Facts and Figures Population 45,102 Languages Malayalam and English Best time to visit August to March STD Code 0477 THE TOWN IN BRIEF Alappuzha (Alleppey) is one of the exotic backwater sites of India's southern state Kerala. Washed by the Arabian Sea, interlocked by a number of canals and bridges, this tiny marketplace is also famous for its Nehru Trophy boat race held every year. Alappuzha attracts tourists not only by its natural beauty but also through its locally made coir products that are of a very superior quality.

PHYSIOGRAPHY
Separated out from the former districts of Kottayam and Quilon, Alappuzha consists of seven taluks spread over an area of 1414 sq km. It is bounded by Kochi and Kanayannur taluks on its north; Vaikom, Kottayam, Changanassery Thiruvalla, Kozhencherry and Adoor taluks on its east; Kannathur and Karunagappally taluks on its south and the exotic Lakshadweep of the Arabian Sea on its west..

TIME TO TAKE THAT TRIP The climate of this small town is temperate and humid in general and relatively more pleasant in the winter season. The temperature ranges from 22 to 35°C in summer and 20 to 32°C during winters. The best time to visit Alappuzha is during the winter season. The months from August-September and February-March are ideal for a visit to this place. The backwater cruises in the exotic houseboats, which also serve Keralan cuisine delicacies, are an eternal experience. The Nehru Trophy c is the major attraction of this place, which is held during Onam festival celebrated in the month of August. The festivities of the Mullakal temple during the month of December are highly recommended as some of India's finest temple musicians perform in the main hall during this festival. Besides these, the locally made coir and carpets of coconut fibers are also attracting tourists these days. KNOWING ITS PAST Before the Dutch took over this place, the Portuguese were the predominant rulers of this place. Later Maharaja Marthandavarma came into power and he gave ample importance to the developmental works of the place. Slowly it became a very busy commercial place attracting merchants from all over.

This resulted in the establishment of a number of coir factories producing coir-related goods of quality. The first coir factory was developed by an English sea captain and soon others followed suit. The first Anglican Church was built in 1816 by the Christian missionaries whose headquarter was in Alappuzha.

Some of the most important sites to visit in and around Alappuzha are

• Punnamada Kayal, the must-visit place of Alappuzha where the annual Nehru Trophy boat race takes place. During the month of August-September, the backwaters become crowded with thousands of spectators and a large number of competitors who come to participate in the famous Nehru Trophy boat race. The long boats, designed to resemble snakes, can accommodate 120 people, making two rows of 60 each. The energy, coordination, and the feeling of getting ahead in the competition make this game quite engrossing.
• Krishnapuram Temple, the two-storied building, displays the typical Keralan style of architecture. The largest mural painting, Gajendra Miksham, is displayed in a museum here.
• Ambalapuzha Temple, where Lord Krishna is worshipped, is also an important place to visit. Here one can see the typical temple architecture and culture of Kerala along with the chance to taste the Keralan delicacy, payasam, which is served to the visitors during the festival times of March/April.
• St. Andrew's Church, established by the Portuguese missionaries, celebrates the feast ofSt. Sebastian in a fun-filled, festive way.
• Situated in the heart of the town, Mullackal Temple, dedicated to goddess Rajarajeswari, is also a place worth visiting.
• Surrounded by thick-green forests, Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is a holy place where the king of serpents is worshiped. Number of devotees from all over India and abroad visit this place every year.
• The Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple is believed to have miraculous powers and hence visited by number of pilgrims every year.
• Kottamkulangara Mahavishnu Temple and Devi Temple are the oldest temples of Alappuzha and are sites worth visiting, especially during the time of festivals.

INDULGING IN SOME GOOD BARGAINS
Among the locally available products of Alappuzha are the coir products and carpets. The fine quality, variety and reasonable price tag make these products stay high in the demand list of tourists. Besides Alappuzha is also famous for its pepper, coconut oil, areca nut, cardamon, sugar, etc. Several markets are available in Alappuzha, though the market of Kayamkulam is most important.

GETTING THERE
Alappuzha is accessible by all the means of communication.

The nearest airport is Kochi at a distance of 64 km north. The Trivandrum airport is located 159 km south of Alappuzha.

Cities like Cochin, Chennai, Howrah, Bangalore and Bokaro are well connected to Alappuzha.

National Highway 47 goes through Alappuzha connecting it with almost all the nearby places of South India. A number of buses ply to Alappuzha.

This exotic place is also well connected through waterways. It is linked by boat and ferry services through the scenic backwaters to Cochin, Kottayam, Kevalam, Changanassery and Chengannur.

WHERE TO STAY
Alappuzha is well equipped with the various types of accommodation facilities. Starting from luxurious hotels to reasonably cheap dormitories, all are available in this place.

WHERE TO EAT
The restaurants and local eateries provide all kinds of eatables starting from country-specific to local south Indian delicacies. Seafood is also one of the special attractions of the beachside eateries.

INFORMATION
The Alappuzha Tourism Development Corporation has its office in the most accessible places of Alappuzha from where the tourists can get information related to the place.

The nearest airport of Kochi has the facility of advance booking of the tickets just like the railways. Ernakulam railway station has a number of trains running to the nearby major places. Alappuzha is also well connected through the state bus services of the nearby states. The backwaters of Alappuzha are also well linked with the other nearby places having waterways. Frequent ferry and boat services make the water transport easier and the scenic beauty of the place makes it more attractive for adventure.

Facilities for tourists like post office, faxes, email services, chemists and hospitals and tourist guides, all are available at the nearest proximity.

While visiting the place the tourists should avoid the summer season, as the climate of this region becomes highly humid and hot, making it uncomfortable to travel.