KUTTANAD

KUTTANAD

Kuttanad is called as the rice bowl of Kerala, because for her wealth of paddy crops are at the very heart of the backwaters. The scenic countryside of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of bananas, cassava and yams, which accompany the rice bowl as "side dishes". This is perhaps the only land in the world where farming is done below sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land level are an amazing feature of this unique land. 

BOATRACES

Alappuzha district is proton of being the cradle of boat races. All the important boat races, namely the Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Punnamada, the Payippad near Hripad, the Thiruvandoor, Neerettupuram, Kuruvatta and Thikkoottam boat races are held at different parts of the district during August - September. Thousands of people from all parts of the world come and witness these races.

ALAPPUZHA BEACH

Alappuzha beach is one of the most popular spots in the district of Alappuzha. Its beautiful garden on the shore gives an exclusive sight. Imposing buildings of a colonial past overlook the shore. The pier, which extends into the sea is more than 140 years old and is a rare right. Dense Palm groves at one end an ancient towering light house at the other, Vijay Park and Sea view park are all spectacular rights one should never miss. Boating Facility is available in both Parks.

Facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park : Boating, a children's park with train and bicycles. Open from 1500 - 2000 houses.  

PATHIRAMANAL

According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made away for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island of Pathiramanal. This little island on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumaralom, and is accessible only by boat. 

ARTHUNKAL CHURCH :

This Christian Pilgrim centre near Cherthalai is 22 km. North of alappuzha. The St. Andrews Church here was built by Portuguese missionaries. The annual feast of St. Sebastian is held here in the month of January. 

AMBALAPPUZHA

The Sree Krishna Temple here, built in the typical Kerala architectural style, is famous all over Kerala for "Palpayasam", the daily offering of deliciously sweet milk porridge, which tastes like rice pudding. It is also in this temple that pallipana is performed by Velans (sorcerers) one in twelve years Human sacrifice was conducted ancient times. However cocks have now replaced humans on the sacrificial altar.   

THE ROUTES IN ALAPPUZHA

There are many interesting routes to cruise on the Backwaters of Kerala, each route is more enchanting than the other.   

Alappuzha to Alappuzha: is a one night round about cruise which takes you through the Legendary Punnamada Lake. Sail along the gentle clear backwaters to the romantic Vattakayal lake and spend a night aboard. 

Alappuzha to Kumarakom: A one night cruise which offers you a magical night. Water birds - both residents and migratory adorn the canals and water ways. The water lilies when seen in the night dazzle like the twinkling stars in a dark sky. Fishing women and men add to the magic with their imaginative ways of fishing.

Alappuzha to Kottayam: is one of the most exotic Backwaters cruises. A cruise from Alappuzha through there backwaters tantalizes you with its breathtaking serenity to remain as the most beautiful reminiscences of you life. See the toddy tappers at work and farming done at below sea level.

Alappuzha to Thottappally: a cruise of many historical places. Visit significant places like the Ambalappuzha temple and the Champakkulam Church. The cruise from Alappuzha to Kidangara takes you through the exotic backwaters to the Vembanad lake and the fascinating Pathiramanal Island.  

Alappuzha to Mankotta: This cruise takes you through the Punnamada Lake and provides you the opportunity of visiting the coir making villages and other historically important sights.

Alappuzha to Alumkadavu:  Offers both a one night cruise as well as a two night cruise. This cruise takes you to the place of origin of the house boats you are travelling in the Kettuvallams. Alumkadavu is the place where entire clans used to make there Kettuvallams.