Alappuzha

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This article is about the city in Kerala, India. For its namesake district, see Alappuzha district.

Not to be confused with Aleppo.

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Alappuzha

Alleppey

City

Boating centre Government college of Nursing, Alappuzha

Mullakkal Devi

Town Square, Alappuzha District court, Alappuzha

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral

Jain Temple in Alappuzha Alappuzha beach

from left to right: Boating centre, Government college of Nursing, Mullakkal Temple, Town
Square, Alappuzha, Alappuzha District court, Roman Catholic Diocese of Alleppey(Latin Church),
Jain temple, Alleppey, Alappuzha Beach,

Alappuzha is located in KeralaAlappuzhaAlappuzha

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Coordinates: 9.49°N 76.33°ECoordinates: 9.49°N 76.33°E

Country India

State Kerala

Region Central Travancore

District Alappuzha District

Government

• Type Municipal Corporation

• Body Alappuzha

• Municipal Chairman Ellickal Kunjumon

Area

• Total 46.20 km2 (17.84 sq mi)

Elevation 11 m (36 ft)

Population (2011)

• Total 174,164

• Rank 6th

• Density 3,800/km2 (9,800/sq mi)

Demonym(s) Venice of the East

Languages

• Official Malayalam, English

Time zone UTC+5:30 (IST)

PIN

688001

Telephone code 0477

Vehicle registration KL-04

Sex ratio 1079 ♂/♀

Website alappuzha.nic.in
Alappuzha (About this soundpronunciation (help·info)), also known by its former name Alleppey,
is the administrative headquarters of Alappuzha District in the Indian State of Kerala. Alappuzha
is a city and a municipality in Kerala with an urban population of 174,164[1] and ranks third
among the districts in literacy rate in the State of Kerala. In 2016, the Centre for Science and
Environment rated Alappuzha as the cleanest town in India.[2] Alappuzha is considered to be the
oldest planned city in this region and the lighthouse built on the coast of the city is the first of its
kind along the Laccadive Sea coast.[3]

The city is situated 28 km from Changanacherry, 46 km from Kottayam, 53 km from Kochi, 129.4
km from Thrissur and 155 km north of Trivandrum.[4] A town with canals, backwaters, beaches,
and lagoons, Alappuzha was described by Lord Curzon as the "Venice of the East." Hence, it is
known as the "Venetian Capital" of Kerala. In Alappuzha, Malayalam is the most spoken
language.

It is an important tourist destination in India.[5] The Backwaters of Alappuzha are the most
popular tourist attraction in Kerala. A houseboat cruise in these backwaters can be booked.[6] It
connects Kumarakom and Cochin to the North and Quilon to the South. Apart from houseboat
services, the Kerala State Water Transport Department provides government boat services
within the district.

it is also the access point for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, held on the Punnamada Lake,
near Alappuzha, on the second Saturday of August every year. This is the most competitive and
popular of the boat races in India.[7] The mullackal chirap is also one of the attractions of
Alapuzha which is the festive season held for ten days every year in December.

Other attractions in Alappuzha are Alappuzha Beach, offering a views of the Laccadive Sea,
Pathiramanal , Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, St. Andrew's Basilica, Arthunkal, Mannarasala
Temple, Chettikulangara Devi Temple, Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy temple, Krishnapuram
Palace, Thakazhy Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Mullakkal Temple, Padanilam Parabrahma Temple,
Edathua Church, Alappuzha CSI Christ Church (oldest Anglican church in Central Kerala) and
Champakulam Valia PalliVetticode Sree Nagaraja Seamy Temple(Vetticode-The first and old
Nagaraja Temple).

Alappuzha is home to the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising against the British and also the revolt
against the Feudal raj. Communist Party members were killed by the army of the diwan, 200
people at Punnapra on 24 October and more than 150 at Vayalar on 27 October. The total loss of
life is allegedly estimated to be more than a thousand.[8] Coir is the most important commodity
manufactured in Alappuzha.[9] The Coir Board was established by the Central Government
under the provisions of the Coir Industry Act, 1955. A Central Coir Research Institute is located at
Kalavoor.[10]

Contents

1 Etymology

2 History

3 Geography

3.1 Climate

4 Demographics

5 Economy

6 Backwater paddy cultivation (Kayal cultivation)

7 Transport

7.1 Road

7.1.1 National Highways

7.1.2 State Highways

7.2 Water

7.3 Rail

7.4 Air

8 Sports

9 Notable people

10 Administration and politics

11 Education

12 See also
13 References

14 External links

Etymology

Alappuzha is the first planned city in Kerala.[11]

Carved out of the erstwhile Kottayam and Quilon districts, Alappuzha district was formed on 17
August 1957 and consisted initially of seven taluks, namely Cherthala, Ambalappuzha, Kuttanad,
Thiruvalla, Chengannur, Karthikappally and Mavelikkara.[12]

The name Ᾱlappuzha is a toponym. ‘Ᾱlayam’ means ‘home’ and ‘puzha’ according to Dr. Herman
Gundert's dictionary, means ‘watercourse’ or ‘river’. The name refers to the network of
waterways and backwaters that Alappuzha and surrounding areas. The district is bounded on the
north by Kochi and Kanayannur taluks of Ernakulam district, on the east by Vaikom, Kottayam
and Changanassery taluks of Kottayam district and Thiruvalla and Kozhencherry taluks of
Pathanamthitta district, on the South by Kunnathur and Karunagappally taluks of Kollam district
and on the west by Laccadive Sea.[13]

The present Alappuzha district comprises six taluks, namely Cherthala, Ambalappuzha, Kuttanad,
Karthikappally, Chengannur and Mavelikkara.[14] The area of the district is 1,414 km2 (546 sq
mi). The district headquarters is located at Alappuzha.

History

Walkway in Commercial Canal

In the early first decade of the 20th century the Viceroy of the Indian Empire, Lord Curzon made
a visit in the State to Alleppey, now Alappuzha. Fascinated by the scenic beauty of the place, he
exclaimed,

Here nature has spent up on the land her richest bounties. Alleppey, the Venice of the East.[15]

Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala, with its paddy fields, small streams and canals with lush green
coconut palms, was well known even from the early periods of the Sangam age.[16] History says
Alappuzha had trade relations with Greece and Rome in the Middle Ages.

The early Cheras, who had their home in Kuttanad, were called `Kuttuvans`, so named after this
place. Pliny and Ptolemy of the 1st and 2nd centuries had mentioned places like Purakkad or
Barace in their classical works.

Literary works like "Unnuneeli Sandesam" give some insight into the ancient period of this
district. Archaeological antiquities, such as the stone inscriptions, historical monuments found in
the temples, churches, and rock-cut caves, also emphasise the historic importance of Alappuzha
District. Christianity had a foothold in this district, even from the 1st century AD. The church
located at Kokkamangalam was one of the seven churches founded by St. Thomas,[citation
needed] one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. It is generally believed that he landed at
Maliankara in Muziris Port, presently known as Cranganore or Kodungallur, in 52 AD and
preached Christianity in South India.

The district flourished in religion and culture under the second Chera Empire, during 9th to 12th
centuries AD. The literary work, `Ascharya Choodamani`, a Sanskrit drama written by
Sakthibhadran, a scholar of Chengannur, enables us to know many pertinent facts. Further, the
temple on Lord Ayyappan, in Mukkal vattam near Muhamma in Alappuzha District, is called
Cheerappanchira, for the Kalari from which Lord Ayyappa learnt his martial arts. A recent album
by P. Unni Krishnan on Lord Ayyappa, titled 'Sabarimalai Va Charanam Solli Va', has songs
illustrating the history of this temple and Lord Ayyappa's stay here before he went to conquer
the Mahishi Demon.[17]

Since landing in Calicut in 1498, the Portuguese started playing an influential role in Alappuzha.
They began by spreading Catholicism and converting already existing Christians into Catholics.
The famous St. Andrew's Basilica was built by them during this period.[18] In the 17th century,
as the Portuguese power declined, the Dutch gained a predominant position in the principalities
of this district. They built many factories and warehouses for storing pepper and ginger, relying
on several treaties signed between the Dutch and the Rajas of Purakkad, Kayamkulam and
Karappuram. In course of time they also delved into the political and cultural affairs of the
district. At that time Maharaja Marthanda Varma (1706–1758), who was the 'Maker of modern
Travancore', intervened in the political affairs of those princedoms.

Travancore Dewan Ramayyan Dalawa (d. 1756) resided in Mavelikkara where he had a palace
built by Marthanda Varma. After the death of his wife, Ramayyan consorted with a Nair lady
from Mavelikkara of the Edassery family (PGN Unnithan, a member of this family, later became
the last Dewan of Travancore in 1947). After his death Ramayyan's descendants left Travancore
to settle in Pudukkottai in Tamil Nadu. His Nair consort was given gifts and presents and special
allowances from the Travancore government in recognition of his services to the state while his
own descendants were bestowed with the honorific title of Dalawa.

In the 19th century the district saw progress in many spheres. One of the five subordinate courts
opened in the state in connection with the reorganisation of the judicial system by Colonel
George Monro was located at Mavelikkara. The first post office and first telegraph office in the
former Travancore state were established in this district. The first manufacturing factory for the
coir mats was established in 1859. In 1894 the city Improvement Committee was set up.

The district played a role in the freedom struggle of the country. The struggles of Punnapra and
Vayalar in 1946 arrayed the people against Sir C. P. Ramaswami Iyer, who was Dewan of
Travancore. This led to Ramaswami Iyer's exit from the political scene of Travancore. A popular
Ministry was formed in Travancore on 24 March 1948 after India's independence. Travancore
and Cochin states were integrated on 1 July 1949. This arrangement continued until the
formation of Kerala State on 1 November 1956, under the States Reorganisation Act 1956. The
district came into existence as a separate administrative unit on 1 August 1957.

Geography

Boating center in Sea view canal

Alappuzha is located at 9.54°N 76.40°E.[19] The average elevation is 1 metre (3.3 ft)[20]
Alappuzha covers an area of 1,414 square kilometres (546 sq mi) and is flanked by 2,195 square
kilometres (847 sq mi) of Vembanad Lake, where six major rivers spread out before joining the
80 km coast line of the district. The city of Alappuzha is crisscrossed by a system of canals, which
is a part of the National Waterway 3 (India).[21]

The district is a sandy strip of land intercepted by lagoons, rivers and canals. There are no
mountains or hills in the district except some scattered hillocks lying between Bharanikkavu and
Chengannur blocks in the eastern portion of the district. There are no forest area in this district.
Alappuzha is bounded by the Laccadive Sea on its west. The town has a network of lakes,
lagoons and fresh water rivers. The richness of the coastal Alappuzha waters is expressed
annually in the blooming and consequent deposit of a huge quantity of fishes and prawns on the
Alappuzha coast called ‘[Chakara]’. This annual shifting of sandbank appears during the post-
monsoon period and contributes to the local economy and is a festive season for the people of
Kerala. The annual floods rejuvenate and cleanse the soil and water due to which there is
abundance of marine life like prawns, lobsters, fishes, turtles, and other flora in the sea.

The backwaters and wetlands host thousands of migrant common teal, ducks and cormorants
every year who reach here from long distances. A major feature of the area is the region called
Kuttanad, the 'granary of Kerala'. Kuttanad is also known as the rice bowl of Kerala and is one of
the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. The paddy fields lie about 0.6
to 2 m below mean sea level.[22]

Climate

Owing to its proximity to the sea, the climate of Alappuzha is humid and hot during the summer,
although it remains fairly cool and pleasant during the months of October and November. The
average monthly temperature is 27 degree Celsius. The district gets the benefit of two seasonal
monsoons, as in other parts of the state. Alappuzha town experiences a long monsoon season
with heavy showers as both the Southwest monsoon and Northeast monsoon influences the
weather of Alappuzha. The South-west monsoon affects the climate in the months from June to
September. On the other hand, the North-east monsoon brings rain from October to November.
The average rainfall received by the region is 2763 mm.[23]

Climate data for Alappuzha

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Dec Year

Average high °C (°F) 32

(90) 33

(91) 35

(95) 35

(95) 34

(93) 30
(86) 29

(84) 29

(84) 29

(84) 31

(88) 31

(88) 31

(88) 32

(89)

Average low °C (°F) 21

(70) 23

(73) 25

(77) 26

(79) 26

(79) 24

(75) 23

(73) 24

(75) 24

(75) 24

(75) 24

(75) 22

(72) 24

(75)

Average precipitation mm (inches) 28

(1.1) 39

(1.5) 66
(2.6) 144

(5.7) 336

(13.2) 688

(27.1) 557

(21.9) 378

(14.9) 287

(11.3) 317

(12.5) 211

(8.3) 64

(2.5) 3,115

(122.6)

Average precipitation days (≥ 0.1 mm) 1 2 3 7 11 22 21

18 13 13 8 3 122

Source #1: Weather2Travel[24]

Source #2: IMD[25]

Demographics

Religion in Alappuzha

Religion Percent

Hinduism

49.85%

Christianity

26.23%

Islam

 
23.62%

Others

0.30%

Jain Temple, Alappuzha

Historical population

According to 2011 census, Alappuzha district has a population of 21,21,943 with 10,10,252 men
and 11,11,691 women[28] with a population density of 1492 persons per km2.[29] There are
1,86,022 persons under six years of age in Alappuzha district. The literacy rate of Alappuzha
stands at 96.26% out of which 8,95,476 are males and 9,68,082 are females. Alappuzha has a
decadal population growth of 0.61%. Alappuzha has a sex ratio of 1100[30] and the urban
agglomeration had a population of 282,675 in 2001.[27]

The population is predominantly Hindu and Christian, and there are sizeable numbers of
Muslims. The most widely spoken language is Malayalam, although many people speak Konkani.

The standard dialect of Malayalam spoken is Central Travancore dialect.[31] Konkani is a

language that is spoken in the Konkan region. During the Portuguese and Dutch invasions of the
16th and 18th centuries, many Konkanis migrated southwards to Thuravoor, Cherthala and
Alappuzha in the state of Travancore as well as other places in Kerala like Cochin, Kodungalloor,
and Kollam. A majority of these people got settled in Alappuzha.[32][33][34]

Economy

A Houseboat in Alleppey

The economy of the district is based on agriculture and marine products. The agricultural
activities predominantly revolve around Kuttanad region, the rice bowl of Kerala. Though the
district is industrially backward, some traditional industries based on coir and coir products,
marine products, handlooms, different types of handicrafts, toddy tapping have been active from
the very early times. The district is known as the traditional home of coir industry in Kerala.[35]
The availability of raw materials and the existence of backwaters and canals suitable for the
getting of green husk and accessibility of transportation are the main factors of the development
of this industry. Arabs had carried on trade in coir products from very ancient period. The
manufacture of mats and mattings were first introduced in 1859 by Mr. James Durragh.[36]

The Coir Board was established by the Central Government under the provisions of the Coir
Industry Act, 1955.[37] A coir research institute functions at Kalavoor.[38] The National Coir
Training and Designing Centre was established at Alappuzha in 1965.[39]

Coir is the most important commodity manufactured in Alappuzha, Kayamkulam,

Kokkothamangalam, Komalapuram, Mannancherry, Muhamma and Vayalar,[40] Coir products
are available in Cherthala and Mannancherry, Lime shell in Arookutty and Kodamthuruth,
Plywood in Chengannur, Keltron controls in Aroor,[41] Potassium Chloride in Mavelikkara and
coconut in Thanneermukkom. The other important commodities manufactured in these towns
are copra, coconut oil, glass, mats and matches.[42]

In recent times, tourism has become a major source of revenue. This is mainly due to the
presence of houseboats that provide the tourists with a view of the scenic backwaters of the
town. Another reason is the proximity to other tourist spots like Munnar, Varkala, Alappuzha and
Wayanad.

Backwater paddy cultivation (Kayal cultivation)

Paddy fields in Kuttanad

The major occupation in Alappuzha is farming. The Rice Bowl of Kerala, Kuttanadu is located in
Alappuzha. Large farming areas near Vembanad Lake were reclaimed from the lake. In earlier
times, the reclamation was done mainly from the shallow part of the Vembanad Lake or from
the periphery of river Pamba. These reclamations constituted small areas of paddy fields called
Padsekharam. The bailing out of water from those fields were done manually using water wheels
(Chakram). Gradually the manual method used for bailing out of water gave way to steam
engines.
Three stages can be identified in the reclamation of lands from the Vembanad Lake. In the first
stage it was carried out by private entrepreneurs without any financial support from the part of
the government. The Pattom Proclamation, made by the Travancore Kingdom in the year 1865,
gave a great boost to the reclamation activities between 1865 and 1890. During this period de-
watering of the polders were done manually, using waterwheels, restricting large-scale
reclamations. Only about 250 hectares of land were reclaimed during this period. Venadu Lake
and Madathil Lake that were reclaimed during this period are considered as the first Kayal Nilam
(lake-reclaimed land) which were reclaimed from Vembanad Lake.[43] The pioneering
reclamation activity of lake-reclamation and cultivation was made by two brothers Mathai Luka
Pallithanam and Ouseph Luka Pallithanam belonging to Kainady village in Kuttanadu.[44] The
period between 1865 and 1890 is usually considered as the first phase of lake-cultivation.

The introduction of kerosene engines for dewatering resulted in the reclamation of wider areas
of the lake for cultivation. It made the farmers consider venturing into the deeper parts of the
lake. During the period between 1898 and 1903, reclamation activity was led by Pallithanam
Luka Mathai (alias Pallithanathu Mathaichen) who reclaimed the Cherukara Kayal and
Pallithanam Moovayiram Kayal. Houseboat is one among the main attraction of Alappuzha.[45]

The second phase (1890 to 1903) of reclamation activities came to a halt because of the ban on
lake reclamation imposed by the Madras Government in 1903. Cherukali Kayal, Rama Rajapuram
Kayal, Aarupanku Kayal, Pantharndu Panku kayal and Mathi Kayal were the other major
reclamations during this period.

In 1912, the Madras Government approved a proposal from the Travencore Government for
further reclamations in three stages. Under this reclamation scheme areas were notified for
reclamation in blocks each named by an alphabet letter. Out of the total area of 19,500 acres of
reclaimed land 12,000 acres were reclaimed between 1913 and 1920. The reclamations between
1914 and 1920 are known as new reclamations, which were carried out in three periods. In the
first period Blocks A to G measuring 6300 Acres were reclaimed. C Block, D Block (Attumukham
Aarayiram (Attumuttu Kayal), Thekke Aarayiram and Vadakke Aarayiram) and E Block
(Erupathinalayiram Kayal) F Block (Judge's Aarayiram Kayal) and G Block (Kochu Kayal) are the
major reclamations during this period.

During the second period of new reclamation, blocks H to N measuring 3600 acres were
reclaimed. During the third period of new reclamation, R Block measuring 1,400 acres were
reclaimed.
Due to the steep decline in the price of rice during 1920 to 1940, the reclamation activities
became sluggish, but they gained momentum again in the early 1940s. During this period, in
order to increase the agricultural output, government initiated a Grow More Food campaign and
provided incentives to encourage new reclamations. The advent of electric motors made the
reclamation easier, cheaper and less risky as compared to the earlier periods. The last tract of
the reclamations namely Q, S and T block were made during this period.

Transport

Pallathuruthy bridge

Road

National Highways

National Highway 66 (India) is one of the longest national highway in India. It connects Panvel to
Kanyakumari and criss-crosses through Alappuzha town. National Highway 66 (India) connects
Alappuzha town to other major cities like Mumbai, Udupi, Mangalore, Kannur, Kozhikode,
Ernakulam, Kollam, and Trivandrum. There is a plan to upgrade State Highway 11 (Kerala) to
national highway to help connect Alappuzha to Kodaikanal as part of promoting coastal-hill
tourism project.[46]

State Highways

State Highway 11 (Kerala)

There are eight state highways in Alappuzha district, of which three of them originates from
Alappuzha town. State Highway 11 (Kerala) starts from Kalarcode and ends at Perunna. This
highway is locally known as AC road (Alappuzha-Changanassery road) and it covers a distance of
24.2 km. State Highway 11 (Kerala) is an important road which connects Alappuzha town with
Kottayam district. State Highway 40 (Kerala) is an interstate highway in Alappuzha district which
connects Alappuzha town with Madurai in Tamil Nadu. State Highway 40 (Kerala) is the only
interstate highway in Alappuzha district. State Highway 66 (Kerala) originates from Alappuzha
town and terminates at Thoppumpady.[47]
There are two bus terminals are situated in Alappuzha town, one for KSRTC buses (situated near
state water transport corporation headquarters, boat jetty road) and the municipal bus stand for
private buses (situated near Vazhicherry). KSRTC buses connect Alappuzha with cities like Kochi,
Trivandrum. City buses are green and white colored (formally white and brown). City buses
connect Alappuzha with places like Mannancherry, Kalavoor, Erattakulangara, Kanjippadam, and
Aspinwal. Some buses connects Alappuzha to Cherthala through coastal highway and
Kanichukulangara route.

Water

The presence of a lot of backwaters and canals makes water transport a popular means of
transport. National Waterway-3 passes through Alappuzha. There is a SWTD boat jetty in the city
that lies opposite to the KSRTC bus stand. It is served by boat services to Changanassery town
and Kottayam, Kollam cities besides other small towns and jetties. Availing an SWTD boat is a
cheaper alternative to houseboats for visiting tourists.[citation needed]

Public water transport organised by Kerala State Transport Agency for long distance transport
within the back waters of Kerala (India)

Rail

Alappuzha is linked by Ernakulam–Kayamkulam coastal railway line and connects to cities like
Trivandrum, Kollam, Cochin, Coimbatore, Chennai, Delhi, Bokaro and Mumbai.The railway station
is about 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from the heart of the city.[48] A total of four trains originate from
Alappuzha to cities like Kannur, Chennai, Dhanbad and Tatanagar. There are a lot of local trains
running throughout the day, which connect Alappuzha to other towns near by. Since Alappuzha
is a prime destination, trains from important cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Bangalore,
Mangalore, Kozhikode and [Amritsar][49] pass through this station.[50]

Air

Cochin International Airport, which is 78 kilometres (48 mi) to the North, is the closest airport.
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 159 kilometres (99 mi) to the South, is the other
airport that links the district with other countries. International tourists use these airports to
reach Alappuzha. The other nearest airports are located at Kozhikode (236 kilometres (147 mi))
and Coimbatore (254 kilometres (158 mi)). A helipad in the town is reserved for government
uses.
Sports

Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a popular sport held in the Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha

Alappuzha is globally famous for snake boat races, especially Nehru Trophy Boat Race held in the
Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha. In 1952, when Jawaharlal Nehru the first prime minister of
India visited Kerala, the people of Alleppey decided to give a special entertainment for their
prestigious guest and conducted a snake boat race. Jawaharlal Nehru got so excited by this event
and he jumped into 'Nadubhagam Chundan' (a snake boat), ignoring the security officials. By this
excitement of sailing in a snake boat he donated a rolling trophy to be awarded to the winner of
the race. Other than Snake boat race Cricket, football, basketball and Rowing are among the
most popular sports in town. In 2015, Kerala Cricket Association inaugurated KCA Cricket
Stadium Alappuzha which is an A-class cricket stadium.[51] Another stadium named as EMS
Stadium or municipal stadium is under construction in Alappuzha.