| Sight :
Aranmula - The Parthasarathi Temple (dedicated to Load Krishna as the charioteer of Arjuna in Pandava - Kourava war) on the banks of the holy river Pamba attracts large crowds of devotees. The famed Aranmula Boat Race is held on the last day of week long Onam festival. The Vijnana Kalavedi at Aranmula imparts training in the traditional arts like Kathakali, classical dances, classical music, as well as Kalaripayattu. Foreign tourists stay here for long periods to get a first hand knowledge of the culture of Kerala. The Vishnu Temple here has fine murals from the 18th century. Aranmula is fast emerging as an important summer resort. Aranmula is also famous for its metal mirrors which make good souvenirs.
Aranmula Boat Race: The famous water fiesta which is held during Onam (August - September). The snake boats assemble near Sri. Parthasarathi Temple before the grand procession. Each boat is 30 ft long and accommodates 4 helmsmen, 100 rowers and 25 singers. The snake boats move in pairs to the rhythm of full-throated singing and shouting, watched by excited crowd.
Alappuzha beach: it is one of the most popular picnic spot in the district. The pier which extends in to the sea here is over 137 years old. The old lighthouse on the beach is a fascination for the visitors.
Krishnapuram palace: This palace is 47 Kms. from Alleppey. Built by Marthandavarma, 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.
Pathiramanal: According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanadu to perform his evening ablutions, and 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 favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world.
Kuttanad: Kuttanad is called as the rice bowl of Kerala, because for her wealth of paddy crops is at the very heart of the backwaters. The scenic country side of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of bananas, cassava and yams which accompany the rice bowl as "side dishes". This is perhaps the only land in the world where farming is done below sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land level are an amazing feature of this unique land
Ambalapuzha: The Sree Krishna Temple here, built in the typical Kerala architectural style, is famous all over Kerala for "Palpayasam", the daily offering of deliciously sweet milk porridge, which tastes like rice pudding. It is also in this temple that pallipana is performed by Velans (sorcerers) one in twelve years Human sacrifice was conducted in ancient times. However cocks have now replaced humans on the sacrificial altar.
Mannarasala: Situated near Harippad, is is a serpent shrine under the patronage of a Brahmin family, headed by a priestess. Legend has it that the first priestess of Mannarasala gave birth to a five headed snake, which is believed to reside in the ancestral houses 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.
Boat Races: Alappuzha Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Punnamada Kayal - second Saturday of August. Pulinkunnu Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race - Last Saturday of August. Champakulam Moolam Boat Race - Moolam day of Mithunam - July Payippad Jalotsavam - 4th Onam day - August/September. Neerattupuram Boat Race - Onam - August / September.
Arthunkal: The St. Sebastian's Church here is an important Christian pilgrim centre. Annual festival Arthunkal Perunnal - the feast of the patron saint (January). |
Tharavad, the traditional homes of the landed gentry the typical Kerala style home built by the renowned practitioner of Ayurveda, Shoolapani Vaidyar is a cozy destination to experience the vibrant natural beauty of Kerala and be one with nature. This multi-bedroom homestead provides a traditional Alappuzha experience. The Vasthu based construction renders an atmosphere of serenity and bliss. A stroll round the house feels like a tour of a lived-in museum; there's an abundance of curios and everything is properly ordered.
