Alappuzha (Alleppey) is prominent on the tourist trail as it is
one of the major centers for backwater boat trips. With Arabian
sea on the west, Alappuzha has a large network of lakes, lagoons
and several freshwater rivers intersections. Alappuzha has grown
in importance as a backwater tourist center, attracting several
thousands of foreign tourists every year who come here to enjoy
the serene marine beauty of the state. Boat races, houseboat holidays,
beaches, marine products and coir industry are some of the major
attractions offered by Alappuzha.
Water
Sports : Tourists can participate in numerous beach activities
offered on the beautiful Alappuzha beach. For instance, you could
indulge in any of the exciting water sports such as surfing or parasailing,
or go swimming in the clear blue sea, or even try your hand at building
a sand castle or playing a game of beach volleyball.
Boat
Races : It is held in the months of August and September
when the earth is moist and rain-drenched and the glorious backwaters
overflows. Hundreds of men and women gather on the banks to witness
a spectacular view especially, the Snake Boat Races.
The
most famous event of boat race is the "Nehru Trophy Boat Race".
It is held on the second saturday of every August. There are a dozen
other snake boat races, providing an unforgettable and truly special
scene. The fund of energy, spirit of competition and unerring co-ordination
makes this sport extremely dynamic.
Alappuzha
or Alleppey is also home to Kuttanad, The rice bowl of kerala, one
of the very few places in the world where farming is done below
sea level.
Kuttanad is a land of lush paddy fields and 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.
Alleppey
or Alappuzha's beauty is not merely in its backwaters, but in the
man-made islands that you will find amidst the waters. These islands
are hedged by mud walls, a haven for migratory birds, with paddy
fields inundated with water throughout the year. These fields stand
below sea level. R Block is especially famous for the fresh toddy
served to guests.
By
Air : The airport nearest to Alleppey is Kochi at a distance of
64 km north. The Trivandrum airport is located 159 km south of Alleppey.
Cities like Cochin, Chennai, Howrah, Bangalore and Bokaro are well
connected to Alleppey
By Rail : Alleppey is also well connected through waterways. Alleppey
is linked by boat and ferry services through the scenic backwaters
to Cochin, Kottayam, Kavalam, Changanassery and Chengannur.
By Road : National Highway 47 goes through Alleppey connecting it
with almost all the nearby places of South India