Alleppey, Tourism, Tourist ,Attractions, Sightseeing, Destinations, Places, Tour, Tours, Packages

With an overwhelming presence of water in the form of canals and backwaters, the district of Alappuzha also called Alleppey, has a distinct lifestyle owing to the presence of these water bodies. The region has in store, some of the picturesque natural settings in Kerala. Interspersed with vast stretches of paddy fields, avenues of coconut trees, islets and villages, Alappuzha is also famous for coir making and coir-based industries. Historically, Alappuzha was once an important trading center and was popular among foreign traders as the ‘Venice of the East.’ Renowned for its any boat races, Alappuzha also has beautiful stretched fishing villages and is also one of the few places in the world, where farming is done below sea level.

Kuttanad:
Kuttanad, called the rice bowl of Kerala because of its 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 2 m 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 the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attractions of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse which is greatly fascinating to visitors.

The Vijaya Beach Park:
Picnic spot with children's park & boating facilities (Open 1500 - 2000 hrs). Entrance fee: Rs. 2 per person; Free entrance for children below 5 years. Boating charge: Rs. 10 for 10 minutes. Other facilities for children: Toy train, bicycles. Video permit: Rs. 25, Camera permit: Rs. 5 respectively Ph: 2242960

Sea View Park:
The park offers boating facilities and a swimming pool. Boat rentals for 10 minutes: Roundboat (4 seater): Rs. 10 Pedalboat (2 seater): Rs. 15 Pedalboat (4 seater): Rs. 25. Video permit: Rs. 15, Camera permit: Rs. 100 respectively.

Pathiramanal (11/2 hours by motor boat/30 min. by speedboat from Alappuzha):
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 the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat.

Q, S, T and R Block Kayal:
These regions are wonders of the indigenous agricultural engineering know-how of Kerala and remind the visitor of the famous dikes of Holland. Extensive areas of land have been reclaimed from the backwaters and are protected by dikes built all around. Here cultivation and habitation are made possible four to ten feet below sea level. A leisurely cruise along the canals that surround these kayals is a memorable experience.

Telephone Access Code: +91 477

Air:
Nearest international airports: Thiruvananthapuram (150 km); Nedumbassery, Kochi (85 km)

Rail:
Nearest Railway Station: Alleppey Railway Station.