Alappuzha Tourism

TOURISM

Destination Alappuzha

P. R. Roy

E

ngulfed by the Arabian Sea and Vembanad Lake, Alappuzha, popular under the appellation “Venice of the East,” beckons the tourist to enjoy the scenic beauty of Backwaters. Alappuzha, the gateway of Backwater tourism, has a prime position in the world tourism map. The snakeboats and houseboats are the two major attractions of the district. Backwater cruise in a houseboat or motorboat is the main attraction for the tourist. The backwaters fringed with lush green bearing coconut palms, twisting its top in the breeze, long spread paddy fields, traditional fishing operations, moving cargos, country crafts and other aspects relating to the village life can be experienced in the course of the cruise. Being an ancient town and the commercial metropolis of the erstwhile

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Travancore, the relics of the ancient glory of Alappuzha are interesting. The antique beauty of the town is better be enjoyed on foot. Being the capital of coir industry, the production of coir and coir products both in the traditional way and in the modern mechanised way are very interesting. Alappuzha beach is one of the best beaches of Kerala. The evenings can be spent in the beach enjoying the sunset and the meteoric fall of highflying waves on the shore. Vijay Park, sea view park, picnic spot, the old pier etc are the main locations the tourists can visit at the beach area. Pathiramanal, an island in the Vemband Lake, is a beauty spot and the abode of rare migratory birds. Boats and the country canoes are available here to take the tourists to the island. Mannarassala Nagaraja Temple,

Chakkulathukavu, Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, Harippad Temple, Devi Temple at Chengannoor, Arthunkal Church, Edathva Church, Kokkothamangalam St. Antony’s Church, Cheppad Church etc. are the important pilgrim centres of Alappuzha. Krishnapuram Palace at Kayamkulam, Karumadikuttan, Thanneermukkam tourist complex etc. are the other places of tourism importance. The Kumarakom bird sanctuary and tourist complex are very near to Alappuzha. Generally, the tourism season of Alappuzha starts in the month of August with the beginning of snake boat races in and around Alappuzha. However, during May, June and July, the comparatively offseason period, tourists arrive for Ayurvedic massages and treatments. December 2004 z

KERALA CALLING

JOSHY MANJUMMEL JOSHY MANJUMMEL

The destination is famous for its own recipes and cuisines especially see fish and lake fish preparations. Toddy, the traditional drink tapped from coconut palm with side dishes is a unique feature of the destination. Tourist assistance and information The tourist information centres near the KSRTC bus station Alappuzha, maintained by the District Tourism Promotion Council and Department of Tourism provide information and other assistances, required for the tourists. Location and accessibility Alappuzha is accessible by both road and rail. It is 150 km north from Thiruvananthapuram Central and 64 km south from the Ernakulam junction. The proximity of NH47 makes the conveyance through road easy. Alappuzha is 84 kms southwards from KERALA CALLING

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Nedumbassery International Airport. Accommodation Tourist accommodation is available in low, medium and star facility lodges and lakeside resorts with tariff range of Rs.100 to Rs.8000 per day. Houseboat accommodation is available with facilities such as single, double and upto 10 persons. Charges are in the range of Rs.4000 to Rs.10000 depending on the number of persons and facilities offered. Houseboats serve the purpose of accommodation and cruise with food. Accommodation in houses on paying guest basis is also available. Boat cruise The DTPC and other private agencies are conducting special tailor-made cruises according to the requirement of the guests. The eight hours long Alappuzha – Kollam cruise in a motorboat is conducted by the DTPC on a daily basis. Boarding pass and other details will be available from the DTPC offices at Alappuzha and Kollam. In the case of the

trips conducted by the private operators, passes will be available from the offices of the concerned operators. Apart from the above conducted trips, State Water Transport Department runs a number of ferry services to various destinations. These services are comparatively less expensive. Those who are interested to have a boat trip in the company of local passengers can very well opt the passenger service operated by the State Water Transport Department. The destination is ideal for those who are interested in spending their holidays in an eco-friendly atmosphere enjoying the pristine beauty of the backwater. Domestic tourist can select the destinations even for one-day picnic. Destination Alappuzha will be an unforgettable experience for the tourist. For more information, contact: www.alappuzhatourism.com, e-mail: [email protected], telephone: 0477 2253308, 2251796, Secretary, DTPC: mobile: 9447483308

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