Alappuzha

24 Apr 2016

Blog, Life Style, News Article, Reviews, Road trips

Alleppey – A Jewel in the Crown of Kerala

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a beautiful city located in the state of Kerala in India. It is often referred to as the Venice of the East due to its scenic beauty and intricate network of canals. This city is a popular tourist destination and is known for its stunning backwaters, beaches, and lush green paddy fields

The Beauty of Backwaters in Alleppey

The backwaters in Alleppey are a major attraction for tourists. They are a network of lagoons, lakes, and canals that run parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. Tourists can take a boat ride through the backwaters and experience the tranquil beauty of the area. The boats pass through the lush green paddy fields, small villages, and coconut groves, providing a glimpse into the daily life of the local people.

A Heaven for Beach Lovers

Alleppey is also home to some of the most stunning beaches in Kerala. The most popular beach in Alleppey is Alleppey Beach, which is a long stretch of sandy shoreline surrounded by coconut groves. The beach is perfect for a relaxing stroll, sunbathing, and enjoying the beautiful sunset. Another popular beach in Alleppey is Marari Beach, which is known for its calm waters and serene atmosphere.

Alleppey it’s originally called Alappuzha it is 1.5 to 2 m below the sea level area the Venice of the East. Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala, with its paddy fields, small streams, and canals with lush green coconut palms, is at the very heart of the backwaters. Raja Kesavadas, the architect of modern-day Alappuzha had a very humble beginning. He was born at Kunnathur on March 17, 1745, in the erstwhile state of Travancore as the son of a peasant woman and a police constable. His parents named the boy Kesavan. Very little is known about his early childhood. Though he lacked a formal education he exhibited a high degree of shrewdness, intelligence, honesty, and industriousness. A local merchant named Poku Moosa Marackar was so impressed by the young boy’s diligence and temperament that he employed him as a tally clerk in his firm. As Poku Moosa was a rich and influential merchant he made periodic visits to the royal palace. It so happened that the young Kesavan once accompanied Pokku Moosa to the royal palace. Poku Moosa was on very cordial terms with the then Maharaja of Travancore, Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma, who was affectionately called by his subjects Dharmaraja. The Maharaja was very much impressed by the intelligence and hardworking nature of Kesavan that he soon promoted him in his service more and more responsibilities, which Kesavan carried out in the most efficient manner The trust and faith that the king reposed in Kesavan were fully justified. Dharmaraja found n him a God-sent emancipator for saving the country from the prevailing troubles and turmoil. The joining together of Dharmaraja and Raja Kesavadas was an epoch-making event in the history of Venad.

Kesava Pillay had a very fast rise while in the service of the king and reached its culmination point when the king by a proclamation, made him the Valiya Divan in the year 1789. The then British Governor, Lord Mornington conferred on him the title of Raja in appreciation of his administrative talents. But out of humility he linked his name with the word Dasan and liked to be called Raja Kesava Dasan with his own name at the centre. He was also a well-trained solider and led the army several times under Captain Dillanoi. After the death of Dillanoi, Raja Kesava Das became Army Chief of Travancore and was credited with victory over Tipu Sultan in the battle of Kaladi.

His greatest achievement, however, was his contribution in Making Alappuzha one of the busiest ports of the time and developing a system of inland canals for transportation and navigation. He found Alappuzha very suitable, because of geographical and oceanic reasons. Being a far-sighted statesman he knew the importance of having a port town to trade with the western countries. Raja Kesavadas was unique in having such a splendid vision, much far ahead of his time. He became very successful in materialising his dream and the first ship embarked at Alappuzha in 1786.

Raja Kesavadas made further headway in attracting business men from various parts of the country including those from Bombay, Gujarat, Rajasthan etc. He encouraged them to settle in the land and bestowed upon them every favour that they required for setting up their business and for building up their industrial empire.

Two parallel canals, commercial canal and vadaicanal with the ramifying system of waterways were built for the easy transportation of goods to the port as well as to the western countries. House Boat Night Stay is very Famous. and deferred experience.

Sightseeing Spots :

Kuttanad Kuttanad called the rice bowl of kerala because of its wealth of paddy crops.

Alleppey Beach This is one of the most popular picnic spots in alleppey. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. entertainment facilities at the vijaya beach park add to the attraction of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse which is greatly fascinating to visitors.

Pathiramanal According to mythology a young brahmin dived into the vembanad lake to perform his ablutions and the water made way for land to rice from below, thus creating the enchanting island of pathiramana [ sand of midnight] this is little island on the backwaters is a favourite Hanut of hundreds of rare migratory birds from ditterent parts of the world. the island lies between thaneermukkom and kumarakom. and is accessible only by Boat.

Champakulam Church One of the oldest churches in kerala, the st.mary’s church is believed to be one of the seven established by st.thomas..

Ambalappuzha Sree krishna temple 15 kilometer of south alleppey . built in the typical kerala architectural style, this is famous all over india for the palpayasam, the daily offering of deliciously sweet milk porridge.

Krishnapuram Palace 47 kilometer from the alleppey built by marthanda varma, this palace at karthikapally in kayamkulam. it is famous for mural depicting the story of gajendramoksham. the palace museum houses antique sculptures and bronzes.

Karumadikuutan 19 kilometer from alleppey. many fascinating legends are associated with this 11th century statue of lord Buddha.

Boat Races Alleppey Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Punnamada 2nd saturday of august. – Pulinkunu Rajiv Gandhi Boat race last saturday of august . – Payippad Jalotsavam 4th onam day August/september. – Neerettupuram Boat Race onam August/september. – Champakulam Boat Race at Harippad .

Santhosh Raghavan

Kerala tour connector