ALAPPUZHA
Alappuzha known as the Venice of the East with its spectacular scenery is an interesting tourism destination of Kerala. The amazing sandy beaches and canals, lakesides and lagoons have made Alappuzha one of the best attractions of the state. Locked by water from all sides, the district derived its name from the geographical position and physical features of the place. The name "Alappuzha" means the land between the sea and network of rivers flowing into it. The district was formed on the 17th of August 1957 after being carved out of the erstwhile Kottayam and Quilon districts.
» Area & Location
Alappuzha district that lies 1.5-2m below the sea level covers an area of 1,414 sq. km. This constitutes 3.64% of the total area of the state. Its forest area covers 0.00 sq. km, net town area spreads across 1031.09 sq km. While Kochi and Kanayannur Taluks of Ernakulam district lies to the north of the district, Vaikom, Kottayam and Changanassery Taluks of Kottayam district and Thiruvalla, Kozhencherry and Adoor taluks of Pathanamthitta District lies at its East. The district has Kunnathur and Karunagappally of Kollam District on the south and Lakshadweep (Arabian) sea on the west.
» Accessibility
The district can be accessible through air, rail, road and water. Nedumbassery International Airport at Ernakulam which is 86 km to the North is the nearest airport to the district. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport located 159 kms to the South is the other airport that links the district with other countries. International tourists utilize this facility to reach Alappuzha, the Venice of the East. The Alappuzha is also linked by rail to cities like Cochin, Chennai, Bokaro and Mumbai. Alappuzha is also well connected by road (N H-47). There is a distance of 160 km from Thiruvananthapuram to Alappuzha and 70 km from Cochin to Alappuzha. The water transport available from Cochin, Quilon and Kottayam that holds service through the backwaters to Quilon, Changanaserry, Kottayam, Cochin, Kumarakom and Kavalam is another easy means of transport to reach the district.
» Administrations
The Alappuzha district consists of six taluks such as Cherthala, Ambalappuzha, Kuttanad, Karthikappally, Chengannur and Mavelikkara. Alappuzha is the District Head Quarters. It has 2 Revenue Divisions, 6 Taluks, 91 Villages, 12 Blocks, 73 Panchayats, 5 Municipalities, 11 Assembly Segments and 1 Parliament Segment. The district of Alappuzha is divided into 2 revenue divisions, 6 Taluks and 91 Villages.
The two revenue divisions include:
(a) Alappuzha division consisting of Cherthala, Ambalapuzha and Kuttanad taluks with 47 villages and
(b) Chengannur division that include Karthikapally, Chengannur and Mavelikkara taluks with 44 villages.
TOURISTS GUIDELINES
It is a land of canals and bridges. Water, rail and road transportations are available.
Borders: East - Vembanattukayal (KTM), West- Arabian sea
South- Quilon Dist, North- EKM Dist.
Costal Area: 82 km
Important Places
Sea bridge and Light house remain as the monuments of its old golden age. Nehru Trophy boat race on second Saturday in August every year is a cheerful sight. A trip by motor boat along the backwaters will be an unforgettable experience.
» History
The district of Alappuzha has a history that dates back to the Paleolithic age which is obscure. It is said that the coastal taluks of Cherthala, Ambalapuzha and Karthikapally were under water and formed by the accumulation of silt and sand. It is also said that the early Cheras called "Kuttuvans" were settled in Kuttanadu, one of the taluks of the present Alappuzha district right from the early periods of the Sangam age. Alappuzha, became the center of Christianity even from the Ist century A.D with the emergence of one of the seven churches founded by St. Thomas. Later during 9th to 12th century A.D under the second Chera Empire, the district prospered in the field of religion and culture.
By the 16th century, a few principalities such as Kayamkulam, Purakkad and Karappuram comprising Moothedath and Iledath rose to power. The arrival of Europeans especially Portuguese during the same period marked the construction of many well known churches such at Purakkad and Arthungal. Later in the 17th century the dominance of Dutch in the district led to the decline of Portuguese power.
The interference of Maharaja Marthandavarma, the 'Master of Modern Travancore' on the political and cultural affairs of the district led to the annexation of the kingdoms of Kayamkulam, Ambalappuzha, Thekkumkur, Vadakkumkur and Karappuram to Travancore. This was the beginning of the Dutch set back from the political affairs of the district. Marthandavarma Maharaja played a major role in the development of district. The construction of Krishnapuram palace and the development of Mavelikkara as an administrative and commercial center include the prime activities of Maharaja. The development of the Alappuzha town with number of waterways, factories and commercial establishments were the contributions of Raja Kesavadasan, the Diwan of Travancore in 1762.
By the 19th century, the beginning of organized coir factory that led to the production of matting from coir yarn. Alappuzha also played a prominent role in the freedom struggle of the country. The district witnessed the Nivarthana movement and the campaign for the eradication of untouchability. The first political strike in Kerala in 1938 and the historic struggles of Punnapra and Vayalar in 1946 were the other major freedom movements held in the district. The district became a separate administrative unit on Ist August 1957.
» Economy
Tourism contributes much to the economy of Alappuzha. With well known pilgrimage centers, the district draws vast crowd. The district also boasts of some of the best ayurvedic rejuvenation centers in the state that are often visited by tourists. The coir and carpet industries in Alappuzha are the other means of revenue in the district besides tourism. It is manufactured in Alappuzha, Kayamkulam, Kakkothamangalam, Komalapuram, Mannancherry, Muhamma and Cherthalai. Lime shell in Arookutty and Kodamthuruthu, Plywood in Chengannur, Potassium Chloride in Mavelikkara and Coconut in Thanneermukkom are the other commodities manufactured in the district. Copra, coconut oil, glass, mats, marine food and matches are also produced here.
□ Alappuzha Tour
The scenic beauty of Alappuzha is really a fascination for the tourists visiting the place. Apart from its beauty, there are also other places in the district that adds to its attraction. Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala also known as the Netherlands of the East presents another picturesque sight.
There are various destinations where tourists often visit. The white sandy beach, palaces, lakes and the churches, mosques and temples with architectural grandeur constitute the famous attractions in the district. The other places of interest include Pathiramanal, the little island which is a favorite place for the hundreds of rare migratory birds from all over the world. The island that lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom is accessible only by boat. The Alappuzha Beach, one of the popular tourist attracted place in Alappuzha entertains its visitors with its Vijaya Beach Park and the old light house. R-Block that owes indigenous cultivation and habitation offer a cruise along the canals give a memorable experience. Kumarakodi, the graveyard of Mahakavi Kumaranasan, one of the greatest poets of modern Kerala which is only 20 kms south of Alappuzha is often visited by tourists. Krishnapuram Palace built by Marthandavarma at Karthikappally in Kayamkulam that houses antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes is an example of the outstanding piece of 18th century art. Saradha Mandiram at Mavelikkara built by A.R Rajaraja Varma, the great poet and grammarian is preserved by the State government as his memorial. The Sea View Park that offers boating facilities and a swimming pool and the Vijaya Beach Park with childrens park and boating facilities are the other main tourist attractive sights in Alappuzha. Another prime attraction of the district is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, the snake boat race held on the second Saturday of August every year. This spectacular event draws in thousands of tourists from far and wide.
□ Festivals
The people of Alappuzha celebrate a number of festivals that are unique and different from other parts of the state. Most of the festivals are held in the various temples across the district. The annual festival celebrated at the Nagaraja Temple during the month of October/November attracts people from far and wide. 'Chirappu Mahotsavam' at Mullackal Temple held in December, the one-day festival Thaipooyan kavadi and the famous Chandanakudam celebrated at the Kidangam-Parampu Temple during the month of December are the other temple festivals that are famous here.
The 'Arthunkal Perunnal' celebrated at the Arthunkal Church is an occasion for the people to rejoice. The well-known snake boat race, Nehru Trophy Boat Race or the
Vallam Kali held in the backwaters in the month of September annually in connection with the Onam festival and the "Beach Festival" held from December 30th to January 2nd every year also make the place widely known all over the world.
□ Hospitals
Alappuzha has many private-run hospitals with fully equipped systems and highly qualified doctors. The addresses and numbers of the hospitals in the district are:
» BKM Hospital
Ambalappuzha, Alappuzha Phone: 0477-2272135
» Century Hospital
Mulakkuzha, Chengannur Phone: 0477-245312
» City Light Hospital, Haripad Phone: 0477-2415034
» Central Travancore Specialist Hospital, Chengannur
Phone: 0477-2453125
» Ebenzeer Hospital, Kayamkulam Phone: 0477-2442102, 445109
» Gems Hospital Mavelikkara, Alappuzha
Phone: 0479-2302495
» GGR Hospital Cherthala, Alappuzha Phone: 0478-2813161
» Grace Medical Centre, Chengannur Phone: 0477-2452142
» Jeevan's Hospital
Chandiroor, Alappuzha Phone: 0478- 2872648; 872214
» K.V.M. Hospital, Cherthala Phone: 0478-2813047, 812228
» K.N.Sasthry Memorial Mavelikkara, Alappuzha
Phone: 0479-2304485
» Lourdes Matha Hospital, Edathua, Alappuzha
Phone: 0477-2212305
» Madhava Medical Mission, Haripad Phone: 0477-2412282
» MM Hospital, Chengannur Alappuzha
Phone: 0477-2452825
» PM Hospital, Mavelikkara Phone: 0477-2304322
» St. Thomas Hospital, Pallippuram, Phone: 0477-2552237
» St. Gregorios Mission Hospital, Mannar
Phone: 0477-2312465
» St. George Hospital, Kayamkulam Phone: 0477-2443045
» Sreepathy Ayurveda Hospital, Cherthala
» Trinity Medical Centre, Haripad Phone: 0477-2411425
» Taluk Hospital, Haripad Phone: 0477-2412765
» Vrindavan Ayurveda Hospital, Mavelikkara,
Phone: 0477-2302607
□ Hotels
Accommodation in Alappuzha is not a great problem. The district offers a number of hotels and resorts that provide a home away from home atmosphere to its guests. There are low range, mid range and high end resorts in the district. Some of such hotels and resorts are Lake Palace Resort, Lake View Deluxe, Coir Village Resort, Emerald Isle Heritage Villa, Kuttanad River Resort, Anamika-The Villa, Pathiramanal Lake Resort, Alleppey Prince, Hotel Royale Park, Arcadia Hotel, Marari Beach Resort, Sealapshimmers Resort, Penguin Resorts, Shanthitheeram Lake Side Heritage Resort, Muhamma, Pagoda Resorts, Keraleeyam Ayurvedic Lake Resort, Thanneermukkom Ayurvedic Lake Resort owned by KTDC, The Green Palace Health Resort, Champakulam, Kainady Heritage, Tony Heritage Villa, Mappilassery Mansion, Comfy Homestay, Sona Tourist Home and Alackal Villa. These resorts comprises of cottages, villas and heritages with A/C and non-A/C rooms meant for the comfort of the tourists.
□ Places of Worship
Alappuzha is home to people of all religions particularly especially Hindus, Christians and Muslims. It offers various worshipping places for each of these religions.
» Mullackal Rajarajeswari temple, located at the center of the town is quite popular. People reach here from all paces to worship the presiding deity of the temple Goddess Rajarajeswari.
» Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple at Haripad in the district is dedicated to the King of Serpents. It is visited by large number of devotees from all over India.
» Sree Krishna temple at Ambalappuzha, which is 14 km away from Alappuzha is famous for its architectural features that depicts the typical Kerala style architecture.
» Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple in which Bhadrakali is the deity is famous for many miracles.
» Kottamkulangara Mahavishnu and Devi Temple, the oldest temple in Alappuzha is situated at the centre of a pond is often visited by pilgrims especially during its festival season. The festival of Mahavishnu temple is in January and that of the Devi temple in March.
» The Latin Catholic Church, one of the oldest churches located near Kannan Varkey Bridge, Alappuzha and St. Andrew's Forane Church at Arthunkal one of the sacred churches that attracts lakhs of devotees from all parts of the State are the two main churches in Alappuzha.
» Mosque, Near Iron Bridge is the main worshipping place for Musims in the district.
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