Alappuzha - The Venice of the East

Alappuzha is my native place. It is a quiet little town known for its backwaters and beach. Alappuzha literally means ' the  land in between the waves and the rivers'. The natural splendour and scenic beauty of this place has made this an important tourist spot in Kerala.

Located on the western coast of South India, washed by the Arabian Sea and sandwitched by the rivers and Vembanad Lake, is the beautiful town of Alappuzha, like a pearl in the crown of Kerala 'Gods own country'. Swaying coconut palms, plush green paddy fields and criss -crossing inland waterways plying small country -boats, barges and house boats and the splendour of natural tropical vegetation makes Alappuzha a place of unique natural beauty where peace and tranquility prevail all the year round.

You can enjoy rain and shine alike. You can bask in the sun during summer. You can wear casual clothes the year round since weather is pleasant all through. You can float on a house boat piloted by expert oarsmen  taking you places with no road links, where houses appear to float on water.

Culture and the people

 Boats on the Lake

Alappuzha was founded by Raja Kesavadas of the old Travancore State, and the town laid out and articulated by the British engineer Barton : further modified by the British resident General Cullen in 1840. Another landmark is the Monroe Light erected by Col. Monroe. 

People are courteous and lead a simple lifestyle. Rice is the staple food. Plenty of fish is available all the year round. Food is delicious, cooked in coconut oil and fresh spices. Tapioca with fish curry is a special delicacy. Traditional food is served on fresh plantain leaf.

The local language is Malayalam. About fifty percentage of the people here have working knowledge of English. Hindi is understood by most of the educated people.  There are many North Indian business men in the town.. 

Festivals and fairs 

Onam celebrated during August-September is the state festival of Kerala. During Onam people put on new clothes, feast, sing and dance to welcome King Mahabali. King Mahabali was a just - ruler and during his time, Kerala was a land of great riches, prosperity and peace.

Nehru Trophy Boat-race is conducted every year on the second Saturday of August, at Alappuzha Punnamada lake. Snake boats, each propelled by 100 to 150 oarsmen speed across the Punnamada lake to win the coveted trophy. It is a spectacular event of this region watched by many tourists and VIPs from all over the country.