ALAPPUZHA

lappuzha, which is also known as Alleppy, is an easygoing, pleasant market town. The area is around canals, backwaters and surrounded by coconut palm trees. There are several canals and lakes in the district, those that are fit for boating. Houseboats with all amenities are avaliable for hire here. Alappuzha, is accessible by rail as well as by road. The nearest airport is Kochi, which is about 75km north.

Alappuzha's Backwaters In Alappuzha, there is the Mullakkal Rajarajeswary Temple, which is the heart of the town. Two festivals are celebrated every year; the Navarati festival held in September- October, is more important. Colourful processions with nine caparisoned elephants are held during the last two days of the celebration. India's finest artist conduct several cultural programs including Thullal and Carnatic music.

Colourful processions with the Elephants About 14km from Alappuzha, there is the Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalapuzha, which is a calssical example of Kerala style temple architecture, which is a very famous pilgrim centre. There's a festival held at this temple in March-April. Close to Ambalapuzha is Karumadi, which is known for the 9th century block granite sculpture of Buddha. Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalapuzha

The most popular tourist attraction in Alappuzha is the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race, (that began back in 1952, when the Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, visited Alappuzha). This race therefore is held every year on the second Saturday of August. Many gigantic snake boats with 100 rowers in each, representing different villages take part in the race. (There is another Nehru Trophy Boat Race, which is held in mid- January, which is used to promote tourism.) Today the Boat Race has grown into Alappuzha's single most importnat tourist events with boats being sponsored by different villages.

All t 'Venice of the East' has emerged as a maj r t rist atrracti due t the amazi g backwaters and reowned beach. This beauti ul beach is popular among the locals as well as visitors. The seaview park here has boating facilities. This is one of the most popular picnic sopts in Allappuzha. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beaach Park adds to the attractions of the beach. There is also an old light house, which is greatly fascinating to visitors.

Alappuzha Beach

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