Best time to visit: The best time to visit is August to March.
STD Code: 0477
Population: 20, 01,217(Approx)
Weather: The average temperature varies between 35 and 20 degrees centigrade, with an annual rainfall of 230 cm.
About Alappuzha
Washed by the silvery waves of the Arabian Sea, occupies a significant place in the tourist map of Kerala. Interlocked with a large number of canals and bridges, this water locked district has immense potential for backwater tourism.
Alappuzha, a centre for coir and carpet industries is an ideal headquarters for backwater touring. The large network of canals provides Alleppey its lifeline. It has a long sandy beach which is spectacular. At one end are the dense palm groves that are so characteristic of Kerala's landscape. Also known as a Venice of the East, it is a quaint relatively small town located 70 kilometers south of Cochin.
Alappuzha is a not-to-be-missed tourist destination in Kerala. Apart from its exotic backwater locations, Alappuzha is famous for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race that takes place during the month of August-September in Punnamada Kayal. During this time the place becomes vibrant with festive and competitive spirit.
To get a feel of traditional and typical Keralan style of architecture, the two-storied Krishnapuram Temple, displays the best example. The largest mural painting, Gajendra Miksham, is displayed in a museum here. Typical temple architecture and culture of Kerala can be witnessed in Ambalapuzha Temple, where Lord Krishna is worshipped. During the festival period of March/April, the Keralan delicacy payasam can be savored.
Alappuzha is dotted with temples, highly revered not only in the state but throughout India. Situated in the heart of the town, Mullackal Temple, dedicated to goddess Rajarajeswari, is also a place worth visiting. Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, surrounded by thick-green forests, is a holy place where the king of serpents is worshiped. Number of devotees from all over India and abroad visit this place every year. The Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple is believed to have miraculous powers and hence visited by number of pilgrims every year. Kottamkulangara Mahavishnu Temple and Devi Temple are the oldest temples of Alappuzha and are sites worth visiting, especially during the time of festivals. And a visit to St. Andrew's Church, established by the Portuguese missionaries, can give visitors to witness the feast of St. Sebastian.
Tourist Places
Krishnapuram Palace Situated at 47km from alappuzha at kayamkulam on the way to kollam (41kms), this palace was built in the 18th century during the regin of marthan ...more
Alappuzha has an excellent local bus service system and it is cheap. Autorickshaw is cheap way of transportation between attractions. Local taxis are also available at cheap rates. There are many Car rental companies offering cars with drivers or self drive. When you are visiting places like Kuttanad, it's better to opt for boats, as many places in Kuttanad are inaccessible by road.
There are also good ferry services between places that are widely used by the locals, a cheap and scenic way of getting around. Many attractions are near by one another so you could walk between them.
How to reach
By Air:
Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport. Alternatively come to airports at Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kozhikode (Calicut), Chennai, Bangalore and catch a train to Alappuzha.
By Rail:
You can also reach Alappuzha from other cities like Cochin, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Bombay, New Delhi, and Calcutta by train.
By Road:
There are bus services operating from cities like Cochin (1:15 hours, Rs 33), Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Chennai, Bangalore (overnight luxury Rs 650), Coimbatore to Alappuzha.
