Alappuzha

Alappuzha ( Alleppey ), known as Venice of the East is a town in Alappuzha District of Kerala. Alapuzha is beautiful place with the unending stretch of paddy fields, canals, small streams and with lush green coconut palms.



Alappuzha is the hub for backwater tourism in Kerala. "Kettuvallam" (Traditional House boats of Kerala) are available on hire to take visitors on the waterways of Vembanad Lake, the largest Lake in Kerala. Alappuzha is strongly connected by the waterways to various other parts of Kerala, including the famous tourist destination, Kumarakom.

Kuttanad in Alappuzha District is known as the rice bowl of Kerala.

Pathiramanal is a little island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundred of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. This beautiful island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom is accessable only by boat.

Alappuzha Beach is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Vijaya Beach Park adds to the attractions of the beach. The Alappuzha Lighthouse here built in 1862 is a major tourist attraction.


Snake boat races involve long thin boats powered by up to 120 oarsmen are the most significant traditional event in Alappuzha. Snake boat races are usually held between August and October. Nehru Trophy Boat Race held in Punnamada Lake is the most famous snake boat race.

Video of Nehru Trophy Boat Race...



Alappuzha is a centre for coir industries.

Alappuzha is the only district in Kerala without forest.

Nearest railway station is at Alapuzha and Nearest Airport is Cochin International Airport.


Important tourist places near to Alappuzha

• Kumarakom Backwaters

• Munnar

• Thekkady

• Mattupetty

• Kovalam Beach

• Athirappilly and Vazhachal water falls

• Nelliyampathy

• Kochi City

• Thiruvananthapuram

Kumarakom Backwaters

Kumarakom village is a cluster of little islands on Vembanad lake and is a part of Kuttanad region, famous for its mangrove forests, green paddy fields, coconut trees, etc. Cruising through the Kumarakom backwaters is an amazing experience of a lifetime.

Cheap small rowing boats to luxurious houseboats(Kettuvallams) are available here for backwater cruising. Kettuvallams are the houseboats of kerala previously used to transport goods. Now these houseboats are well modified, using as luxury houseboats having all the facilities like well furnished luxury rooms, toilet, kitchen etc. You can spend the whole day in these houseboats and enjoy the beauty of this place.

Kumarakom Bird life Sanctuary spread across 14 acres is on the banks of Vembanad lake. This Bird sanctuary is a favorite haunt of migratory birds. You can watch the birds while cruising round the islands.

Vembanad lake is habitat for several marine species like Karimeen(Pearl spotted fish), Prawns and Shrimp. Kumarakom is famous for Karimeen and Toddy(an alcoholic beverage made from the sap of palm trees)

There are several lakeside resorts here offer comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options like Ayurvedic massage, meditation, yoga,boating, fishing and swimming.
Alapuzha is the nearby backwater tourist destination. You can journey right upto Kochi through the backwaters.

Nearest railway station: Kottayam(16km)

Nearest airport : Kochi(85km)