Alappuzha Travel

¤ Ambalapuzha
14km from Alappuzha


¤ Krishna Temple

The Sri Krishna Temple, which isone of the most important temples in Kerala, is situated in Ambalapuzha. It is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. The temple is worth visiting simply for its magnificent architecture, which represents the typical Kerala style. The palapayasam – sweet milk porridge offered to the deity – is very famous. The interior of the kuttambalam (hall in the Kerala temple for dance and music recitals) displays an array of paintings that depict scenes from the Dasavatharam (the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the Preserver in the Hindu Holy Trinity of Creator-Preserver-Destroyer).


¤ Karumudi - Famous As A Buddhist Site

Situated near Ambalapuzha, the sleepy hamlet of Karumudi boasts of a black granite idol of Lord Buddha that dates back to around the 9th century. The image of Lord Buddha is referred to as Karumad Kuttan in this place.


¤ Kuttanad Region

Situated in the very heart of the backwaters, Kuttanad is referred to as the granary of Kerala. In addition to the bounteous paddy crops, the place is rich in bananas, yams and casavas.

The singular feature that distinguishes it from other places is its method of farming; it is done 1.5 to 2m below sea level. This is perhaps the only region in the world where such a unique form of agriculture is in practice. The area is also noted for its labyrinth of waterways that flow above land-level. A boat trip to Changanacherry is the best way to soak in the serene beauty of this fertile region.


¤ Mannarsal

Distance : 32kmfrom Allapuzha

Located near Haripad, Mannarsal is noted for the Sri Nagaraja Temple. Interestingly enough, it is the king of serpents who is worshipped in this temple. The annual festival of Ayilyamtakes place during the months of September and October. A not-to-be missed sight is the procession in which all idols of the serpent are taken out and carried by the temple devotees.


¤ Krishnapuram Palace

Distance : 47km from Alappuzha

The Krishnapuram Palace is an amazing monument in the district. Constructed during the reign of the Travancore ruler, Marthanda Varma, this magnificent palace is a tribute to the Kerala style of architecture.

The structure of the palace is a tasteful blend of gabled roofs, dormer windows and narrow corridors. The palace houses a museum within its premises, which is a treasure trove of exquisite mural paintings and antique sculptures.


¤ Arthunkal Palli

Distance : 22kmfrom Allapuzha

Situated near Sherthallai, it is one of the most renowned Christian pilgrimage centres in Kerala. Popularly known as St. Sebastian Church, the Portuguese had established this impressive church as the St. andrew’s Church.


¤ Chavara Bhavan

Distance : 6km from Alappuzha

Once the ancestral home of the Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara, it is now revered as a holy shrine and spiritual resort. Thousands of devotees gather here to pray and be blessed. Preserved in its original form is a beacon of light that is 250 years old.


¤ Edathua Church

Distance : 24km from Alappuzha
The church was constructed in 1810 in honour of St. George. It is believed that all ailments including mental disorders could be cured if one shows single-minded devotion through prayers and offerings at the church. The annual feast, held in the month of May attracts hordes of pilgrims irrespective of caste or creed.