Discover Alappuzha: Heritage, Backwaters and Nature

Alappuzha offers different ways to shape a trip: backwater scenery, historic cultural sites and craft traditions. If you are looking for a hotel, first consider which of these you want to define your stay. Lakes and island nature offer a different experience from palaces, churches, museums or workshops.

Backwaters, lakes and nature

Vembanad Lake borders the Cherthala, Ambalappuzha and Kuttanad taluks in Alappuzha district. Kuttanad lies in the heart of the backwaters. The area is said to be the only place on Earth where farming is carried out up to two metres below sea level. A houseboat trip is considered the best way to experience Kuttanad’s backwater scenery.

Punnamada Lake is an extension of Vembanad Lake. It has been the permanent venue for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race since 1955; the racecourse is approximately 1,370 metres long. The race takes place every year on the second Saturday in August near Alappuzha. The exact date may vary according to the local calendar and official announcement, so it is advisable to check the latest event information.

Pathiramanal Island is a green, 10-acre island in Vembanad Lake in Alappuzha district and a sanctuary for hundreds of rare migratory birds. Around 90 bird species and 30 butterfly species live on the island. It offers a nature-focused experience that is clearly distinct from the history of the boat race and the water trips.

Palaces, churches and literary heritage

Krishnapuram Palace was built by Marthanda Varma and dates back to the 18th century. It showcases Kerala’s architecture and the history of the rulers of Odanadu. The palace houses the 49-square-metre mural “Gajendra Moksham.” Architecture and painting are closely linked cultural themes here.

Karumadi Kuttan is a Buddhist pilgrimage centre in the village of Karumadi near Ambalappuzha. The statue there is said to have been created between the 9th and 14th centuries AD. At Champakkulam Church, by contrast, the focus is on church and river history: it stands on the banks of the Pamba and is a Syro-Malabar church. According to tradition, it is considered one of the seven churches founded by Thomas when he came to Kerala in 427 AD. The church also takes part in the annual Champakkulam Moolam boat race.

Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple is also associated with an art form: Ottanthullal, a satirical folk art form, was first performed there. Thakazhi Museum and Smritimandapam is dedicated to the writer Thakazhi Sivasankaran Pillai. His works include 35 novels and 600 short stories.

The Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum in Alappuzha features, among other things, Swarovski crystals, ivory carvings and porcelain treasures. The museum covers 28,000 square feet and includes a Kerala Room. Its artefacts represent Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. The collection brings together different religious traditions, while the Thakazhi Museum focuses on literature.

Crafts and regional cuisine

Mannar in Alappuzha district is known as “Bell Metal Town” for its brass, bronze and silver crafts. Visitors can watch artisans at work around forge furnaces, making traditional lamps, large bells and brass cooking vessels. Access to individual workshops may vary.

In Alappuzha’s canal-side villages, visitors can watch artisans making ropes and mats from coconut husks. Local cuisine also brings regional flavours to the table: eateries in Kuttanad serve dishes including Karimeen Pollichathu and Kuttanadu Tharavu Curry. Canal-side eateries in Alappuzha offer tapioca with fish curry and toddy, a local palm wine. Individual eateries and menus may change.

Dates and boat connections

If you want to include one of the boat races in your travel plans, check the exact dates in advance. Champakkulam Moolam takes place annually; its date may depend on the calendar. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is generally held on the second Saturday in August, subject to the local calendar and official announcement.

A boat connection runs to and from Karumadi Kuttan across Punnamada Lake. Boat types available at the jetty there include houseboats, canoes, motorboats and Kashmiri boats known as “Shikaras.” Check the boat connection and the types of boats available locally before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Nedumudy, Eramalloor, Vayalār, Alappuzha, Pallipuram, Kodamthuruth, Vaduthala, Thalavady, Champakulam, Kannady, Thamarakulam, Chengannur, Mannanchery, Moncompu, Aryad South, Mararikkulam North, Kainakary South, Thuravoor Thekku, Panavally.

For the broader travel overview: Kerala.