Alappuzha

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Alapuzha Backwater

Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is a town in Alappuzha District of Kerala state of southern India. A town with picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons, it was described as the List of places known as Venice of the East by Lord Curzon. It is the administrative headquarters of Alappuzha District. Alleppey has a wonderful past. Though the present town owes its existence to the sagacious Diwan Raja Kesavadas in the second half of 18th century, district of Alappuzha figures in classical Literature. Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala with the unending stretch of paddy fields, small streams and canals with lush green coconut palms , was well known even from the early periods of the Sangam age. History says Alappuzha had trade relations with ancient Greece and Rome in B.C and in the Middle Ages, as well as with other parts of India. Alappuzha has a lighthouse, which is a major tourist attraction. The white sand beach is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the sea and sun.

History of Alappuzha

The history of the district in the Paleolithic age is obscure. It is presumed that the coastal taluks of Cherthala, Ambalapuzha and Karthikapally might have been under water and these areas were formed by the accumulation of silt and sand, later than the other parts of the district. Kuttanadu, one of the taluks of the present Alappuzha district was well known even from the early periods of the Sangam age. The early Cheras had their home in Kuttanadu and they were called ' Kuttuvans ', named after this place. Christianity had a strong foothold in the area even from the Ist century A.D. The church located at Kokkomangalam or Kokkothamangalam in Cherthala is one of the seven churches founded by St. Thomas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. During 9th to 12th century A.D, the district flourished in the field of religion and culture under the second Chera empire.

In the 17th century the Portuguese power declined and the Dutch had a predominant position in the principalities of this district. As a result of several treaties signed between the Dutch and the kings of Purakkad, Kayamkulam and Karappuram, the Dutch built factories and warehouses in various places of the district for storing pepper, ginger,etc.

In course of time they interfered in the political and cultural affairs of the district. It was at that time Maharaja Marthandavarma, the 'Master of Modern Travancore' interfered on the political affairs of those principalities. The annexation of the kingdoms of Kayamkulam, Ambalappuzha, Thekkumkur, Vadakkumkur and Karappuram to Travancore gave the Dutch a set back from the political scene of the district. Marthandavarma Maharaja had a remarkable role in the internal progress of the district. He gave special attention to the development of Mavelikkara as an administrative as well as a commercial centre.The Krishnapuram palace, which is now a protected monument of the State Archaeology Department was constructed during that period.

Taluks of Alappuzha

• Karthikappally
• Chengannur
• Mavelikkara
• Ambalappuzha
• Kuttanad
• Cherthala

How to reach Alappuzha

Traveling to Alappuzha is very easy as this place is well connected to Kerala by all means of transport. In case you are wondering about reaching Alleppey, look no further as we bring you useful information that should give you an idea about how to reach Alleppey. So read on to know about getting to Alleppey.

By Air: Alleppey does not have an airport but the ones close to it are at Trivandrum (150 kilometers) and Kochi International Airport (60 kilometers). This place can be easily accessed from adjacent states like Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc.

By Rail/Train: Alappuzha has its own railway station and trains from many places connect this city with the rest of Kerala and India.

By Road: There is a wide network of roads that connect this place to the rest of Kerala and also India. There are a number of national highways that pass through Alappuzha and connect it to the rest of Kerala and neighboring states.

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