Alappuzha, popularly known as the 'Venice of the East', is a major hub of backwater tourism and coir industries. On the west lies the Arabian Sea, which makes Alappuzha a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers. Every year thousands of tourists visit Alappuzha to take part in the famous Nehru Trophy boat race. The city also offers some of the best backwater tours, where you can cruise through the waters in the exotic houseboats and enjoy the mouth-watering cuisines of the state of Kerala.

Alappuzha is a picture-perfect place with interlocking canals and bridge. Hire a Kettuvallam, the traditional houseboats from Kollam. They offer exquisite holidays. Also here you should not miss ayurvedic steam bath, herbal and oil treatment provided by quite a few centres.

Prime Attractions of Alappuzha

» Nehru Boat Race Alappuzha
The city of Alappuzha is the venue for the most colorful water sport in Kerala that is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. This boat race takes place every year at Punnamada Lake on the second Saturday of every August. This prestigious cultural event of Kerala has been attracting people from all over the world. Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a festival for the people of Alappuzha the main attraction of which is the sportive spirit among the participants of the race.

The event is named after the late Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, who visited Alappuzha city in the year 1952. Enthralled by the charm and gaiety of the water carnival he instituted the Nehru Trophy. The trophy is a replica of a snake-boat in silver, placed on wooden abacus on which the following words of Panditji are inscribed above his signature. The festival supports the sense of unity and fraternity among the people and is a popular attraction for the tourists from all over the world.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race is considered as the biggest snake boat race in the world. The colorful boat pageantry, which precedes the boat race, is a marvelous treat to the onlookers. The snake boats with 100 to 120 oarsmen plough the waters to the tune of the legendary songs.

You can enjoy a sight of this enthralling boat race on your tour to Alappuzha, so travel with Holidays Hub and be a part of the excitement.

» 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.
Other facilities for children : Toy train, bicycles Video permit, Camera permit

» 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.

» Sea View Park
The park offers boating facilities and a swimming pool.

» 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.

» Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Mavelikkara
The Kettukazhcha festival at this temple draws large crowds of devotees. Processions of tall decorated structures on chariots, brightly decorated effigies of horses and bullocks and cultural performances make a spectacular pageant. (Festival - February/March).

How to get there

» Air
If you wish to travel by air, the nearest airport is at Cochin, 64 kms to the North. The Trivandrum International airport is 159 kms to the south.

» Road
Alappuzha is on the NH 47 highway and is connected to all-important towns in South India. A frequent bus service is available from Alappuzha to Kottayam, Trichur, Palghat and Calicut.

» Rail
Alappuzha is linked by rail to cities like Cochin; Madras, Howrah, Bangalore and Bokaro.The railway station is situated 5 kms away from the bus station and ferry station. Alappuzha is linked by boat service through the backwaters to Kollam, Changanassery, Kottayam, Cochin, Kumarakom, Kovalam and Chengannur.