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Area:
1256 sq. Km. Population: 1,990,603 Altitude: sea
level
 With
the Arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons,
and fresh water rivers criss crossing it. Alappuzha is a district
of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the
East by travelers from across the world, this backwater
country is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of
its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique
place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today Alappuzha is grown
in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several
thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alappuzha is also famous
for its boat races, houseboat holydays, beaches, marine products
and coir industry. Here, one can see coconut husks being beaten
into fiber for making beautiful mats and coir products. A singular
characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. The
rice bowl of Kerala. Kuttanad is perhaps the only place in the
world where farming is done below sea level.
 Aranmula:
The Parthasarathi temple (dedicated to Load Krishna as the
charioteer of Arjuna in Pandava - Kourava war) on the banks of the
holy river Pamba attracts large crowds of devotees. The famed
Aranmula Boat Race is held on the last day of week long Onam
festival. The Vijnana Kalavedi at Aranmula imparts training in the
traditional arts like Kathakali, classical dances, classical
music, as well as Kalaripayattu. Foreign tourists stay here for
long periods to get a first hand knowledge of the culture of
Kerala. The Vishnu Temple here has fine murals from the 18th
century. Aranmula is fast emerging as an important summer resort.
Aranmula is also famous for its metal mirrors which make good
souvenirs.
Aranmula Boat Race : The famous water fiesta which is held
during Onam (August - September). The snake boats assemble near
Sri. Parthasarathi Temple before the grand procession. Each boat
is 30 ft long and accommodates 4 helmsmen, 100 rowers and 25
singers. The snake boats move in pairs to the rhythm of
full-throated singing and shouting, watched by excited crowd.
Pathiramanal: According to mythology a young Brahmin dived
into the Vembanadu Lake to perform his evening ablutions, and
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 favorite haunt of hundreds of rare
migratory birds from different parts of the world.
  Kuttanad:
Kuttanad is called as the rice bowl of Kerala, because for her
wealth of paddy crops is at the very heart of the backwaters. The
scenic country side of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also
has a rich crop of bananas, cassava and yams which accompany the
rice bowl as "side dishes". This is perhaps the only land in the
world where farming is done below sea level. Inland waterways
which flow above land level are an amazing feature of this unique
land.
 Ambalapuzha:
The Sree Krishna Temple here, built in the typical Kerala
architectural style, is famous all over Kerala for "Palpayasam",
the daily offering of deliciously sweet milk porridge, which
tastes like rice pudding. It is also in this temple that pallipana
is performed by Velans (sorcerers) one in twelve years Human
sacrifice was conducted in ancient times. However cocks have now
replaced humans on the sacrificial altar.
Mannarasala: Situated near Harippad, is is a serpent shrine
under the patronage of a Brahmin family, headed by a priestess.
Legend has it that the first priestess of Mannarasala gave birth
to a five headed snake, which is believed to reside in the
ancestral houses to safeguard the family. At Mannarasala barren
women are believed to be blessed with children, and a special
turmeric paste available at the shrine is credited with powers to
cure even leprosy.
Boat Races: Alappuzha Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Punnamada
Kayal - second Saturday of August. Pulinkunnu Rajiv Gandhi Boat
Race - Last Saturday of August. Champakulam Moolam Boat Race -
Moolam day of Mithunam - July. Payippad Jalotsavam - 4th Onam day
- August/September. Neerattupuram Boat Race- Onam -
August/September.
Arthunkal: The St. Sebastian's Church here is an important
Christian pilgrim centre. Annual festival Arthunkal Perunnal - the
feast of the patron saint (January).
The Nearest airport is at Kochi, 64 Km. from here. Kochi is
connected by daily flights with almost all the important cities in
the country. Alappuzha is connected by rail with almost all the
important towns in India. National Highway No. 47, which runs
through Alappuzha town, connects the district with important
centers in South India. Ferry Boats on the scenic backwaters of
Alappuzha, connect the district with Kochi, Kollam, Kottayam and
Chengannur. The cruise through the winding canals and backwaters
is truly an unforgettable experience.
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