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S O U T H I N D I A >
A L L E P P E Y :: |
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Brief
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Often
called Venice of the East, Alappuzha is famous for its boat
races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir
industry. Set in the labyrinth of backwater channels, the
town is one of the best gateways to explore the unspoilt countryside.
A venue for the spectacular snake boat races, there is little
else of interest. Alleppey offers relaxing boat cruises to
Kollam along the small canals giving you the advantage of
getting a closer look at the village life. A singular characteristic
of this land is the region called Kuttanad where farming is
done below sea level. Surrounded by coconut trees, Alappuzha
is the headquarters of the coir industry of Kerala and an
important centre for cashew nut processing. |
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History
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Alappuzha
(also known as Alleppey) gets its historic name from the past
of Kerala. Though the history of this region in the Palaeolithic
age is not clear, many believe that the coastal regions of
Alappuzha were originally under water and later developed
from the salt and silt deposits that helped give them shape.
Kuttanadu dates back to the Sangam age and the early Cheras
had their homes or Kuttuvans (today called houseboats) in
Kuttanadu. Christianity spread in this region as early as
the first century AD. Some of the churches located at Chertala
are said to be founded by St Thomas, one of the 12 disciples
of Jesus Christ. His presence made a tremendous impact on
the region. Dramatic changes influenced Alappuzha once more
in the ninth century. This was when the second Chera Empire
propagated the spread of religion and culture. |
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Culture
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The
Nehru Cup Snake Boat Race is a fascinating sight to catch
on at Alleppey. This famous regatta on Vembanad Lake takes
place on the second Saturday of August each year. Scores of
long, low - slung chundan vallams compete for the Nehru Cup.
Each boat is crewed by up to 100 rowers shaded by gleaming
silk umbrellas. |
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Climate
& Geographical Location - |
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Alleppey
has a typically tropical humid climate. Alappuzha is situated
on the Vembanad Lake between Kollam and Kochi on the Malabar
Coast. |
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How
to Reach - |
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Alleppey
is well connected by rail, road and air. By air, the nearest
airport is at Kochi, 64 km away and is connected by excellent
air network to all major cities in India. By rail, the nearest
railhead is Alleppey Railway Station at 5 km from the central
bus stand and the boat jetty. Recently been linked to Cochin
by rail, some trains link it to cities like Chennai and Bokaro.
By road, Alleppey is on the NH 47 highway and is connected
to all important towns in south India by public state transport
buses. By sea, Alleppey is linked by boat services through
the backwaters to Changanassery and Quilon (both trips particularly
splendid), Kottayam, Cochin, Kumarakom, Kovalam and Chengannur.
Frequent and inexpensive services originate from the boat
jetty near the central bus stand. The Alleppey tourism Development
Co-operative Society arranges on request backwater cruises
from Alleppey as well as trips to Quilon. |
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: T O U R I S T P L A C
E S : |
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Rajarajeswari
temple - |
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Located
at the heart of Alleppey town, the presiding deity is Goddess
Rajarajeswari. The temple celebrates two festivals every year.
The nine-day Navratri festival is especially important of
which the last two days are most auspicious. Colourful processions
participated by nine elephants are held in the evening. It
is witnessed by thousands of devotees. Also several cultural
programmes including Ottanthullal are staged in the temple. |
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Sree
Krishna temple - |
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Situated
14 km. away at Ambalappuzha is the Sreekrishna temple. One
of the most important temples in Kerala, its architectural
features confirms the typical Kerala Style. The main festival
is celebrated during March/April. The temple is famous throughout
Kerala for Palpayasam, a milk porridge of exceptional sweetness
prepared in a very large quantity and offered to the deity.
Poet Kunjan Nambiar who lived in the 16th century staged his
first Ottam Thullal, a solo dance, in this temple auditorium. |
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Mannarsala
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This beautiful
temple dedicated to the King of Serpents is an important centre
off serpent worship in Kerala. It is located near Haripad
on the Alleppey-Quilon route on a panoramic site measuring
about 16 acres of thick green forest. It is a place of worship
visited by large number of devotees from all over India. A
two day festival is celebrated by the temple with much religious
fervour. On the second day by noon, the Ezhunnallathu (royal
outing) ceremony is conducted when the idol of Nagaraja is
carried by the priests and taken round the temple in a procession.
A large crowd of devotees with urili (vessel) and colourful
parasols participate in it. The entire jungle setting of the
temple reverberates with the full-throated chantings in praise
of the Serpent God. |
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Krishnapuram Palace - |
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The 18th
century Krishnapuram Palace was built during the reign of
the Travancore monarch, Martand. A double storied structure,
it displays typical characteristics of Kerala architecture
like gabled roofs, dormar windows, and narrow corridors. It
houses one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala called
the Gajendra Moksham. It measures14 feet by 11 feet and is
at the western end of the ground floor, a walking distance
from the Palace Pool. Inside is also a museum of antique sculptures,
paintings and bronzes. |
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Kochi - |
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One
of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian Sea coast, Kochi
has been a port of call for foreign traders from early times.
One of the most interesting towns is South India; its cosmopolitan
character is reflected in its low rise, picturesque buildings
and structures. A prime tourist destination and Keralas commercial
hub; with its wealth of historical associations and its settings
in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and Backwaters,
the city of Kochi perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala.
A city of peninsulas and islands, it is one of India's largest
ports, a major naval base one of the finest natural harbours
in the world. |
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Others |
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ARTHUKAL
- Portuguese missionaries
near Sherthallai, 22 km north of Alappuzha, established Arthunkal
known for the St. Andrews Church. The feast of St. Sebastian
is held here in every January. |
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BHAGAVATHY
TEMPLE - The deity in this temple is Bhadrakali
and is supposed to possess miraculous powers. The main festivity
associated with the annual festival of the temple Kettukazhcha
is very famous and it is a procession of tall-decorated structures
in chariots. |
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KARMADI
- Close to the
Ambalappuzha. The village of Karumadi is famous for its Karumadi
Kuttan, a black granite figure of Buddha said to belong to
the 9th or 10th century. |
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MAHAVISHNU
TEMPLE - The oldest
temple in Alappuzha, the Mahavishnu temple, which was situated
at the Centre of a pond, is now covered fully with sand. It
is the only major temple in Alappuzha, located in the same
compound having two flag masts and having two festival seasons |
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