light lamps and cast nets into the lagoon.

The Krishnapuram Palace is a palace and museum located in Kayamkulam near Alappuzha in Alappuzha district, Kerala in south-western India. It is known for its grand Keralan architecture. It has gabled roofs, narrow corridors and dormer windows. It was the residence of the rulers of Kayamkulam Kingdom.

Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the bird sanctuary is spread across 14 acres. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal

The Great Backwaters of Kerala is a phenomenon that has held travellers in awe since time eternal. But no amount of reading, Googling or watching videos will ever prepare one for the experience of floating along the green waters in a boat.