Alappuzha

Understand

Alappuzha has a wonderful past that owes its modern existence to the efforts of Diwan Raja Kesavadas in the second half of the 18th century. Diwan Raja Kasavadas was instrumental in making Alappuzha a major port city in his time and for developing the system of inland canals, used for transportation and navigation, that is seen today.

The name Alappuzha means "the land between the sea and network of rivers flowing into it". It is a fitting name: there are a significant number of canals, backwaters, beaches and lagoons in and around the city.

Alappuzha, and Kerala in general, has excellent weather due to its proximity to the ocean. The temperature rarely goes above 35 °C and never below 20 °C. The best time to visit is from September to March. The monsoon, from June to August, always brings heavy wind and rains. This is an excellent time to visit if you want to partake in a bit of monsoon tourism.

See

thumb|Pathway in Alappuzha thumb|Public transport boat in Alappuzha

thumb|Village boat in Alappuzha

thumb|Alappuzha Light House The city itself is a sight to see. Exploring the city, especially by boat, can often lead to memorable experiences. Bring a camera, there are many photo opportunities on the waterways and beaches. If you are visiting Alappuzha, enquire about the schedule of temple festivals. Alappuzha is one of the few places in Kerala where non-Hindus are allowed enter temple premises. Alappuzha temples are generally more open and accepting, though there might be a few areas inside the temples where entry is restricted. The Ambalapuzha temple festival is particularly impressive. Five elephants carry the Krishna idol, with a music accompaniment, for a distance of about 14 km away from Alappuzha and to the temple. Make sure you try the rose palpayasam a traditional, sweet, milk delicacy made by boiling milk until it condenses and turns into a light pink colour.

Do

Activities Overnight canoe trips, bamboo furniture making classes, music lessons, yoga, painting classes etc. are organised daily at the Bamboostix Island Resort. Ayurvedic Massage & courses at Sreekrishna and Keraleeyam. Anil at Seashore restaurant organises boating on small foam boat used by Kerala fishermen and even fishing expeditions Main industry in Alleppey is coir manufacturing. Coir is made of coconut husk. Some of bigger producers organize tours of their facilities A bicycle can be rented to tour the town and surrounding areas although travelers are advised to be alert and cautious of unpredictable traffic.

Eat

thumb|Backwater food is mainly fish and eggs. Arcadia Regency, a 4-star hotel has just opened in 2006 but has priced meals at really low prices to attract customers. Vembanad Restaurant - At the Alleppey Prince Hotel, it's well worth making the trip out here. One of the better-eating options around, you can dine poolside to live music (nightly from 6:30PM).

Sleep

Bamboostix Island Resort claims to have been 'built by backpackers, for backpackers" is a new eco-resort on an island. Unique construction with bamboo, thatch and coconut with unique activities like bamboo furniture making, music lessons, overnight canoe trips and shared houseboat cruises contact +91 9895407909 Raheem Residency, classic Indian colonial villa refurbished in a grand style by European owners; now a recognised Heritage Hotel of India; swimming pool imported from France; rooftop restaurant overlooking the Arabian Sea; Ayurveda. Malayalam Resort is a small (4 rooms) place must be the most photographed (but amazingly least stayed at!) along the edge of the backwater. It is run by a friendly family who cook the best meals in candlelight. www.malayalamlakeresort.blogspot.com +91 9895407909 Next to the bigger, more popular Keraleeyam which has ayurvedic massages.

Go next

Edathua 18th century Krishnapuram Palace is 47 km south of Alappuzha on the way to Kollam. Its two-storey building is typical of Kerala architecture. It contains impressive murals worth watching. The palace also housed a museum of antique sculptures and artefacts. Padanilam Temple - a famous Parabrahma temple located 14 km from Mavelikkara. Sree Nagaraja Temple in Mannarasala is 32 km south of Alappuzha near Harippad. It is a Brahman family owned snake temple featuring beautiful stone carvings of snakes throughout its territory. It is headed by a priestess. The temple deity is credited with restoring fertility in women. The turmeric paste available there supposedly cures many diseases. This is believed to be capital of Snake God- the Vasuki (Naga Raja) and his consorts- Naga Yakshi (Snake Ghostess) as well as Naga Rani (Snake Queen) along with a huge battalion of Snake army. Naga aradhana (worship of snakes) is very unique to Kerala's culture, as it's believed Kerala is derived out of the Naga Empire and most of the people do worship snakes as a Thanksgiving for lending their land for humans to live. Snakes are believed to keep the vision of eyes as well as preserving fertility of humans. Hence they are worshiped for bestowing children as well as curing blindness. Manarsala temple is a wonderful place, built within a natural forest with trees and creepers covering the area, where snakes live. The only temple, where it's a female priest who worships and do ritua…