Sightseeing

Alleppey Sightseeing

Known as the Venice of the East, Alleppey is an important backwater destination. Noted for its boat races, beaches, marine products & coir industry, Alappuzha is also home to Kuttanad – the Rice Bowl of Kerala, which is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.

Pathiramanal Island

Pathiramanal Island

( 1½ hrs by motor boat, 30 min by speedboat from Alappuzha) the enchanting island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of Hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. Pathiramanal Island visit

kumarakom bird sanctuary

Bird Sanctuary

Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the bird sanctuary is spread across 14 acres. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal..

A visit to the bird sanctuary, set within the lush acres of wooded land nearby, acquaints you to the variety of migratory birds that flock in thousands, some from the Himalayas, some even from as far as Siberia. In addition, you can get thrilled of the native kingfishers ablaze in psychedelic colours, experience a walk under rookeries of egrets and night herons or lone golden-backed woodpeckers and even delight in the acrobatics of the paradise fly-catchers..

Marari Beach

Marari Beach

Nestled in the Alappuzha District of Kerala, Marari Beach is a perfect location for holidaying with family or friends. This beach in Kerala is eternal with coconut palm trees and golden sands. The beach is quite beautiful and the name 'Marari' arises from 'Mararikulum', which is a local village on the Arabian Sea Coast.

Marari originates from 'Mararikulum', a local fishing village on the Arabian Sea coast. The serenity and tranquility of this beach take beach lovers backwards in time. The indolent pace of local life makes vacationing near the Marari beach a reviving experience.

Arthunkal Church

Arthunkal Church

Arthunkal Church, located in Alappuzha (Alleppey), is one of the oldest churches built in Kerala. There are different theories regarding the name of the church. One of the most believable arguments states that there used to be a temple somewhere at the grounds where the church stands now. A ceremonial procession used to take place every year, which used to start from a particular point, which was marked by a stone. Hence, Arthunkal Church derives its name from two words – Arattu meaning procession and ‘Kallu’ meaning stone. Later on, ‘Arattukallu’ became the present day ‘Arthunkal’ Church. Today, Arthunkal Church is one of the prime pilgrimage sites of Kerala, which attracts thousands of devotees from all over the world.

kuttanad

Kuttanad

Called the rice bowl of Kerala, Kuttanad 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 Backwaters

Alappuzha Backwaters

The hub of backwater cruising, this is also the venue for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race. Travel in a mobile home – the fabled houseboats of Kerala- and enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

Alappuzha Beach

Alappuzha Beach

A 137 – year – old pier which extends into the sea & an old light house add to the attractions of the beach. Here is children’s park also (Vijaya Park)

Pathiramanal Island

Karumadi Kuttan

(3 km east of Ambalappuzha) Many fascinating legends are associated with this 11th century statue of Lord Buddha, protected by the State Archaeological Department.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race

Nehru Trophy Boat Race

the popular boat race is held on the second Saturday of August every year at the Vembanad Lake & is the most important tourist event of Alleppey . Boats are sponsored by the different villages compete fiercely in the competition. The highlight of this prestigious event is “Chunden Vallem”, the 130 feet long snake boats, with over 100 rowers, 4 helmsmen & 25 cheer leaders decorated with colorful silk umbrellas. Thousands of spectators from all over the world watch avidly from the banks.

Chambakulam Church

Chambakulam Church

The St. Mary’s Church one of the oldest church in Kerala is said to be built by St. Thomas.

Ambalappuzha Sreekrishna Temple

Ambalappuzha Sreekrishna Temple

also called Dwaraka of the South. One of the oldest temples in kerala . Established during 15-17 AD by the ruler of chempakasherri , Sri. Devanarayan. Chembakasherri was later renamed as Ambalapuzha. How to reach ambalappuzha temple: Ambalapuzha is a small town about 13 kilometers from alappuzha town beside NH 47. The temple is situated about 1.5 kilometers east of the town junction. The presiding diety is parthasarathi some mention it as gopalakrishna

Krishnapuram Palace

Krishnapuram Palace

Krishnapuram Palace is one of the major tourist attractions in Alappuzha district. Located about 2 kms south of Kayamkulam in the village of Krishnapuram, it can be easily accessed by road.
The attraction here is a traditional Kerala Style Palace, which is converted to a museum. Artifacts, mostly from the old Kingdom of Travancore, are in display.
The palace was constructed during the reign of Mathanda Varma, the legendary king of Tranvancore.
A palace of local chieftains that existed here was demolished and a miniature replica of Travancore Palace itself was built during the 18th century.

Jew Street

Jew Street

It's almost a walk down the lanes of antiquity. The Jew Street is lined with shops that sell curios, antique pieces of crockery, carved wooden furniture, bronze and brass sculptures, remnants of traditional houses, and jewellery. The antique sellers of these streets are the descendants of a fast dwindling population of Jews who settled down here in AD 52. Every piece that they sell has its own tale to narrate - of a palace or a home of the nobility, of travels across many lands and ages.

The Jewish Synagogue here, a mark of exceptional architecture and history, is a fascination for hundreds of visitors everyday. There are a few other Jewish settlements too in the State. But Kochi has made a name with its synagogue and the popular antique shops.

Mattancherry Palace

Mattancherry Palace

Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the Palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. The palace with a Bhagavathi Temple in the central courtyard is built like the typical Kerala style mansion - the Nalukettu - the home of the aristocracy, nobility and upper classes, with four separate wings opening out to a central courtyard.

The double storeyed palace building which stands by the panoramic Kochi backwaters has an exquisite collection of murals collectively covering over 300 sq ft of its walls. The themes of these murals have been borrowed from the great Indian epics - the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha, and mythology and legends about the Hindu gods especially Guruvayurappan. Some murals depict scenes from Kumarasambhavam and other works of the great Sanskrit poet Kalidasa. Also on display are royal paraphernalia like weapons, swings and furniture which offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of the royal family.

Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi

Serene Kochi has been drawing traders and explorers to its shores for over 600 years. Nowhere else in India could you find such an intriguing mix: giant fishing nets from China, a 400-year-old synagogue, ancient mosques, Portuguese houses and the crumbling remains of the British Raj. The result is an unlikely blend of medieval Portugal, Holland and an English village grafted onto the tropical Malabar Coast. It’s a delightful place to spend some time and nap in some of India’s finest homestays and heritage accommodation. Kochi is also a centre for Keralan arts and one of the best places to see Kathakali and kalarippayattu.

Mainland Ernakulam is the hectic transport and cosmopolitan hub of Kochi, while the historical towns of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry, though well-touristed, remain wonderfully atmospheric – thick with the smell of the past. Other islands, including Willingdon and Vypeen, are linked by a network of ferries and bridges.

Bolgatty Palace

Bolgatty Palace

The Bolgatty Palace was built by a Dutch trader in 1744. The palace, overlooking Lake Vembanad, is one of the oldest Dutch palaces outside Netherlands. The King of Kochi leased the property to the British in 1909. Till the time of India’s independence, it was used as lodging for British Governors. In 1976, Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) took over the management of the property and converted it into a heritage hotel.

Jews Synagogue

Jews Synagogue

The Jewish synagogue was built in 1568, almost 1500 years after the beginning of the Jewish connection with Kerala. It was built on the land, adjacent to the Mattancherry Palace, given by the erstwhile king of Cochin. The synagogue, the oldest in the Commonwealth, was built by the Jewish community of Cochin. In 1662, it was destroyed by the Portguese and then reconstructed, two years later, by the Dutch.