Kerala
Travel Guide
Alleppey Tourism
Alappuzha ( Alleppey ) is famous
for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. Alappuzha remains
prominent on the tourist trial of Kerela as one of the major centers for backwater
boat trips.
An enchanting backwater destination, Alleppey offers visitors
many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at Alappuzha.
Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world
experience at Alleppey.
A picturesque world of backwaters, thatched houseboats,
Cormorants, Chinese fishing nets and swaying palms - An ideal getaway. Nature
has composed its magic to perfection here. A million verdant coconut palms lining
the rivers lean to examine its reflections on the glassy rivers. Everywhere, nature
is at its best. Blooming forth in perfumes of flowers. In the riot of colors of
multi-hued birds. In the fresh, succulent and bountiful freshwater fishes.
"Kuttanad"
in Alappuzha ( Alleppey ) is one of few places in the world where farming is done
below sea level. Kuttanad is a land of lush paddy fields and is called the 'Rice
Bowl' of Kerela. Kuttanad stretches for 75 Km sandwiched between the sea and the
hills. Kuttanad is the most beautiful backwaters region of Kerala. It is here
that most of the snake boat races are conducted and a majority of the rice boat
& houseboat cruises are scheduled. Kerala's network of navigable backwaters
stretches to over 900km. These serene waterways are fringed by palm grove and
paddy fields and offer a striking spectacle of the rustic life.
Situated
in Kuttanad popularly known as the rice bowl of Kerala, QST & R Block Kayals
(backwaters) remind the visitor of the famous dikes of Holland. A striking example
of the indigenous agricultural engineering know-how, here cultivation and habitation
are made possible at four to ten feet below the sea level. For this purpose extensive
land has been reclaimed from the backwaters and is protected by dikes built around
it. A leisurely cruise along the canals here is a memorable experience.
The
local spring season emerges from August and coincides with the harvest festival
of Onam. The lowest and highest temperatures recorded are 16.10 C and 37.80 C.
There is always a cool, fresh breeze, which makes even the warmest weather readily
agreeable. The South West monsoon is from early June to early August. However,
slight drizzles persist till early November. Average rainfall is 1100 mm per year.
The peak tourist season is from November to March.
Place : Alappuzha
Area : 1414 sq. km Population : 21,05,349(2001 census)
Altitude : Sea level With the Arabian Sea on the west
and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it,
Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of
the East by travellers from across the world, this backwater country is also home
to diverse animal 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 holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular
characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. A 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.
