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Trivanduram |
Kovalam |
Varkala |
Kollam |
Alleppey |
Kottayam |
Kumarakom |
Idukki |
Munnar |
Periyar |
Eranakulam(Cochin)
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Thrissur
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Guruvayur |
Kozhikode(Calicut)
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Wayanad |
Kannur |
Kerala
Backwaters |
Kerala
Houseboats |
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Area : 1256
sq.km
Altitude : Sea level
With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes lagoons
and fresh water rivers criss-crossing it Alappuzha is a district of
immense natural beauty.This is a major centre for backwater cruises
and also the states coir industry and cashew nuts.A large network of
canals passes through the town and there is a long sandy beach.
Referred to us the Venice of the East by travellers from across the
world this backwater country is also home to diverse animals and
bird life.By virtue of its proximity to the sea the town has always
enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala.Today
Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre
attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year.
Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races houseboat holiday
resorts beaches marine products and coir industry.
A singular characteristic of this land is the region called
kuttand.The land of lush paddy fields Kuttanad is called the rice
bowl of Kerala and is one of the few places in the world where
farming is done below sea level.The fairly pleasant market town is
built on canals and surrounded by coconut trees.A walk through the
streets presents many examples of Keralan architecture. In August
the annual Nehru Cup Snake Boat race is not be missed.A host of boat
races are held during the harvest season. It was here that traders
from across the seven seas came in search of black gold and
souvenirs.
Places of attractions :-
Backwaters :
Kuttanad:
Kuttanad is also known as the rice bowl of Kerala because of its
wealth of paddy crops.It is located in the very heart of the
backwaters . The scenic countryside here yields a rich crop of
bananas yams and cassava.This is one of the places in the world
where farming is done below sea level.Inland waterways which flow
above the land level is an amazing feature of this unique land.
Pathiramanal :
According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vemband 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.
Backwater Cruises:
Alappuzha is the starting point of backwater boat trips. Daily
backwater tours of the District Tourism Promotion Council ( DTPC)
.The most popular cruise is the eight-hour trip between Kollam nad
Alappuzha .Alappuzha Tourism Development Cooperative Society :
Alappuzha-Kollam:1030 hrs. ( 8 hr.trip).
Beaches :
Alappuzha Beach:
This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha.The pair
which extends into sea here is about 140 years old.
Monuments/Pilgrim Centres :
Ambalappuzha (14 kms. south of Alappuzha ):
The Sree Krishna Temple here is built in the typical Kerala
architecture syle and is famous all over Kerala for its Palpayasam
–the daily offering of a deliciously sweet milk porridge which
tastes like rice pudding.It is also in this temple that Pallipana
and is performed by Velans ( sorcerers ) once in twelve years. Human
sacrifices were conducted in ancient times.However cocks have now
replaced humans on the sacrificial altar.
Mannarasala ( 32 kms. south of Alappuzha):
This shrine is dedicated to serpents and is situated near
Harippad.According to a legend the first priestess of Mannarasala
gave birth to a five-headed serpant which is believed to reside in
the ancestral home to safeguard the family.The temple is under to
patronage of a Brahman family headed by a priestess.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.
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 natural
performances make a spectacular pageant.( Festival-February/March).
Krishnapuram Palace:
Built by Marthanda Varma this palace at Karthikapally is famous for
its mural depicting the story of Gajendramoksham.Dating back to the
18th century this exquisite piece of art is one of the largest
murals in Kerala. The palace museum houses antique sculptures
paintings and bronze. |
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