MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

Kuttanad Region

Nick-named as the Netherlands or Holland of Kerala, the Kuttanad area in the main backwaters region, is also described as the ‘rice- bowl’ of southern Kerala, on account of the extensive paddy (rice) fields surrounded by water. There are two distinctive areas here- viz. The scenic countryside of Kuttanadu also has rich crops of coconuts, banana, fruit trees, etc. wherever geography allows The scenic countryside of Kuttanadu also has rich crops of coconuts, banana, fruit trees, etc. wherever geography allows.

Krishnapuram palace

It is in Kayamkulam, 47 km from Alappuzha. The Krishnapuram Palace is a complete with gabled roofs, narrow corridors and dormer windows. The age of the palace is unknown. Renovated sometime in the 18th century, the palace is today a protected monument under the Archaeology departmentToday the palace is an archaeological museum, and the most fascinating exhibit here is the 49 sq.m - Gajendra Moksham - the largest single band of mural painting so far discovered in Kerala.It is said that Lord Vishnu was the family deity of the Kayamkulam rajas. This mural was placed at the entrance to the palace from the pond to enable the rajas to worship the deity after their bath. Other attractions here are the beautifully landscaped garden in the palace compound where you have a variety of flora typical of Kerala, and a newly erected Buddha mandapam, where a recently recovered statue of the Buddha is housed. Other collections at the museum include rare antique bronze sculptures and paintings.

Chavara Bhavan

Located 6 kilometers from Alappuzha, Kerala, India. Chavara Bhavan is the ancestral home of the Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara. This Catholic saint has a church that is built over the traditional sight of his birth to protect it. Meditation is encouraged at this church. It is now a holy shrine and spiritual resort where thousands of devotees gather for prayer. Here, a 250-year-old lamp is preserved intact in its original and primitive form. Chavara Bhavan is accessible only by boat.

Karumadi

Karumadi Kuttan is a statue of Buddha made from 9th or 10the century black granite. The name is derived from the name of the area in which this statue is located - Karumadi. The word "Kuttan" in malayalam is "Boy". (literally translated it means the Boy from Karumadi). The statue is unique since it is half broken. Legend has it that an elephant charged towards this statue and broke right half of the statue. From the appearance of the statue, the legend does seem to be true.

Edathua Church

Established in 1810, the church is dedicated to St. George. It is believed that prayers and offerings at this church help to heal all mental disorders and other ailments. During the annual feast (5th, 6th and 7th of May) pilgrims from all parts of South India, irrespective of caste and creed, visit the church and seek the blessings of the saint. It is located at Edathua, Alppuzha district (Alleppey), Kerala. One can reach the place from Thiruvalla or Ambalappuzha.

Chambakulam church

Champakulam is an important tourist spot. Believed to be established in AD 427 .Kaloorkad St Mary Forane Church, Champakulam is one of the oldest churches in Kerala. Champakulam church was once under Niranlm church. The annual feast at this church falls on the 3rd Sunday of October every year. The feast of St. Joseph is celebrated on March 19th.

Arthunkal Palli

Arthunkal Palli known for the St. Andrews church established by Portuguese missionaries , famous with the presence of Saint Sebastian is near Sherthallai, 33 km north of Alappuzha. The feast of St. Sebastian is held here every January. Another fact is that Lord Ayyappa and Saint Sebastian are brothers. St.Sebastian is believed to have special powers like removing many diseases like Small Poxes or Chicken Pox and many incurable diseases.

Mannarashala

The temple is located about three kilometers to the north-east of the bus station in N.H.47 at Haripad, in Alappuzha district of Kerala. the famous Nagaraja temple "Mannarasala" is nestled in a forest glade, like most snake temples. The Mannarasala Temple has over 30,000 images of snakes along the paths and among the trees. It is the largest such temple in Kerala. Women seeking fertility come to worship here, and upon the birth of their child come to hold thanksgiving ceremonies here.A special turmeric paste which is available at the temple is credited with curative powers. The Thevaram Chamber is to the south-west of the Sanctum Sanctorum of Nagaraja. It is a very small room built in olden times in accordance to the Sastras. There the Great Mother, who is the eternal lamp of Mannarasala, offers worship to Nagaraja.

Ambalapuzha

Ambalapuzha temple is situated 14 Km from Alleppey, Kerala The Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple is believed to have been built in the year 790 M.E by the local ruler Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran. he idol at Ambalapuzha is likened to Parthasaarathhi with a whip in the right hand and a Shankhu (sacred conch) in the left. Ambalapuzha temple is famous for its temple architecture and the milk porridge- Paalpaayasam. It is also in this temple that 'Pallipana' dance is performed by 'Velans' (sorcerers) once in twelve years.

Mavelikkara

Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathi Temple is one among the five temples established by Lord Parashuram. The main distinctive feature of this temple is the huge oil lamp called Kathuvilakku (made of granite) which accomodates more than a thousand wicks and is the largest in India. The Kumbha Bharani festival is conducted during February or March in the temple. The important festivity associated with this utsavam is "Kettu-Kazhcha" which resembles the Chinese festival celebrated on the birthday of Buddha. Kuthiyottam is also another important festivity. This is the second largest temple under Travancore Devaswom Board. Chettikulangara Amma is considered as the mother goddess of Onattukara.

Alappuzha-kollam backwater Trip

It is organized by ATDC( Alappuzha Tourism Development Corporation) and the state government District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC).. The trip is an interesting one, the boat passes through palm fringed backwaters and one can have a close view of the country side and fishing activity in the lake. Generally only two stops are made along the way--Ayiramthengu and Lekshmithuruth.

Nehru Cup Snake Boat Race

Nehru Trophy Boat Race, the annual water carnival at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha is considered as the “Biggest Snake Boat Race” in the world. ehru Trophy Snake Boat race, Kerala marks the festive season of Onam. The pomp and splendor of this ecstatic Nehru Trophy Snake Boat race, Kerala, attracts thousands of visitors every year. early 1952, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the First Prime Minister of India, went through the palm-fringed backwaters of Alleppey, where he was received and escorted by the lovely long Snake-Boats, the traditional warrior boats of the erstwhile Maharajas of Kerala. At his instance a competition of Snake-Boats was held in December 1952. Enthralled by the exciting experience of speed, rhythm, artistry and festivity on the glittering waters, Panditji declared an Ever-Rolling Trophy and suggested that the boat race be conducted every year as an Annual feature of native cultural festivity.