Alleppey City Guide
Welcome to Kuttanad, a lush green backwater site in Alleppey. Kuttanad is also known for it being a farming site, below sea level.
Location : Kuttanad is located in Alleppey district of Kerala.
Famous for : Kuttanad is a famous backwater site in Alleppey district. A unique feature of the place is that farming is done below sea level here.
Best time to visit : November to April
About Kuttanad
Also called the rice bowl of Kerala, Kuttanad is a small place in Alleppey district. It lies sandwiched between the sea and the hills. Kuttanad is an amazing labyrinth of shimmering waterways composed of lakes, canals, rivers and rivulets. Lined with dense tropical greenery, it offers a glimpse into rural Kerala life-styles. It is the only place in India, where farming is done below the sea level. Its elevation ranges from 0.6 M above to 2.2 M below sea level. Most of the area is waterlogged throughout the year. Kuttanad is a land of lush paddy fields and is called the 'Rice Bowl' of Kerela. The scenic countryside here is a rich crop of Bananas, Yams and Casava. Three rivers, namely Pampa, Manimala and Achankovil, criss cross the length and breadth of Kuttanad. Until a few years back, water was the main mode of transportation, though today buses and trains ply in the region.
Nearby Attractions
Alappuzha Beach
It is one of most popular beaches in Kerala. Blessed with enormous beauty, the beach has emerged as a major tourist attractions of Kerala.Imposing buildings of a colonial past overlook the shore. The pier, which extends into the sea is more than 140 years old and is a lovely sight.
Krishnapuram Palace
The palace is 40 Km from Alappuzha, on the way to Kollam. The 18th century palace is noted for its typical Kerala architecture, with gabled roof, dormer windows and narrow corridors. There is also a museum of antique sculptures, paintings and bronze articles in the palace.
Ambalapuzha Temple
Constructed in the typical Kerala architectural style, this temple is famous all over India, and is renowned for the Palpayasam, the daily offering of sweet milk porridge. The temple witnesses the performance of Pallipana by Velans (sorcerers) once every twelve years.
Getting There
By Air : The nearest airport is Cochin airport, 70 Km from Alleppey.
By Rail : The Alleppey railway station is connected by rail with Cochin, Trivandrum and other major cities of Kerala.
By Road : Well connected by road (NH-47). Trivandrum-Alleppey: 160 km, Cochin-Alleppey: 70 km.
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.
