Place
: Alappuzha Area: 1414 sq. km
Population: 21,05,349(2001 census)
Altitude: Sea level
With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes,
lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it, Alappuzha 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.
Today, Alappuzha has 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
holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular
characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. A
land of lush paddy fields, Kuttanad is called the Rice Bowl of
Kerala and is one of the few places in the world where farming
is done below sea level.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:
» Location :Q S T and R Block Kayal /
Backwaters of
Alleppey
Situated in Kuttanad popularly known as the rice bowl of Kerala,
QST & R Block Kayals (backwaters) remind the visitor of the
famous dikes of Holland.A striking example of the indigenous
agricultural engineering know-how,here cultivation and
habitation are made possible at four to ten feet below the sea
level.For this purpose extensive land has been reclaimed from
the backwaters and is protected by dikes built around it.A
leisurely cruise along the canals here is a memorable
experience.
Kuttanad is the most beautiful backwaters region of Kerala. It
is here that most of the snake boat races are conducted and a
majority of the rice boat & houseboat cruises are scheduled.
Kerala’s network of navigable backwaters stretches to over
900km. These serene waterways are fringed by palm grove and
paddy fields and offer a striking spectacle of the rustic life.
Getting there : QST & R Block Kayals are accessible by
boat from Alappuzha ( 1.30 hrs by motor boat and 30 minutes by
speedboat.)
Nearest railway station : Alappuzha, Nearest airport : Cochin
International Airport about 85 km from Alappuzha, State Bus
services also available from every part of india and Kerala
» Location: Alappuzha beach, near Alappuzha town,
south Kerala.
Referred to as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha has always
enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today,
it is famous for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches,
marine products and coir industry. Alappuzha beach is a popular
picnic spot. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over
137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park
add to the attraction of the beach. There is also an old
lighthouse nearby which is greatly fascinating to visitors.
Alappuzha beach is a popular picnic spot. The pier, which
extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment
facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attraction of the
beach. There is also an old lighthouse nearby which is greatly
fascinating to visitors.
Facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park: Boating, a
children’s park with toy train and bicycles.Timings: Open from
1500 - 2000 hours. Entrance fee: Rs. 2 per person; Free entrance
for children below 5 years. Boating charge: Rs. 10 for ten
minutes. Video permit: Rs. 25; Camera permit: Rs. 5.
Getting there: Nearest railway station: Alappuzha, about
5 km from the beach. Nearest airport: Cochin International
Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha town. Bus-services: also
available from every part of India and Kerala .
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