| .......................................................................................................................................................................................... |
|
PLACES
TO VISIT
|
| .......................................................................................................................................................................................... |
|
Kuttanad: Kuttanad, called the 'rice bowl of Kerala'
because of her wealth of paddy crops, is at the very heart
of the backwaters. The scenic countryside also has a rich
crop of banana, cassava and yam. Inland waterways, which flow
above land level, are an amazing feature of Kuttanad. This
is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done
1.5 to 2 m below sea level. Alappuzha Beach is one of the
most popular picnic spots in the district. The pier, which
extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. The old
lighthouse on the beach is a fascination for visitors.
Sea View Park: Boating facilities and swimming pool.
|
 |
| Jain
Temple near Alappuzha Beach: This architectural marvel in
marble is a fascinating monument. |
|
| .......................................................................................................................................................................................... |
|
|
 |
|
Vijaya Park
|
Sea View Park |
|
|
|
| .......................................................................................................................................................................................... |
|
Pathiramanal: Legends attribute a divine origin to the island.
It is said that Pathiramanal (sands of Midnight) was formed when
the waters of Vembanad Lake parted as a devout young Brahmin dived
into perform his evening ablutions. This island is accessible only
by boat and is a favorite haunt of rare migratory birds.
Chambakulam Church: One of the oldest churches in Kerala,
the St.Mary's church is believed to be one of the seven established
by St.Thomas.
QST and R Block Kayal: These regions are wonders of the indigenous
agricultural engineering know-how of Kerala and remind the visitor
of the famous dikes of Holland. Here cultivation and habitation
are made possible four to ten feet below sea level on land reclaimed
from the backwaters. Cruises on these canals are one of the most
charming experiences in the State.
Chavara Bhavan (6 km from Alappuzha, accessible only by boat): Chavara
Bhavan, the ancestral home of the blessed Kuriakose Elias, is now
a spiritual resort. A 250-year-old beacon of light is preserved
intact in its original form.
|
| .......................................................................................................................................................................................... |
 |
Sree
Krishna Temple (15km south of Alappuzha): Built in the
typical Kerala architectural style, this temple is famous
all over India for palpayasam, the daily offering of deliciously
sweet milk porridge. Paintings of the dasavatharam (the ten
incarnation of Lord Vishnu) are on display on the walls of
the chuttamblam.
|
|
| .......................................................................................................................................................................................... |
|
St.Sebastian's Church, Arthunkal (22km north of Alappuzha):
Famous Pilgrim center.
St.George's Church, Edathara (24km from Alappuzha): It is
believed that prayers offered at this church help to heal mental
disorders and other ailment.
Chakkulathukavu (28km from Alappuzha): Goddess Vanadurga
is the presiding diety. Pongala and naree pooja-in honor of womanhood
are the main festivals.
Sree Nagaraja Temple, Mannarasala (32km south of Alappuzha):
Situated near Harippad, this ancient shrine dedicated to the Serpent
God Nagaraja and headed by a priestess, is an internationally renowned
pilgrim center.
Bhagavathy Temple, Chettikulagara: The Kettukazhcha festival at
this temble draws large crowds of devotees.
|
| .......................................................................................................................................................................................... |
|
|
| .......................................................................................................................................................................................... |
|
Krishnapuram Temple (47 km from Alappuzha): Built by Maharaja
Marthanda Varma, this palace at Karthikapally in Kayamkulam is famous
for the 18th Century mural of Gajendramoksham- one of the largest
murals in Kerala.
Karumadikuttan (3 km east of Ambalapuzha): Many fascinating
legends are associated with this 11th Century statue of Sree Budha.
Surabaya Temple (32km from Alappuzha): The largest temple
dedicated to Sree Muruga in Kerala, this temple is renowned for
its architectural splendor.
|
| .......................................................................................................................................................................................... |
