Location of Alleppey : 64 Km North Of Kochi (Kerala)
Also Known As : Alappuzha
Main Attractions : Nehru Boat Race, Ambalapuzha Temple, Mannarshala Temple
Best Season to visit Alleppey : August to March India Tourist Guide

Alleppey is an important tourist destination and is one of the most important tourist centers in the state. A large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Alleppey was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past with one of the best known ports along the malabar coast. Even today it retains its charm as the centre for Coir carpet industries and prawn farming. Alleppey the ideal headquarters for backwater tourism as well as for visits to the lovely church filled town of Kottayam, and the town of Aranmula, famous for its historic Aranmula Snake Boat Race which is an annual event.

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.