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Alleppey Travel
Places Must See
in Alleppey
Kuttanad: Kuttanad, called the rice bowl of Kerala because of her wealth
of paddy crops, is at the very heart of the backwaters. The scenic countryside
of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of banana, cassava
and yam. This is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done
1.5 to 2 m below sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land level are
an amazing feature of this region.
Alappuzha beach: This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha.
The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment
facilities at the Vijaya beach park add to the attractions of the beach. There
is also an old lighthouse which is greatly fascinating to visitors. The Vijaya
beach park: Picnic spot with children's park & boating facilities (Open
1500 - 2000 hrs). Entrance fee Rs. 2 per person; Free entrance for children
below 5 years. Boating charge: Rs. 10 for 10 minutes. Other facilities for children:
Toy train, bicycles, Video permit Rs. 25, Camera permit: Rs. 5 respectively.
Sea View Park : The park offers boating facilities and a swimming pool.
Boat rentals for 10 minutes: Roundboat (4 seater): Rs. 10 Pedalboat (2 seater):
Rs. 15 Pedalboat (4 seater): Rs. 25. Video permit Rs. 15, Camera permit Rs.
100 respectively.
Pathiramanal (11/2 hours by motor boat/30 min. by speedboat from Alappuzha):
According to mythology a young brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform
his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus
creating the enchanting island of Pathiramanal (sands of midnight). This little
island on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory
birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom
and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat.
Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple (32 km south of Alappuzha): Situated
near Harippad, this is a serpent shrine under the patronage of a brahman 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. It is believed that Nagaraja as the installed
diety is endowed with the form of Hari (Lord Vishnu) and the spirit of Lord
Shiva. Legend has it that the first priestess of Mannarasala gave birth to a
five-headed snake, which is believed to reside in the ancestral house to safeguard
the family. At Mannarasala barren women are believed to be blessed with children
and a special turmeric paste available at the shrine is credited with powers
to cure even leprosy.
Champakulam Church: One of the oldest churches in Kerala, the St. Mary's
Church is believed to be one of the seven established by St. Thomas. The annual
feast at this church falls on the 3rd Sunday of October every year. The feast
of St. Joseph is celebrated on March 19th.
Q S T and R Block Kayal: These regions are wonders of the indigenous
agricultural engineering know-how of Kerala and remind the visitor of the famous
dikes of Holland. Extensive areas of land has been reclaimed from the backwaters
and are protected by dikes built all around. Here cultivation and habitation
are made possible four to ten feet below sea level. A leisurely cruise along
the canals that surround these kayals is a memorable experience.
Chavara Bhavan (6 km from Alappuzha. Accessible only by boat): Chavara
Bhavan is the ancestral home of the blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara. It is now
a holy shrine and spiritual resort where thousands of devotees gather for prayer,
receive favours and feel amply gratified. Here, a 250 year old historically
important beacon of light is preserved intact in its original and primitive
form.
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Alleppey District ››
Places must See in Alleppey ›
Fairs
& Festivals Alleppey
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