Alleppey is one of the most important tourist centers in the Kerala state, with a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the east". These large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Alleppey was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past with one of the best known ports along the malabar coast. Even today it retains its charm as the centre for Coir carpet industries and prawn farming. Alleppey the ideal headquarters for backwater tourism as well as for visits to the lovely church filled town of Kottayam, and the town of Aranmula, famous for its historic Aranmula Snake Boat Race which is an annual event.

Alleppey is also known for its spectacular snake - boat races held on the second Saturday of August, every year. This competition - the Nehru boat race takes its name from India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who inaugurated in 1952. It is excitement all around as snake - boats , each manned by over a hundred oarsmen, cut through the waters like wind. The event is a tremendous success with tourists and the local population alike.

The boat cruise along the backwaters of Alleppey give one first hand experience of the life style; toddy tapping, fishing for small fry, Coir-making, prawn farming etc., which remains more or less unchanged over the years.

Places to Interest :

Ambalapuzha
It is situated 14 kms. away from Alleppey. In its architectural features, the Sreekrishna Temple confirms the typical Kerala style. The temple is famous through out Kerala for 'Palpayasam' a milk porridge of exceptional sweetness offered to the deity.

Karumadikkuttan
Situated 3 km east of Ambalapuzha, this village is known for its 10th century Karumadikkuttan statue, a black granite figure of the great Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. There are many interesting legends connected to this idol.

Champakulam
Champakulam - the water logged village is also the place of oldest angadi (market) known as Kalloorkkadu angadi. The St. Mary Forane Church built in 427 A D is another major attraction famous for its beautiful mural paintings for both tourists and believers. In Champakulam you can see Nadubhagum and Champakulam snake boats which take part in the annual snake boat races.

Nehru Cup Snake Boat Races :These spectacular Snake Boat races are held at the Punnamada Lake at Alappuzha. The first year this event took place was as a demonstration in 1952 in honor of the then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Pandit Nehru was so impressed that he donated a trophy, henceforth called the Nehru Trophy to the town of Alappuzha where this event is held annually. Giant snake boats called "Chundanvalloms" which can seat up to 100 rowers engage in a contest to win the coveted Nehru Trophy. The event takes place in a carnival atmosphere on the backwaters near Alappuzha.

Champakulam Boat Race : The centuries - old Champakulam boat race is the first of the season and marks the beginning of a month of festivities. The celebrations include spectacular water floats, decorated boats, Vanchipattu (the song of the oarsmen) and the thrilling Chundanvallom race. Chundans (snake boats) are an impressive sight, measuring over 100 feet in length, with a raised prow. They were called snake boats by the former colonial rulers, who based the name on a native boat found in Norway.

Getting there

By Air : The airport nearest to Alleppey is Kochi at a distance of 64 km north. The Trivandrum airport is located 159 km south of Alleppey.

By Rail : Alleppey has its Railway Station and is connected by rail with Cochin and Trivandrum.

By Road : Well connected by road (NH-47). Trivandrum - Alleppey : 160 km, Cochin - Alleppey : 70 km.

By Water : Connected with Cochin (5 1/2 hrs), Quilon (8 hrs) and Kottayam (2 1/2 hrs)