Tourism
in Kerala
Alappuzha
Tour Guide
Alappuzha
is a Land Mark between the broad Arabian sea and a net work of rivers
flowing into it. In the early first decade of the 20th Century the then
Viceroy of the Indian Empire, Lord Curzon made a visit in the State to
Alleppey now Alappuzha. Fascinated by the Scenic beauty of the place, in joy
and amazement, he said, “Here nature has spent up on the land her
richest bounties”. In his exhilaration, it is said, he exclaimed, “Alleppey,
the Venice of the East”. Thus the sobriquet found its place in the
world Tourism Map. The presence of a port and a pier, criss -cross roads and
numerous bridges across them, a long and unbroken sea coast might have
motivated him to make this comparison.
Alleppey
has a wonderful past. Though the present town owes its existence to the sagacious
Diwan Rajakesavadas in the second half of 18th century, District of Alappuzha
figures in classified Literature. Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala with the
unending stretch of paddy fields, small streams and canals with lush green coconut
palms , was well known even from the early periods of the Sangam age. History
says Alappuzha had trade relations with ancient Greece and Rome in B.C and in
the Middle Ages.
Water carnivals
using the gigantic snake boats and the country canoes of varying strata have
an important role in the community life of the people of the district.
As
the district has got a vast spread of lakes and canals, there is wide
potential for lake side tourism and inland fisheries.
Alappuzha is
already one of the major tourism spots in the tourism map of Kerala.
PLACES
OF INTEREST IN AND AROUND ALAPPUZHA
Pathiramanal
According
to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanadu lake to perform his evening
ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating
the enchanting island of (sands of midnight) Pathiramanal . This little island
on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundred of rare migratory birds from
different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom,
and is accessable only by boat.
R-BlockThese
regions are wonders of the indigenous agricultural engineering kow-how of
Kerala and remind the visitor of the famous dikes of Holland. Extensive
areas of Land have been reclaimed from the backwaters and are protected by
dikes built all around . Here cultivation and habitation are made possible
four to ten feet below Sea Level. A leisurely cruise along the Canals that
surround these Kayals is a memorable experience.
Karumadikuttan
Many fascinating legends are associated with this 11th century
statue of Lord Buddha.
Kumarakodi
20 km south of Alappuzha, Mahakavi Kumaranasan, one of the greatest
poets of modern Kerala is laid to rest here. He was the P.D Shelly of
Malayalam Literature. As an brought great changes in literature and could
give the clarions call for changing the society also.
Saradhamandiram,
Mavelikkara
A.R Rajaraja Varma was a great poet and grammerian, The
Malayalam literature is much indebted to Sri. A.R Thampuran. Saradha
Mandiram was built by him as his residence. Now it is bought by the State
Govt. & kept as his memorial.
Krishnapuram
PalaceBuilt by Marthandavarma, this place at karthikappally in
Kayamkulam is famous for its mural depicting the story of Gajendramoksham.
Dating back to the 18th century, this exquisite piece of art is one of the
largest murals in Kerala. This palace museum houses antique sculptures,
paintings and bronzes.
Alappuzha
Beach This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha.
The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old.
Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attractions of
the beach. There is also an old light house which is greatly fascinating to
visitors.
