Alappuzha / Alleppey

Alappuzha was formed as Alleppey District on August 17, 1957. The name of the district was officially changed to Alappuzha in 1990. The district is a widely known tourist destination and is well known for its coir factories. Most of Kerala’s coir industries are situated in and around Alappuzha. With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons, and freshwater rivers crisscrossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty.

Referred to as the Venice of the East by travelers from across the world, this backwater country is also home to diverse animal and birdlife. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala.

Today, Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist center mainly Alleppey Houseboat, attracting several thousands of foreign and domestic tourists each year. Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races (Nehru Trophy boat race), houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products, and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad.

Alleppey beach is one of the most popular sports in the district of Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is around 140 years old. With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons, and several freshwater rivers crisscrossing it. Entertainment facilities at the Vijay Beach Park add to the attraction of the Alappuzha beach. Also, an old lighthouse nearby is of immense interest to the visitors.

Kuttanad, known as the rice bowl of Kerala because of her wealth of paddy crops, is the very heart of the backwater. The scenic countryside here is a rich crop of bananas, yams, and cassava. This is one of the places in the world where farming is below sea level. Inland waterways, which flow above land level, are an amazing feature of this unique land.

Pathiramanal(1 ½ hour by motorboat/30 min. by speed boat from Alappuzha): According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island of Pathiramanal (sands of midnight).
This little island on the backwater is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom and is accessible only by boat.

Marari Beach is barely 11 Kilometers from Alappuzha (Alleppey) town, this sleepy little village, called Mararikullam and is an idyllic location for a vacation. The beach is clean and safe for swimming.