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Alappuzha caressed by the silvery waves of the Arabian Sea, occupies a significant place in the backwater map of Kerala. Interlocked with a large number of canals and bridges, this water locked district has immense untapped potential for backwater tourism. Alappuzha has several canals and lakes well in shape for a boat cruise. Three prominent rivers in the southern grid to Kerala viz Achankovil, Pamba and Manimala empty into the lakes. The Vembanad Lake stretches from Alleppey to Cochin and Kayamkulam Lake which lies in both Alappuzha and Quilon districts are used for inland water transport of Cargo and Passengers.
The Punnamada Kayal
The Punnamada Lake, where the annual Nehru Trophy boat race takes place. It is now a major event held on the second Saturday of every August and features the gigantic snake- boats of Kerala, the Chundans – once the battleships of the Malayalee King of Yore. Today the Boat Race has grown into Alappuzha’s single most important tourist event with boats being sponsored by different villages. Competition sponsored by different villages. Competition is severe as the boats with over 100 rovers in each, race to finish to the accompaniment of rousing music.
Krishnapuram Palace
The 18th Century Krishnapuram Palace built during the reign of the Travancore monarch, Marathanda Varma, is a double storied structure which displays typical characteristics of Kerala architecture – gabled roofs, dormer windows, narrow corridors. It houses one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala called the Gajendra Moksham.It measure 14feet by 11feet and is at the western end of the ground floor, a walking distance from the Palace Pool. Inside is also a museum of antique sculptures, paintings and bronze.
QST and R Block Kayal
Extensive areas of land have been reclaimed from the backwaters and are protected by dikes built all around. Here cultivation and habitation is made possible four to ten feet below sea level. A leisurely cruise along the canals that surround these Kayals is a memorable experience.
Ambalapuzha Temple
The Sree Krishna Temple at Ambalapuzha, 15km from Aleppey is among Kerala’s more famous one boasting of the typical temple architectural style of the State. It is equally famous for its palpayasam, sweet milk porridge offered to the deity.
Kuttanad
Known as the Rice Bowl of Kerala because of its wealth of paddy crops Kuttanad in Alappuzha is the very heart of the Backwaters. This is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.
Kuttanad is crisscrossed with waterways that run alongside fields of cassava, banana and yam, as well as emerald green paddy fields. The fields are surrounded by earthen bunds and crops are grown on the low-lying ground. This is similar to the polder regions of the Netherlands where land is reclaimed from the sea and crops are grown.
Kuttanad is a backwater paradise and an ideal destination for a backwater cruise in Kerala.Its innumerable streams, channels, waterways and lakes make it possible to drift along in a houseboat and enjoy the scenic view of the Kerala countryside.
Pathiramanal
Pathiramanal, which means sands of midnight, is a wonderful island on the backwaters. According to mythology a young Brahmin once dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for the land to rise from below to form this beautiful island.
This enchanting island, on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. This island lies between Thaneermukkam and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat.
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