Allappuzha
ALLURING ALAPUZHA
Admiring Alappuzha (Alleppey) is universally known as ‘the Venice of the East’. This district is one of the rare destinations much sought after for its placid backwaters. This the utopian land where so many colours of nature paints our mood, where there is criss-crossing canals, fertile paddy fields, twisting lagoons and wide spread coconut fields which treat our five senses, where your ears are introduced to the enthralling snake boat races, where you can still see the age old splendour of being an erstwhile commercial seaport and many more. Discover a new life at this dream location.
Although now regarded as a natural inclusion in the travel itinerary of any tourist to the State, this is fairly new industry, with barely a decade under its belt. And though houseboats operate throughout the State’s backwaters, the highest growth in the industry has been in Alappuzha, as it has the maximum network of waterways. Preferably located as a base for backwater cruising, Alappuzha attracts visitors all year round for that singular experience. The speciality of Alapuzha is that we can see this fairyland by travelling through boat.
Cool Cruising…
Cruising along the backwaters is a great experience for bird watchers. Cormorants, egrets and herons skim the placid waters and perch on floating clumps of water hyacinth looking for prey, while eagles, kites and gulls soar overhead. The pretty pastures with its flickering waterways also has rich plantation of bananas, cassava and yams, which serve as the accompaniments. Inland waterways which flow above the land level are the amazing facet of Alapuzha. With the maze of shimmering waterways composed of lakes, canals, rivers and brooks. Lined with dense tropical greenery, it offers a glance into the bucolic Kerala life-styles. Most of the area is drenched throughout the year.
THOTTAPALLY BACKWATERS
Thottapally backwater cruise take you through the legendry Punnamada Lake, the venue where the world famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race takes place. While sailing, you can glimpse through the traditional wooden houses on the embankment. You can visit to Chavara Bhavan and St. Mary’s Church which has historical significance. Then, as you sail ahead, you can see a huge Buddha image made up of granite. Experience the serenity and magic of calm nature and observe the beauty of the water birds. You can try fishing and angling rods are provided on request. So enjoy your cruise and try out a new sport, which is very interesting!
KUTTANAD BACKWATERS
Kuttanad cruise is like touching the soul of rural charms. If you are cherishing the idea of spending a great time amidst the sights and sounds of the hydrosphere, then step into a houseboat and wind through the labyrinth of canals, rivers, brooks and small streams in Alappuzha.
Kuttanad exists as a squeezed terrain between sea and knoll. While cruising one would come across many interesting sights of day – to – day life on the land as well as on water. This could be in form of panoramic paddy fields, coconut lagoons, and pied king fishers dashing down to catch fish and many more. Other common sights are isolated islands, men or country boats engaged in fishing and guiding their ducks to new pastures, cargo being moved in huge boats, school children being ferried across the canal and much more.
Kuttanad is a backwater paradise of Kerala. You will get the opportunity to float from slender channels to wide fields of banana, cassava, and yam, which festoons the area. The exclusive trait of Kuttanad is that many of these fields are below sea level. There are only two places in the world where, you can see agriculture below sea level. One is Netherlands and the other our own Kuttanad. You can see houses in Kerala style, churches, temples and many other edifices while cruising.
Cruising along the backwaters is a great experience for bird watchers. Cormorants, egrets and herons skim that placid waters and perch on floating clumps of water hyacinth looking for prey, while eagles, kites and gulls soar overhead.
The gentle sound of the water relaxes our mind and soul with its soft music. Kuttanad in Alapuzha is such a place which will entice you and attracts you again and again towards itself.