Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is a beautiful town in Kerala, India. It is famous for its backwaters, beaches, and cultural heritage. There are many tourist attractions in Alappuzha, but here are some:
Alleppey Backwaters. The backwaters of Alappuzha are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala. These interconnected canals, lakes, and lagoons are a great way to experience the unique culture and natural beauty of the region. You can explore the backwaters by taking a houseboat cruise, a canoe ride, or a kayaking trip.
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- Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple. This 16th-century temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is famous for its delicious ghee-based payasam, which is made using milk from the temple’s own cows. The temple is also home to a number of murals and sculptures, which are worth seeing.
- Pathiramanal. This small island is located in the middle of the Vembanad Lake. It is a popular spot for bird watching, as it is home to a variety of migratory birds. You can also visit the Pathiramanal Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the backwaters.
- Krishnapuram Palace. This 17th-century palace is located in Kayamkulam, about 45 kilometers from Alappuzha. It is a beautiful example of Kerala’s traditional architectural style. The palace is home to a number of murals and sculptures, which are worth seeing.
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary is located in Kumarakom, about 15 kilometers from Alappuzha. It is home to over 200 species of birds, including herons, egrets, pelicans, and kingfishers. You can also visit the Eco-tourism Centre, which offers a variety of activities, such as boat rides, nature walks, and bird watching.
- Marari Beach. This beautiful beach is located about 20 kilometers from Alappuzha. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. There are also a number of resorts and hotels located near the beach, making it a great place to stay.
- Alappuzha Beach. This is the main beach in Alappuzha. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and strolling. There are also a number of shops and restaurants located near the beach.
- St. Andrew’s Basilica. This beautiful church is located in Arthunkal, about 10 kilometers from Alappuzha. It is the largest church in Kerala and is a popular pilgrimage site for Christians. The church is known for its beautiful architecture and its stained glass windows.
- Mannarsala Sree Nagaraja Temple. This temple is dedicated to the serpent god, Nagaraja. It is located in Mannarasala, about 30 kilometers from Alappuzha. The temple is famous for its 100,000 snake images, which are carved on the walls and pillars of the temple.
- Mullakkal Rajeshwari Temple. This temple is dedicated to the goddess Rajeshwari. It is located in Mullakkal, about 20 kilometers from Alappuzha. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and its annual snake boat race.
- Alappuzha Lighthouse. This lighthouse is located in Alappuzha. It is the tallest lighthouse in Kerala and offers stunning views of the town and the backwaters.
- Kathakali.Kathakali is a traditional form of dance-drama that is performed in Kerala. It is a very elaborate and stylized form of dance, and the costumes and makeup are very elaborate. Kathakali performances are usually held in temples or other traditional venues.The story of a Kathakali performance is usually based on a Hindu epic or legend. The performance is divided into three parts: the padartha, which is the introduction; the abhinaya, which is the main part of the performance; and the nritya, which is the concluding part.
The abhinaya part of the performance is the most important part. It is in this part that the actors use their bodies, facial expressions, and gestures to tell the story. The makeup that the actors wear is very important, as it helps to convey the character that they are playing.
Kathakali is a very demanding art form, and it takes many years of training to become a professional Kathakali actor. However, the rewards are great, as Kathakali is a truly beautiful and moving art form.
How to Get There
Alappuzha is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, which is about 80 kilometers away. There are also a number of bus and train stations in Alappuzha.
Where to Stay
There are a number of hotels, resorts, and guesthouses in Alappuzha to suit all budgets. If you are looking for a luxurious stay, then you can check into one of the many resorts located on the backwaters. If you are on a budget, then there are a number of guesthouses located in the town center.
When to Go
The best time to visit Alappuzha is during the monsoon season, which is from June to September. This is when the backwaters are at their fullest and the weather is very pleasant. However, Alappuzha can be visited at any time of year.
Tips
- If you are planning to visit the backwaters, then it is a good idea to book your houseboat in advance.
- If you are interested in Kathakali, then you should try to see a performance during your visit to Alappuzha.
- There are a number of day trips that you can take from Alappuzha, such as to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary or the Pathiramanal Lighthouse.
