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{ India Tours } -- { Kerala
Travel Guide } -- { Alleppey }
Alleppey
Alleppey is well known for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish
and lakes. Alleppey is a lovely backwater destination, offering visitors
many other leisure options like - boating and fishing, very popular with
the tourists. With calm backwaters, beautiful houseboats, Cormorants, Chinese
fishing nets and swaying palms - Alleppey is a perfect relaxation your senses.
The town was founded by Raja Keshawadasan, Divan of Travanacore in 1762. 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 (Alleppey) has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, & also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry.
History
The Portuguese were the predominant rulers of this place before it came under the Dutch control. Later Maharaja Marthandavarma came into power and was instrumental in developing the place. Slowly it became a very busy commercial place attracting merchants from all over. This resulted in the establishment of a number of coir factories producing coir-related goods of quality. The first coir factory was developed by an English sea captain and soon others followed suit. The first Anglican Church was built in 1816 by the Christian missionaries whose headquarter was in Alleppey.
Attractions
· Alleppey Beach
Alleppey beach is long and has thick palm groves on one end. This is an ideal place to sit and relax.
· Ambalapuzha
Situated 14 kms. away from Alleppey, Ambalapuzha is known for its architectural feature, the Sreekrishna Temple that confirms the typical Kerala style. The temple is famous through out Kerala for 'Palpayasam' a milk porridge of exceptional sweetness offered to the deity.
· Karumadikkuttan
Situated 3 km east of Ambalapuzha, this village is known for its 10th century Karumadikkuttan statue, a black granite figure of the great Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. There are many interesting legends connected to this idol.
· Krishnapuram Palace
This 18th century palace of the Travancore kings is built in typical Kerala style of architecture.On display are antique sculptures, paintings and bronze artifacts. The mural Gajendra Moksham, on the ground floor of the double storied palace is one of the largest of its kind in Kerala.It is the palace of Travancore kings. This is situated 47kms from Alleppey.
How to reach
· Air
The Nearest airport is Kochi International Airport, about 85 km from Alleppey town.
· Rail
Nearest railway station is Alleppey, about 5 km from the beach.
· Road
An Excellent road network links the district to all major towns and cities in India.
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