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Place :
Alappuzha Area: 1414 sq. km
Population: 21,05,349(2001 census)
Altitude: Sea level
With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons
and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it, Alappuzha is a district of
immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by
travellers from across the world, this backwater country is also home to
diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the
town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala.
 Today,
Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre,
attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alappuzha is
also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine
products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is
the region called Kuttanad. A land of lush paddy fields, Kuttanad is
called the Rice Bowl of Kerala and is one of the few places in the world
where farming is done below sea level.
TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS:
Situated in Kuttanad popularly known as the rice bowl of Kerala, QST
& R Block Kayals (backwaters) remind the visitor of the famous dikes
of Holland.A striking example of the indigenous agricultural engineering
know-how,here cultivation and habitation are made possible at four to
ten feet below the sea level.For this purpose extensive land has been
reclaimed from the backwaters and is protected by dikes built around
it.A leisurely cruise along the canals here is a memorable experience.
Kuttanad is the most beautiful backwaters region of Kerala. It is here
that most of the snake boat races are conducted and a majority of the
rice boat & houseboat cruises are scheduled. Kerala’s network of
navigable backwaters stretches to over 900km. These serene waterways are
fringed by palm grove and paddy fields and offer a striking spectacle of
the rustic life.
Getting there : QST & R Block Kayals are accessible by boat
from Alappuzha ( 1.30 hrs by motor boat and 30 minutes by speedboat.)
Nearest railway station : Alappuzha, Nearest airport : Cochin
International Airport about 85 km from Alappuzha, State Bus services
also available from every part of india and Kerala
Location:
Alappuzha beach, near Alappuzha town, south Kerala.
Referred to as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha has always enjoyed a
unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, it is famous for
its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine products and coir
industry. Alappuzha beach is a popular picnic spot. The pier, which
extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment
facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attraction of the beach.
There is also an old lighthouse nearby which is greatly fascinating to
visitors. Alappuzha beach is a popular picnic spot. The pier, which
extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment
facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attraction of the beach.
There is also an old lighthouse nearby which is greatly fascinating to
visitors.
Facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park: Boating, a children’s park
with toy train and bicycles.Timings: Open from 1500 - 2000 hours.
Entrance fee: Rs. 2 per person; Free entrance for children below 5
years. Boating charge: Rs. 10 for ten minutes. Video permit: Rs. 25;
Camera permit: Rs. 5.
Getting there: Nearest railway station: Alappuzha, about 5 km
from the beach. Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85
km from Alappuzha town. Bus-services: also available from every part of
India and Kerala .
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