Alleppey(Alappuzha) has a large network of canals and one of the major centres for backwater boat trips. This palace where narrow canals, rivers, lakes lagoons and land meet are aptly called "Alleppey backwaters" In this wonderful land lush green paddy fields, coconut plantation, topicana and banana, mango are cultivated four to six feet below the sea level.
Punnamada Lake near Alleppey is host to the spectacular snake boat races that are annually held on the second Saturday of August. This competition is named after India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The story goes that when Nehru saw his first boat race, he got so into the competition that he jumped right into the boat that won the race, so the event was named after him.
Alleppey beach is nothing like the beaches you'll find in other coastal cities. Situated in the heart of the city, a mere one kilometer from the Railway Station, the Alleppey beach is a neat stretch of sand fringed on one side by the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea and on the other by tall palm trees. The splendor of the sparkling water brought out under the radiance of the setting sun, makes for a memorable evening – whether you're with family, friends or spouse. Don't miss out on two other important attractions adjacent to the beach.
Another beautiful temple is the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple. It is built in a typical Kerala style and is dedicated to Sree Krishna. It was built between the fifteenth and the seventeenth A.D by a Chempakasherri ruler called Sri Devanarayan. The milk porridge called "Palpayasam" severed to the devotees is very famous.
The Krishnapuram Palace was built during the reign of Marthanda Varma, a Travancore king. This 18th century building was built in two-stories & crafted with traditional Kerala architectural features which include gabled roofs, dormer windows and narrow corridors. This particular palace is especially famous for its mural paintings as well as its architecture. One of the biggest mural paintings in all of Kerala is located here. This mural is called Gajendra Moksham, which when translated means "The redemption of the elephant".
Alleppey is known as the Venice of the East, Alleppey is an important backwater destination. Noted for its boat races, beaches, marine products & coir industry, Alappuzha is also home to Kuttanad – the Rice Bowl of Kerala, which is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.
32 km South of Alappuzha) Situated near Harippad, this is a serpent shrine under the patronage of a brahmin 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.
