Alappuzha is also known as Alleppey was one time called the Venice of East due to the spice trade established with various countries earlier. Today Alappuzha is a major centre for exports of Coir and Coir products. Over the years Alappuzha has evolved as a major hub of backwater tourism. Some of the attractions are:
- Snake-boat races (long thin-sized boats) mostly powered by 90-100 Oarsmen
- Various boat reaces are being conducted during August-September-October
- Punnamade Lake is another attraction for boat races
- Alappuzha beach, Ambalapuzha temple, Boat races, Krishnapuram Palace, Backwater Crusies etc.
Today Alappuzha has grown in importance as a Backwater Tourist Center attracting several thousand foreign tourists every year.
Alappuzha Beach:One of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha. The pier which extends into the sea is over 137 yrs old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attractions of the beach. There is an old Light House which is fascinating.
Snake Boat Races:
*Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Punnamada (2nd Saturday of August every year)
*Pulinkunnu Rajeev Gandhi Boat Race (2 week after Nehru Trophy Boat Race)
*Payippad Jalotsavam*Neerettupuram Boat Race(Onam-Aug/Sept)
*Chambakulam Moolam Boat Race at Harippad.
Tourist Boat Cruises: The mechanized and motorized wide range of luxury boats and speed boats for backwater cruises are available on the Vembanad Lake, where one can witness the magnificent union of six major rivers. The town of Alleppey is crisscrossed by a system of canals.
One major rail line passes through Alappuzha. The railway station is about 4 kilometers (2.5 mile) away from the center of the town. Alappuzha Railway Station is linked by rail to cities like Trivandrum, Cochin, Chennai, Bokaro and Mumbai. A total of four trains originate from Alleppey to cities like Kannur, Chennai, Dhanbad, and Tatanagar. Since Alleppey is a prime destination, many trains from important cities like - Banglore, Manglore, Calicut, and Amritsar, pass through this station. The presence of a lot of backwaters and canals makes water transport a popular means. There is an SWTD boat jetty in the city that lies opposite to the KSRTC ( Kerala State Road Transport Corparation ) bus stand. It is served by regular boat services to major towns like Kottayam and Kollam.
The district is a sandy strip of land intercepted by lagoons, rivers and canals. There are no mountains or hills in the district except some scattered hillocks. Alleppey is gifted with immense natural beauty. The city has a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers. Due to their closeness to the sea it has developed an unparalleled place in the maritime map of India. The city is accessible by air, rail, road and water. Cochin International Airport, which is 78 kilometers (48 miles) to the North, is the closest airport.Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 159 kilometers (99 miles) to the South, is the other airport that links the district with other countries. International tourists utilize this facility to reach Alappuzha. The other nearest airports are at Calicut (236 kilometers (147 miles)) and Coimbatore (254kilometers (158 miles)). There is also a helipad in the city which however is reserved for government uses.
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