Alleppey Information
This
fairly pleasant market town is built on canals and surrounded by
coconut trees. The Arabian Sea on its west and a vast network of
lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers criss-crossing it,
Alleppey (or Alappuzha as it's also known) is a district of immense
natural beauty. Referred to as the “Venice of the East” by
travellers 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
History
The Portuguese were the predominant rulers of this place before it
came under the Dutch control. Later Maharaja Marthandavarma came
into power and was instrumental in developing the place. Slowly it
became a very busy commercial place attracting merchants from all
over. This resulted in the establishment of a number of coir
factories producing coir-related goods of quality. The first coir
factory was developed by an English sea captain and soon others
followed suit. The first Anglican Church was built in 1816 by the
Christian missionaries whose headquarter was in Alleppey
Getting There
By Air :
Alleppey is accessible by all the means of communication. The
nearest airport is Kochi at a distance of 64 km north. The
Trivandrum airport is located 159 km south of Alleppey.
By Bus :
Cities like Cochin, Chennai, Howrah, Bangalore and Bokaro are well
connected to Alleppey. The Ernakulam Railway Station has a number of
trains running to the nearby major places. National Highway 47 goes
through Alleppey connecting it with almost all the nearby places of
South India. A number of buses ply to Alleppey.
By Water :
This exotic place is also well connected through waterways. It is
linked by boat and ferry services through the scenic backwaters to
Cochin, Kottayam, Kevalam, Changanassery and Chengannur.
Tourist Attractions
Karumadikkuttan :
Situated 3 km east of Ambalapuzha, this village is known for its
10th century Karumadikkuttan statue, a black granite figure of the
great Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. There are many interesting
legends connected to this idol.
Ambalapuzha Temple :
The ancient Sree Krishna Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna is
situated 8 miles south of Alappuzha. This temple is famous
throughout Kerala for the milk porridge, 'Palpayasam' served here.
At Karumadi, near by, is an image of the Buddha, a relic of the
times when Buddhism flourished in the State. It is also in this
temple that 'Pallipana' is performed by 'Velans' (sorcerers) once in
twelve years. Human sacrifice was conducted in ancient times.
However, cocks have now replaced humans on the sacrificial altar.
Neighbouring Alleppey, with its beautiful backwaters and canals has
a water carnival and Regatta conducted every year as part of the
Independence Day celebrations.
Champakulam Church :
One of the oldest churches in Kerala, the St. Mary's Church is
believed to be one of the seven established by St. Thomas. The
annual feast at this church falls on the 3rd Sunday of October every
year. The feast of St. Joseph is celebrated on March 19th
Krishnapuram Palace :
is built in typical Kerala style of architecture.On display are
antique sculptures, paintings and bronze artifacts. The mural
Gajendra Moksham, on the ground floor of the double storied palace
is one of the largest of its kind in Kerala.It is the palace of
Travancore kings. This is situated 47kms from Alleppey.
Chavara Bhavan :
The ancestral home of the blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara, lies 6
km. from Alappuzha. Thousands of devotees gather at this shrine and
spiritual resort. It can be reached only by boat from Alappuzha.
Karumadikuttan :
3 kms. east of Ambalapuzha, many fascinating legends are associated
with this 11th century statue of Lord Buddha.
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 has 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.
Kuttanad :
Kuttanad, called the rice bowl of Kerala because of her 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.
Chettikulangara :
For the people in and around the place the Devi is so powerful that
they are ready to do anything for the Devi.
