Alleppey, Kerala

Alleppey also known as Alappuzha in Malyalam is situated in the Alappuzha district in Kerala. It is a picturesque town with canals, backwaters, beaches and lagoons. It is simply an amazing tourist destination in Kerala.

This place was described by Lord Curzon as “Venice of the East”. Alleppey is famous for its classical literature.

Kuttanad is also known as the rice bowl of Kerala. This place has the best unending strectch of paddy fields, small streams, and canals which are lush green coconut palms and these have been known since the early periods of the Sangam Age.

One of the most amazing places where you must venture in Alleppey is the boat ride on the backwaters. Apart from this, there are a number of temples, which you can visit there.

Mullackal Rajarajeswari Temple is located at the heart of Alleppey city. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Rajarajeshwari. This temple was believed to have been the palace of the Chembakasseri kingdom and which was then later dedicated to Sree Raja Rajeshwari Devi. The most amazing aspect of this temple is that the first sunday of December is celebrated in this temple as “woman’s festival”. It is said that on this day all the functions in the temple are carried out by women.

Chettikulangara Bharani is another very famous temple in Kerala. It is said that the deity in this temple was believed to possess miraculous healing power. The temple comes alive every year with the festival of ‘Bhirani’ . Lots of activities and grand feasts are organized at that time.

The main attraction of Alleppey is the snake boat race which marks the traditional event of Alappuzha. “These spectacular regattas are usually held between August and October and involves long thin boats which are powered by 120 oarsmen”. The most famous among these races are the Nehru Trophy Boat Race and the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race.

Another main attraction in the area is the Buddha Statue. This statue is located at Mavelikkara. The statue is seated in a posture which resembles the Padmasana. It is believed that a common feature to the idols is that the hair has not been engraved on the head. The head has markings which resemble to a “headgear”. The idol is placed on a pagoda like structure and is an amazing work of architecture to see. This idol is four feet high and is also the biggest idol in the region. It is said that the “engravings on the head resembles the helmets of the Greek statues. The mark of a sacred thread is visible on the body and another feature is the marking of a shawl on one shoulder”.

Alleppey is indeed a very beautiful place in India, which is worth a visit. The rich culture, heritage and tradition is the most amazing feature of this place.