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Alappuzha or Alleppey is one of the exotic backwater sites of India's southern state Kerala. Washed by the Arabian Sea, interlocked by a number of canals and bridges, this tiny marketplace is also famous for its Nehru Trophy boat race held every year. Alappuzha attracts tourists not only by its natural beauty but also through its locally made coir products that are of a very superior quality.
The climate of this small town is temperate and humid in general and relatively more pleasant in the winter season. The best time to visit Alappuzha is during the winter season.
Before the Dutch took over this place, the Portuguese were the predominant rulers of this place. Later Maharaja Marthandavarma came into power and he gave ample importance to the developmental works of the place. Slowly it became a very busy commercial place attracting merchants from all over. This resulted in the establishment of a number of coir factories producing coir-related goods of quality. The first coir factory was developed by an English sea captain and soon others followed suit. The first Anglican Church was built in 1816 by the Christian missionaries whose headquarter was in Alappuzha.
There are several places of tourist interest in and around Alappuzha.
Punnamada Kayal, the must-visit place of Alappuzha where the annual Nehru Trophy boat race takes place. During the month of August-September, the backwaters become crowded with thousands of spectators and a large number of competitors who come to participate in the famous Nehru Trophy boat race.
Krishnapuram Temple, the two-storied building of Alappuzha, displays the typical Keralan style of architecture. The largest mural painting, Gajendra Miksham, is displayed in a museum here.
Ambalapuzha Temple, where Lord Krishna is worshipped, is also an important place to visit in Alappuzha. Here one can see the typical temple architecture and culture of Kerala along with the chance to taste the Keralan delicacy, payasam, which is served to the visitors in Alappuzha during the festival times of March/April.
St. Andrew's Church, established by the Portuguese missionaries in Alappuzha, celebrates the feast of St. Sebastian in a fun-filled, festive way.
Situated in the heart of Alappuzha, Mullackal Temple, dedicated to goddess Rajarajeswari, is also a place worth visiting.
Surrounded by thick-green forests, Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple of Alappuzha is a holy place where the king of serpents is worshiped. Number of devotees from all over India and abroad visit this place every year.
The Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple of Alappuzha is believed to have miraculous powers and hence visited by number of pilgrims every year.
Kottamkulangara Mahavishnu Temple and Devi Temple are the oldest temples of Alappuzha and are sites worth visiting, especially during the time of festivals.
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