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PLACES TO VISIT IN ALAPPUZHA - ALAPPUZHA'S TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
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The interesting places of attraction for the tourists are Punnamada Kayal where Nehru Trophy Boat takes place every year and Pathiramanal which is a beautiful Island in Vembanad lake. The boat journey in Kuttanad taluk is a fascination for the foreign tourists. |
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| A lappuzha district can be proud of being the cradle of boat races. all the important boat races, namely the Nehru Trophy boat Race at Punnamada, the Payippad near Haripad, the Thiruvandoor, Neerettupuram, Karuvatta and Thaikkoottam boat races are held on or around the Onam holidays at different parts of the district. Thousands of people from all parts of the world come and witness these races. |
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Krishnapuram Palace :
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| He 18th century Krishnapuram Palace built during the reign of the Travancore monarch, Marthanda Varma, is a double storied structure which displays typical characteristics of Kerala architecture-gabled roofs, dormar windows, narrow corridors. It houses one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala called the Gajendra Moksham. It measures14 feet by 11 feet and is at the western end of the ground floor, a walking distance from the Palace Pool. Inside is also a museum of antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes. Situated 47 kms from Alappuzha on the way to Kollam, Krishnapuram is easily accessible by bus from either town. . |
| Pathiramanal (An Island) |
| This is a small beautiful island in the Vembanad Lake and is accessible only by boat from Kumarakom and Muhamma. |
| Ambalappuzha ( Pilgrim Centre) |
| The Sri Krishna Temple at Ambalapuzha, 14 kms from Alleppey is among Kerala's more famous ones boasting of the typical temple architectural style of the state. It is equally famed for its palpayasam - a sweet milk porridge offered to the diety. The temple's main festival occurs in March/April. It was in this temple that the 16th century poet Kunjan Nambiar staged his first Ottan Thullal, a solo dance performance with high social content. |
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| Karumadi : |
| Close to the Ambalappuzha. the village of Karumadi is famous for its Karumadi Kuttan, a black granite figure of Buddha said to belong to the 9th or 10th century. |
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| A rthunkal (Pilgrim Centre) |
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Arthunkal known for the St. Andrews Church established by Portuguese missionaries is near Sherthallai, 22 km north of Alappuzha. The feast of St. Sebastian is held here in every January. |
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Punnapra :
A short distance from Alappuzha is Punnapra, a village which has gone down in history as the scene of a bitter and heroic fighting between the communists and Travancore State Police in the Punnapra Vayalar Communist uprising of 1946. |
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These are the memorial of the martyrs located in Alappuzha near Kalarcode. |
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 Sea View Park: Boating facilities and swimming pool |
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Vijaya Beach Park |
Picnic spot with children's park & boating facilities (Open 15.00-20.00 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: 242960
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Sea View Park |
The park offers boating facilities and a swimming pool. Boat rentals for 10 minutes: Round boat (4 seater): Rs. 10. Pedalboat (2 seater): Rs. 15. Pedalboat (4 seater): Rs. 25. Video permit Rs. 15, Camera permit Rs. 100 respectively.
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| Chavara Bhavan |
Chavara Bhavan (6 kms. from Alappuzha, accessible only by boat) is the ancestral home of the blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara. It is now a holy shrine and spiritual resort where thousands of devotees gather for prayer, receive favours and feel amply gratified. Here, a 250 year old historically important beacon of light is preserved intact in its original and primitive form.
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| Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple |
15 kms. south of Alappuzha, built in the typical Kerala architectural style, this temple is famous all over India for the Palapayasam, the daily offering of deliciously sweet milk porridge. It is also in this temple that Palipana is performed by Velans (sorceres) once every twelve years. Paintings of the Dasavatharam (the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) are on display on the inner walls of the Chuttambalam. Ottan thullal, a satiric art form originated by the poet Kunchan Nambiar, was first performed on the premises of this temple.
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| Arthunkal |
22 kms. north of Alappuzha, the St. Sebastian's Church is an important Christian pilgrim centre. Annual festival - Arthunkal Perunnal - the feast of the patron saint. (January).
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| Edatgya Church |
Situated 24 kms. away from Alappuzha, on the Alappuzha - Thiruvalla Road. Established in 1810, the church is dedicated to St. George. It is believed that prayers and offerings at this church help to heal all mental disorders and other ailments. During the annual feast (5th, 6th, 7th of May) pilgrims from all parts of South India, irrespective of caste and creed, visit the church and seek the blessings of the saint.
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| Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple |
32 kms. south of Alappuzha situated near Harippad, this is a serpent shrine under the patronage of a 'Brahman' family, headed by a priestess. The ancient shrine is an internationally renowned pilgrim centre dedicated to the Serpent God Nagaraja. Sarpa Yakshi and Naga Yakshi are the beloved consorts of Nagaraja. It is believed that Nagaraja as the installed deity is endowed with the form of Hari (Lord Vishnu) and the spirit of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that the first priestess of Mannarasala gave birth to a five-headed snake, which is believed to reside in the ancestral house 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.
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| Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple |
The Kettukazhcha festival at this temple draws large crowds of devotees. Processions of all decorated structures on chariots, brightly decorated effigies of horses and bullocks and cultural performances make a spectacular pageant. (Festival - February / March).
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| Krishnapuram Palace |
Situated 47 kms. from Alappuzha, built by Raja Marthanda Varma, this palace at Karthikapally in Kayamkulam is famous for its mural depicting the story of 'Gajendramoksham'. Dating back to the 18th century, this exquisite piece of art is one of the largest murals in Kerala. The palace museum houses antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes.
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Karumadikuttan
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3 kms. east of Ambalapuzha, many fascinating legends are associated with this 11th century statue of Lord Buddha.
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