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Alleppey - Alappuzha
Alleppey - Alappuzha
Alappuzha
( Alleppey ) is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and
lakes. Alappuzha remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerela
as one of the major centers for backwater boat trips.
An enchanting backwater destination, Alleppey offers visitors many other leisure
options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at Alappuzha.
Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world
experience at Alleppey.
A picturesque world of backwaters, thatched houseboats, Cormorants, Chinese
fishing nets and swaying palms - An ideal getaway. Nature has composed
its magic to perfection here. A million verdant coconut palms lining the rivers
lean to examine its reflections on the glassy rivers. Everywhere, nature is
at its best. Blooming forth in perfumes of flowers. In the riot of colors of
multi-hued birds. In the fresh, succulent and bountiful freshwater fishes.
"Kuttanad" in Alappuzha ( Alleppey ) is one of few places in the
world where farming is done below sea level. Kuttanad is a land
of lush paddy fields and is called the 'Rice Bowl' of Kerela. Kuttanad
stretches for 75 Km sandwiched between the sea and the hills. Kuttanad
is the most beautiful backwaters region of Kerala. It is here that most of the
snake boat races are conducted and a majority of the rice boat & houseboat
cruises are scheduled. Kerala's network of navigable backwaters stretches to
over 900km. These serene waterways are fringed by palm grove and paddy fields
and offer a striking spectacle of the rustic life.
Situated in Kuttanad popularly known as the rice bowl of Kerala, QST & R
Block Kayals (backwaters) remind the visitor of the famous dikes of Holland.
A striking example of the indigenous agricultural engineering know-how, here
cultivation and habitation are made possible at four to ten feet below the sea
level. For this purpose extensive land has been reclaimed from the backwaters
and is protected by dikes built around it. A leisurely cruise along the
canals here is a memorable experience.
The
local spring season emerges from August and coincides with the harvest festival
of Onam. The lowest and highest temperatures recorded are 16.10 C and
37.80 C. There is always a cool, fresh breeze, which makes even the warmest
weather readily agreeable. The South West monsoon is from early June to early
August. However, slight drizzles persist till early November. Average rainfall
is 1100 mm per year. The peak tourist season is from November to March.
Place : Alappuzha
Area : 1414 sq. km
Population : 21,05,349(2001 census)
Altitude : Sea level
With
the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water
rivers crisscrossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty.
Referred to as the Venice of the East by travellers from across the world, this
backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of
its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the
maritime history of Kerala.
Today, Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting
several thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alappuzha is also famous for
its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry.
A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. A land
of lush paddy fields, Kuttanad is called the Rice Bowl of Kerala and is one
of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.
