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Tourist Attractions in Alleppey |
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Tourist Attractions in Alleppey |
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The
various tourist attractions in Alleppey are the
Alappuzha Beach, Krishnapuram palace, Pathiramanal,
Arthunkal, Champakulam Church, Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja
Temple, Ambalappuzha and |
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Kuttanad. |
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Ambalappuzha
Sree Krishna Temple
The Sree Krishna temple in Ambalappuzha is located about 14
kms from Alleppey. This temple is built in the typical Kerala
style of architecture. This temple is famous all over Kerala
for Palpayasam, the daily offering of deliciously sweet milk
porridge. The Pallipana is also performed by the Velans
(sorcerers) once in every twelve years in this temple. The
paintings of the Dasavathanam (the ten incarnations of Lord
Vishnu) are also displayed on the walls of this temple.
Arthunkal
The St. Sebastian’s Church at Arthunkal is an important
Christian pilgrimage centre. The annual festival, Arthunkal
Perunnal is celebrated in the month of January in this church.
Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Mavelikkara
The Kettukazhcha festival at this temple draw large crowds of
devotees. This festival is celebrated in February and March.
Processions of tall decorated structures on chariots, brightly
decorated effigies of horses and bullocks and cultural
performances make a spectacular pageant.
Kuttanad
Kuttanad is also known as the ‘rice bowl of Kerala’. It is
known so due to such large area of 55000 hectares of unending
paddy crops with various varieties, which is the heart of the
backwaters. It is the only region in the world where farming
is done below sea level. The paddy field lie about 0.6 - 2 m
below mean sea level. Another feature of this land are the
inland waterways which flow above land level. The scenic
countryside here display a rich crop of bananas, yams and
cassava. |
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Krishnapuram Palace
The Krishnapuram Palace was built by Marthanda Varma at
Karthikapally in Kayamkulam, about 47 kms from Alleppey. This
palace museum mainly known for the mural depicting the story
of Gajendramoksham. The 18th century mural Gajendramoksham is
located on the ground |
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floor of the palace and is the largest
mural in Kerala. It is a famous piece of art. This palace is
also known for its collection of antique sculptures, paintings
and bronzes. |
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Krishnapuram Palace
The Krishnapuram Palace was built by Marthanda Varma at
Karthikapally in Kayamkulam, about 47 kms from Alleppey. This
palace museum mainly known for the mural depicting the story
of Gajendramoksham. The 18th century mural Gajendramoksham is
located on the ground floor of the palace and is the largest
mural in Kerala. It is a famous piece of art. This palace is
also known for its collection of antique sculptures, paintings
and bronzes.
Alappuzha Beach
The Alappuzha Beach is one of the most popular picnic spots in
Alleppey or Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea
here, is about 140 years old. The main attractions at this
beach are the entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach
Park and an old lighthouse.
Pathiramanal
According to mythology, a young Brahmin dived into the
Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water
made way for land to rise from below, thus the enchanting
island of Pathiramanal (sands of midnight) was created. This
little island on the backwaters is a favourite place for
hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the
world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom,
and is accessible only by boat.
Champakulam Church
The Champakulam Church is one of the oldest churches in Kerala
and is believed to be one of the seven churches established by
the St. Thomas. The annual festival is held at this church on
the 3rd Sunday of October every year. The festival of St.
Joseph is celebrated on 19th March. |
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Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple |
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Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is situated near Harippad,
about 32 kms from Alleppey. Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple
is one of the most important serpent temples in Kerala, under
the patronage of a Brahman family, headed by a priestess. This
ancient pilgrimage shrine is dedicated to the Serpent
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God, Nagaraja. It is believed that the deity is given the form of
Hari (Lord Vishnu) and the spirit of Lord Shiva. According to
the legend, the first priestess of Mannarsala gave birth to a
five headed snake, which resides in the ancestral house to
safeguard the family. It is also believed that at Mannarsala,
the barren women are believed to be blessed with children and
a special turmeric paste is available at the shrine which is
credited with the powers to cure even leprosy.
Aranmula
Aranmula is the picturesque Hindu pilgrimage centre on the
banks of Pamba river and is famous for its rich culture and
heritage. It was declared as a Heritage (INTACH) and is
believed to be the only place in the world to manufacture the
traditional non-refractive metal mirrors called as Aranmula
Metal Mirrors. These mirrors were supposed to be used in Italy
and Crete in 2000 and 3000 BC. The Aranmula Vallomkali or the
snake boat race is held on Pamba river every year in the month
of Chingam (Aug-Sept), commemorating the consecration of the 5
feet idol of the presiding deity is said to be endowed with
the form of Hari (Lord Vishnu) and spirit of Lord Shiva.
Parthasarathy Temple
The ancient Parthasarathy Temple is said to be one of the five
temples built by the legendary Pandava brothers, along the
river Pamba. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna as Parthasarthy,
the charioteer who preached Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. |
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