Places
to See 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 of Kuttanad with
its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of banana, cassava and yam.
This is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done 1.5 to 2
m below sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land level are an
amazing feature of this region.
Alappuzha beach : This
is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha. The pier, which
extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities
at the Vijaya beach park add to the attractions of the beach. There is also
an old lighthouse which is greatly fascinating to visitors. The Vijaya beach
park: Picnic spot with children's park & boating facilities (Open 1500 -
2000 hrs). Entrance fee Rs. 2 per person; Free entrance for children below 5
years. Boating charge: Rs. 10 for 10 minutes. Other facilities for children:
Toy train, bicycles, Video permit Rs. 25, Camera permit: Rs. 5 respectively.
Sea View Park : The park offers boating facilities and a swimming
pool. Boat rentals for 10 minutes: Roundboat (4 seater): Rs. 10 Pedalboat (2
seater): Rs. 15 Pedalboat (4 seater): Rs. 25. Video permit Rs. 15, Camera
permit Rs. 100 respectively.
Pathiramanal (11/2 hours by motor
boat/30 min. by speedboat from Alappuzha): 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 creating the
enchanting island of Pathiramanal (sands of midnight). This little island on
the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from
different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and
Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat.
Mannarasala Sree
Nagaraja Temple (32 km south of Alappuzha): Situated near Harippad,
this is a serpent shrine under the patronage of a brahman family, headed by
a priestess. The ancient shrine is an internationally renowned pilgrim
centre dedicated to the Serpent God Nagaraja. Sarpa Yakshi and
Naga
Yakshi are the beloved consorts of Nagaraja. It is believed that Nagaraja as
the installed diety is endowed with the form of Hari (Lord Vishnu) and the
spirit of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that the first priestess of Mannarasala
gave birth to a five-headed snake, which is believed to reside in the
ancestral house to safeguard the family. At Mannarasala barren women are
believed to be blessed with children and a special turmeric paste available
at the shrine is credited with powers to cure even leprosy.
Champakulam
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. The
annual feast at this church falls on the 3rd Sunday of October every year.
The feast of St. Joseph is celebrated on March 19th.
Q S T 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. Extensive areas of land has been reclaimed from the
backwaters and are protected by dikes built all around. Here cultivation and
habitation are made possible four to ten feet below sea level. A leisurely
cruise along the canals that surround these kayals is a memorable
experience.
Chavara Bhavan (6 km from Alappuzha. Accessible
only by boat):Chavara Bhavan is the ancestral home of the blessed
Kuriakose Elias Chavara. It is now a holy shrine and spiritual resort where
thousands of devotees gather for prayer, receive favours and feel amply
gratified. Here, a 250 year old historically important beacon of light is
preserved intact in its original and primitive form.
Ambalappuzha
Sree Krishna Temple (15 km south of Alappuzha): Built in the
typical Kerala architectural style, this temple is famous all over India for
the Palpayasam, the daily offering of deliciously sweet milk porridge. It is
also in this temple that Pallipana is performed by Velans (sorcerers) once
every twelve years. Paintings of the Dasavatharam (the ten incarnations of
Lord Vishnu) are on display on the inner walls of the Chuttambalam.
Ottanthullal, a satiric art form originated by the poet Kunchan Nambiar, was
first performed on the premises of this temple.
Arthunkal
(22 km north of Alappuzha) : The St. Sebastian's Church here is an
important Christian pilgrim centre. Annual festival: Arthunkal Perunnal -
the feast of the patron saint (January)
Edathua Church (24 km
from Alappuzha, on the Alappuzha - Thiruvalla Road): Established in
1810, the church is dedicated to St. George. It is believed that prayers and
offerings at this church help to heal all mental disorders and other
ailments. During the annual feast (5th, 6th and 7th of May) pilgrims from
all parts of South India, irrespective of caste and creed, visit the church
and seek the blessings of the saint.
Chettikulangara
Bhagavathy Temple, Mavelikkara :The Kettukazhcha festival at this
temple draws large crowds of devotees. Processions of tall decorated
structures on chariots, brightly decorated effigies of horses and bullocks
and cultural performances make a spectacular pageant. (Festival -
February/March)
Krishnapuram Palace (47 km from Alappuzha):
Built by Marthanda Varma, this palace at Karthikapally in
Kayamkulam is famous for its mural depicting the story of Gajendramoksham.
Dating back to the 18th century, this exquisite piece of art is one of the
largest murals in Kerala. The palace museum houses antique sculptures,
paintings and bronzes.
Karumadikuttan (3km east of Ambalapuzha):
Many fascinating legends are associated with this 11th century statue
of Lord Buddha.
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