Alappuzha

Alappuzha is an alluring town with its lovely lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers.Referred to as the ‘ Venice of the East’, this town is laced with a network of canals and is famous for its boat races, houseboats, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Alappuzha is home to some diverse animal and bird life too. The rich crop of bananas, yams and cassava is yet another feature of Alappuzha.Alappuzha is a fine backwater destination in Kerala. Kuttanad, in the heart of the backwaters of Alappuzha, owing to its richness of paddy crops, is referred to as the rice bowl of Kerala. The half hour journey by speedboat or by houseboat cruising in the backwaters of Alappuzha,Kerala,to the nearby island of Pathiramanal will reveal the range of rare migratory birds that fly from various parts of the world to this spot.  Rural Lifestyle With the Kuttanad region and the Vembanad Kayal nearby, Alappuzha (earlier known as Alleppy)backwaters attracts tourists throughout the year. The criss-crossing canals in the area evoke comparisons with Venice, but the differences are also substantial. Each has an identity of its own. Amongst the notable sights while cruising in the backwaters of Alappuzha in Kerala is the palm covered Pathiramanal Island in Vembanad Kayal, one hour by boat from Alappuzha.The place is famous for the snake boat races and also has a number of historic colonial buildings and a beautiful beach. The central Kuttanad region of Alappuzha can be accessed through the backwaters.This "rice bowl of Kerala" is a vast area of partly reclaimed land, covered with bright green paddy fields, separated by dikes. The level of water is a few feet higher than the level of the surrounding land.It is an amazing labyrinth of shimmering waterways composed of lakes, canals, rivers and rivulets. Lined with dense tropical greenery, Kuttanad backwater cruising in Alappuzha offers a glimpse into rural life-styles of Kerala.Kuttanad is a backwater paradise and an ideal destination for a backwater cruise in Alappuzha, Kerala. It is possible to drift along in a houseboat in Alappuzha backwaters and enjoy the scenic view of the Kerala countryside