9 Top Tourist Places To Visit In Alleppey
Aptly called the Venice of the East for its web of intersecting waterways and channels, Alleppey or Alappuzha as it is known locally truly knows how to live up to its name!
The waterways and channels in Alleppey can be best explored in house boats. Scattered coconut palms, vast paddy fields and Chinese nets, make Alleppey a mesmerizing tourist destination. From Kuttanad to Mararkkulam, Krishnapuram Palace to Alleppey Beach, we have here the 9 top tourist places to visit in Alleppey.
Kuttanad
Photograph by Wiki commons
Spread over an area of 75kms, the Kuttanad, also known as the “Rice bowl of Kerala”, is well-known for its green paddy fields clubbed with lively backwaters that add to the charm. This scenic landscape is surrounded by vast expanses of water. A houseboat tour along the picturesque Vembanad backwaters is the best way to enjoy the surreal charm of the place.
Pathiramanal
Photograph by Nikita Kapoor
A well-managed and well-protected sanctuary for aboriginal and infrequent migratory birds, located in Vembanad, this island is a Birdwatchers paradise. You can hire a speed boat to reach the island.
Karumadi Temple
Photograph by Nikita Kapoor
A small village called Karumadi Village houses a historic black granite statue of Lord Buddha that dates back to the 10th Century AD. The place is delightful in its own right, for people with a taste of ancient monuments and architecture.
Mannarasala
Photograph by Nikita Kapoor
The Sree Naga Raja Temple at Mannarasala is an eminent pilgrim centre for believers of serpent gods and is admired by locals as well as tourists. The temple is quite unique as the ceremonies are customarily conducted by a superior priestess. The shrine is located near the Harippad which is about 32 km off Alappuzha town. With around 30,000 pictures of the serpent gods, it is undoubtedly one of its kind in Kerala.
Mararikkulam
Photograph by Nikita Kapoor
Kerala is popular for sandy beaches fringed with palm trees, and if you’re looking for some water-sports then you must visit Mararikkulam. And surprisingly, you can indulge in swimming here unlike some other beaches of Kerala.
Ambalapuzha Temple
Photograph by Nikita Kapoor
Popular for its wonderful mural paintings and the “Ambalapuzha Palpayasam” (porridge made out of sweet milk), the temple knows how to attract devotees of different sects. The temple premises also became a witness to ‘Ottan Thullal’, a satirical art form performed by Kunjan Nambiar. The temple certainly reflects the southern architectural style and could be a delightful experience for the ones with a fascination of art and culture.
Krishnapuram Palace
Photograph by Nikita Kapoor
One of the most famous murals installed in the Palace measures 14 feet by 11 feet. Over the years, palace had acquired a rapport among the visitors as an archaeological museum housing, housing antiques, statues, bronzes, paintings etc.
Alleppey Beach
Photograph by Nikita Kapoor
The beach, visited by both local as well as international travellers, has gained popularity for its incredible natural beauty. Thick palm grooves, a lovely garden right on sea shore, an antique light house and much more, they further add on to the beauty of this scenic beach. If you wish to slow down a bit, you can probably make a stop at Vijay Sea Park and Sea View Park.
Arthunkal Church
Photograph by Nikita Kapoor
This prominent shrine devoted to St. Sebastian was constructed by the Portuguese friars. Located at a distance of 22 km north of Alleppey (near Cherthala), the Church acquires a lively character during the yearly feast of St. Sebastian, generally organized during the month of January.
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