Alappuzha

Washed by the silvery waves of the Arabian Sea, Alappuzha, the Venice of the East welcomes you to the backwaters of kerala. The Palm fringed canals and shores bustling with glimpses from the day to day life in the country side, the mirror still lagoons, picture book lakesides and its long sandy beach has blessed Alappuzha, the water locked district, to become one of the best Backwater tourism destinations in God's Own Country. The large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Water carnivals using the gigantic snake boats and the country canoes of varying sizes have an important role in the community life of the people of the district. This district is also notable for its numerous pilgrimage centres that draw vast crowds on the festival days and also boasts of having some of the best ayurvedic rejuvenation centres in Kerala. This Venice of the East is also famous for its coir and carpet industries in addition to featuring many other attractions of tourist importance.

Places of Interest:
Kuttanad, also known as the rice bowl of Kerala is located at the centre of the backwaters and encompasses a large cultivated region of crops.

Champakulam Church: It is one of the ancient churches in Kerala and is believed to have established by St. Thomas. The annual banquet at this church falls on the 3rd Sunday of October and the feast of St. Joseph is observed on March 19th.

Light House: This lighthouse was built in 1862 and was the first lighthouse raised on the western coast.

Alappuzha Beach: This beach offers ideal ambience for picnics and provides great entertainment opportunities in its beach park known as Vijaya beach park.This park has a swimming pool and offers boating facilities. This beach also houses the dock that is about 137 years old.

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple: This temple is located near Harippad ,32 km south of Alappuzha. This age old shrine that is dedicated to serpent God Nagaraja is renowned throughout the world.

Karumadikuttan: Karumadikuttan situated 3km east of Ambalapuzha is the feted 11th century statue of Lord Buddha to which interesting legends are associated.

Houseboat Cruises: One of the chief attractions of Alappuzha is the houseboat cruises. You can glide through the azure backwaters and enjoy the dreamy, reposeful setting.