Alleppey is one of the most important tourist centers in the state of
Kerala. Situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake, the town's commercial centre
lives in a maze of canals. Set in the labyrinth of Backwater channels, the
town is one of the best gateways to explore the unspoilt countryside.
A historic and romantic name from Kerala's past, Alleppey was once one of
the best known ports along the coast of Malabar.
Backwaters of Alleppey :
The
centre for Backwater Cruises in Kerala, the Backwaters of Alleppey can be
best experienced in a country boat. Alleppey is a bustling, messy town of
ramshackle wood and corrugalated roof houses, chiefly significant in the
Coir industry.
The large network of canals provides Alleppey its lifeline. It has a
spectacular long sandy beach. At one end are the dense palm groves that are
so characteristic of Kerala's landscape.
Temples in Alleppey :
» Ambalapuzha - 14 kms from Alleppey, the
Sreekrishna Temple here is worth seeing. The temple boasts of its classic
temple architecture and its 'Palpayasam' (sweet milk porridge), offered to
the deity. The temple's main festival occurs in March/April. It was in this
temple that the 16th century poet Kunjan Nabbiar staged his first Ottam
Thullal, a solo dance performance based on social themes.
» Chettikulangara Bhagwathy Temple - The Bhadrakali
deity is said to have miraculous power. The temple is abuzz with activity in
the months of February and March on the occasion of Bharani.
» Mannarshala Temple - 32 kms, near Harippad, the
temple here is an important centre of serpent worship in Kerala. On the day
of Ayilyam, in the months of September and October, thousands assemble to
worship the serpent god.
Churches of Alleppey :
»
Arthunkal - It is a famous pilgrim centre, known for its St. Andrew's
church set up by Portuguese missionaries. The church is popularly known as
St. Sebastian's. It was built by the Portuguese missionaries in 1851 AD.
Palaces in Alleppey :
» Krishnapuram Palace - The palace is located at a
distance of 47 kms, at Kayamkulam, on the way to Kollam. The double storeyed
palace contains one of the greatest Mural panels in Kerala. The 18th century
Krishnapuram Palace with its gabled roofs, dormer windows, and narrow
corridors, built during the reign of the Travancore monarch, Marthanda
Varma, is a typical example of Kerala Architecture.
Called the Gajendra Moksham, it measures 14 feet by 11 feet and is at the
western end of the ground floor, a short distance from the palace pool.
Inside is also a museum of antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes.
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