Alleppey also known as Alappuzha is located in the southwesternstate of Kerala in the Alappuzha district. The Alappuzha district was formed during the year of 1957 on the 17th of August.
When this district was first created it comprised of seven “taluks” or suburbs but presently there are only six taluks that make up the district. The name Alappuzha has been ordained to this place due to its geographical features. The name literally means a “land between the sea and a network of rivers” and is a name well suited.
The beauty of the place is really great and most of it is due to the large network of backwaters, canals, lagoons and beaches that adorn it. The beauty of Alleppey impressed Lord Curzon who was the viceroy of India during the colonial rule that he referred to it as “the Venice of the East”.
However it is not only the network of the backwaters, canals and lagoons that has help put up the town on the tourism map of India, the well carved temples, pristine beaches, palaces and exquisite cuisine of the place too have roles to play in the Alleppey tourist attractions.
When in this part of Kerala natural beauty is abundant and one should make the most of it. Some of the best destinations that make up the tourist attractions in Alleppey are:-
Alappuzha beach
This is a place that you will hear most of the people who have been to Alleppey as well as the locals advising you to visit. The beauty of this particular beach is really great. It even has a lighthouse that has stood since the colonial times and is said to one of the first light house to be constructed on the coastline facing the Arabian Sea.
The golden sands and picturesque sunsets that seem to paint the entire watery horizon make it a great place to visit. There is also a small park nearby the beach too where you can sit and relax when you have had your fill of sand, sun and fun.
Krishnapuram Palace
This palace is located at Kayamkulam in Alleppey and is a wonderful piece of architecture to see. Built by Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma during the 18th century this palace reeks of the monarchical times of Kerala. The architecture displayed by the palace is that of the Pathinerakettu, a Kerala style of architecture. The palace has a collection of paintings and among the there is one called as the “Gajendra Moksham” which is 154 sq. feet in size.
This painting is said to be one of the largest archaeological paintings to have been discovered in Kerala. Other than this painting there also is the Kayamkulam which is a sword and the Buddha mandapam that make up the main highlights of the palace.
Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple
This ancient temple that is located at Ambalappuzha in Alappuzha district is believed to be constructed in the year 790 AD by a local ruler named Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran. The temple is a Hindu temple and is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Backwater ToursThis is one of the most sought after activities in Alleppey. The tours of the emerald backwaters that one can take here are enchanting and spellbinding. When one visits this backwater destination one should not forget to stay or take a ride on the traditional houseboats.
The backwater tours that are from here connect two of the most beautiful places of the state i.e. Kumarakom and Cochin. A backwater tour to these places from here will be a cruise that you will never forget.
All in all this place is a great one to visit and one should do so when in the state of Kerala.
