Alappuzha

Physiography
Separated out from the former districts of Kottayam and Quilon, Alappuzha consists of seven taluks spread over an area of 1414 sq km. It is bounded by Kochi and Kanayannur taluks on its north; Vaikom, Kottayam, Changanassery Thiruvalla, Kozhencherry and Adoor taluks on its east; Kannathur and Karunagappally taluks on its south and the exotic Lakshadweep of the Arabian Sea on its west.

Time to take that Trip
The climate of this small town is temperate and humid in general and relatively more pleasant in the winter season. The temperature ranges from 22 to 35°C in summer and 20 to 32°C during winters. The best time to visit Alappuzha is during the winter season. The months from August–September and February–March are ideal for a visit to this place. The backwater cruises in the exotic houseboats, which also serve Keralan cuisine delicacies, are an eternal experience. The Nehru Trophy boat race is the major attraction of this place, which is held during Onam festival celebrated in the month of August. The festivities of the Mullakal temple during the month of December are highly recommended as some of India’s finest temple musicians perform in the main hall during this festival. Besides these, the locally made coir and carpets of coconut fibers are also attracting tourists these days.

History
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.

Alappuzha Beach
Alappuzha beach is quite a popular hangout and relaxation spot in the district of Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is around 140 years old. Blessed with nature's green beauties such as lagoons, vast lakes and numerous fresh water rivers, Alappuzha is a natural wonderland of Kerala state.

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.

Mullackal Temple,Situated in the heart of Alappuzha, Mullackal Temple, dedicated to goddess Rajarajeswari, is also a place worth visiting.

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple,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.

Shopping in Alappuzha
Among the locally available products of Alappuzha are the coir products and carpets. The fine quality, variety and reasonable price tag make these products stay high in the demand list of tourists. Besides Alappuzha is also famous for its pepper, coconut oil, areca nut, cardamom, sugar, etc. There are several markets are available in Alappuzha.

How to Reach Alappuzha
Alappuzha is accessible by all the means of communication.

The airport nearest to Alappuzha is Kochi at a distance of 64 km north. The Trivandrum airport is located 159 km south of Alappuzha.

Cities like Cochin, Chennai, Howrah, Bangalore and Bokaro are well connected to Alappuzha.

National Highway 47 goes through Alappuzha connecting it with almost all the nearby places of South India.

Alappuzha is also well connected through waterways. Alappuzha is linked by boat and ferry services through the scenic backwaters to Cochin, Kottayam, Kevalam, Changanassery and Chengannur.