Gabriel Chundan

The `Gabriel Chundan' owned by Moonuthaickal family of Edathua will be led by United Boat Club(UBC), Kainakary and the trail for the boat race will begin on Wednesday on Pampa River.

Blessen Moonuthaickal, the owner of this boat, said the boat was constructed by snake boat builder Umamaheswaran and it is the 11th snake boat of Umamaheswaran. "Our first snake boat touched waters on July 11 and we have completed the construction of this boat taking 4 months and 11 days. The total cost of this boat was Rs 61 lakh,"

Gabriel is from Moonuthaickal family which has long bonding with boat races and boats. UBC Kainakari, the 17 time winners of prestigious Nehru Trophy, will lead this snake boat and it is very exciting and we hope Gabriel will enjoy a cake walk in this race

"We have used 750 qubic `anjili' wood and 500 kg copper for the construction of this snake boat. It was in 2011, we bought first boat for taking part in Nehru boat race. But, it was a small `Odi' boat and we bought it from Karuvelitharayil. In 2013, we constructed a new `Odi' boat named Moonuthaickal. In 2016, we constructed a new snake boat. My father Achankunju Moonuthaickal is an active participant of boat races. He is the first Amaram of Jesus Boat Club. So boat race is always in our blood and thoughts. My father's elder brother Babichan Chettikattil and his friend K P Francis also have partnership in this snake boat. Our aim is to enable our first Chundan to lift the silver trophy of Nehru Trophy Boat Race at any cost,''

Valiyakulangara Devi Temple

Valiyakulangara Devi Temple is one of the famous temples located about 5 km from Haripad and 4 km from Thrikkunnappuzha in Kerala . It is also situated almost 3 km from the National Waterway-3 as well as from the National Highway-47. The temple is dedicated to
Goddess Durga.

Valiyakulangara Devi Temple celebrates many festivals on a grand scale. During the festival time the temple is beautifully decorated with lights and flowers. The main festival of the temple is Aswathi festival. It is celebrated during the months of February-March. The festival is famous among the devotees for the fireworks show and the Kettukaazcha i.e. procession of chariots. Another important event of the temple is the Valiyakulangara Kettukazhcha. It is organised every year on the Aswathyi Nakshathram of Malayalam month `Kumbham.` It is regarded as one of the most remarkable cultural programme celebrated in Central Kerala.

It resembles the Thrissur Pooram. It is the great chariot festival that exposes Haripad`s true heritage. This event is organised by the people of Valiyakulangara for their beloved deity who is famous among her devotes for bestowing them with her blessings and showering upon them prosperity and protection of their lives. `Kettukazhcha` displays beautifully sculpted and decorated forms of six temple cars known as `Kuthiras`, five Therus` i.e. Chariots and icons of Bhima and Lord Hanuman . All the temple cars, chariots and the icons are incredibly gigantic in size.

These add charm and elegance to the festival. During the festival time devotes flock the temple to offer their worship and prayers to the deity and receive her blessings. It is believed that if the deity is worshipped with full devotion then all the wishes are fulfilled by her.

Pullangady Village

Pullangady is a small Village/hamlet in Champakulam Taluk in Alappuzha District of Kerala State, India. It comes under Edathua Panchayath. It belongs to South Kerala Division . It is located 25 KM towards East from District head quarters Alappuzha. 12 KM from Champakkulam.

Pullangady is surrounded by Changanassery Taluk towards North , Thiruvalla Taluk towards East , Veliyanad Taluk towards North , Champakulam Taluk towards west . Changanassery , Thiruvalla , Chengannur , Mavelikkara are the nearby Cities to Pullangady.

Pathanamthitta District Pulikeezhu is East towards this place . It is near to arabian sea. There is a chance of humidity in the wheather

Pathiramanal

PATHIRAMANAL ISLAND occupies just about 20 hectares of land in the middle of Lake Vembanad. The secluded islet is accessible only by boat. This place has been close to the heart of bird enthusiasts for a long while.

Kerala Backwater tourism picked up in the last decade. Since then, Pathiramanal Island, located in a backwater hot spot, has become a favorite stop-by location of boat rides. The uninhabited island is so small that even by walking you can reach all over the island.

Birds thrive among the canopy of greens in the middle of vast expanse of water. Besides 91species of local avian inhabitants, different kinds of migratory birds from around the globe make here a second home, all throughout the year.

Whisper of waves and pamper of gentle breeze calms senses, while getting lost in the world of birds. They are usually seen restful among dense bushes or flying around scattered palms and trees.

Herons, Cormorants, Darters, Gulls, Egrets and Kingfishers are just a few of the inhabitants. Great scenic beauty, wide water front, waving coconut palms, floating weeds and hyacinths, tiny birds building nests on weeds and so on will keep you in a happy mood.

Well liked by ornithologists and bird enthusiasts, Pathiramanal captivates calmness seekers and nature lovers alike. It is quite interesting that many varieties of rare and medicinal plants are seen among the dense foliage of this tiny Island.

Pathiramanal in Malayalam means sands of midnight. There are no accommodation facilities on this Island. Pathiramanal tours are limited to day time hours.

Pulinkunoo

Pulinkunoo

S.W.T.D Boat Schedule

BOAT SERVICES FROM ALAPPUZHA STATION

1 ALAPPUZHA KRISHNAPURAM 05.30
(via Kuppapuram - C Block)
2 ALAPPUZHA PULLATHUSERRY 05.55
(via Punnamada - Aryad)
3 ALAPPUZHA RAMANKARY 06.40 (via Kannitta - Ayiraveli)
4 ALAPPUZHA KRISHNAPURAM (Super) 06.45 (via Kannitta - Ayiraveli)
5 ALAPPUZHA KAYALPURAM 07.10
(via Soman - Kuppapuram - Pandissery)
6 ALAPPUZHA KOTTAYAM 07.30
(via Chithira - Pattaserry - Vettikadu)
7 ALAPPUZHA NEDUMUDY (Super) 07.30 (via Kannitta - Venattukadu)
8 ALAPPUZHA KIDANGARA 08.00 (via C Block - Lisieu)
9 ALAPPUZHA NEDUMUDY 08.30 (via Kannitta - Ayiraveli)
10 ALAPPUZHA AMBALA JETTY 09.20 (via Kuppapuram)
11 ALAPPUZHA KOTTAYAM 09.35
(via Kuppapuram - Pandissery)
12 ALAPPUZHA NEDUMUDY 10.00 (via Kannitta - Ayiraveli)
13 ALAPPUZHA KRISHNAPURAM 10.00 (via C Block - Lisieu)
14 ALAPPUZHA KRISHNAPURAM 10.15
(via Pandissery - Venattukadu)
15 ALAPPUZHA KOLLAM (Tourist Upper Deck) 10.30 ()
16 ALAPPUZHA NEDUMUDY 11.00 (via Kannitta - Ayiraveli)
17 ALAPPUZHA KRISHNAPURAM (Super) 11.15
(via Kuppapuram - C Block)
18 ALAPPUZHA KOTTAYAM 11.30
(via Soman Jetty - Kuppapuram - Pullathussery)
19 ALAPPUZHA KAINAKARY SCHOOL 12.00
(via Kuppapuram - Pandissery)
20 ALAPPUZHA KRISHNAPURAM 12.00
(via Kannitta - Goventha - Venattukadu)
21 ALAPPUZHA NEDUMUDY (Super) 12.30 (via Kannitta - Ayiraveli)
22 ALAPPUZHA NEDUMUDY 12.40
(via Kuppapuram - Pandissery-Venattukadu)
23 ALAPPUZHA PULINKUNNU 13.00
(via Kuppapuram - Ayiraveli - Nedumudy)
24 ALAPPUZHA CHANGANACHERRY 13.00
(via Soman - Kuppapuram - C Block)
25 ALAPPUZHA PULINKUNNU 13.45
(via Kuppapuram - Pandissery - Venattukadu)
26 ALAPPUZHA KANDANKARY ASHRAMAM 13.55
(via Kannitta - Nedumudy - Chamakulam)
27 ALAPPUZHA KRISHNAPURAM 14.00
(via C-Block - Kuppappuram - Chithira)
28 ALAPPUZHA KOTTAYAM 14.30
(via Kuppapuram - Chithira)
29 ALAPPUZHA KAYALPURAM 14.45
(via Kuppapuram - Panackal Thodu)
30 ALAPPUZHA KRISHNAPURAM 15.00
(via Kuppapuram - C Block)
31 ALAPPUZHA KAINAKARY MADOM 15.20 (via Kannitta - Goventha)
32 ALAPPUZHA NEDUMUDY (Super) 15.45 (via Kannitta - Ayiraveli)
33 ALAPPUZHA KRISHNAPURAM (Super) 16.15
(via Kuppapuram - C Block)
34 ALAPPUZHA KANNITTA 16.20
(via Kuppapuram - C Block)
35 ALAPPUZHA PAYIPPAD 16.45
(via Pandissery - Ayiraveli)
36 ALAPPUZHA NEDUMUDY 16.45 (via Kannitta - Venattukadu)
37 ALAPPUZHA CHANGANACHERRY 16.45
(via Soman - Kuppapuram - C Block)
38 ALAPPUZHA KOTTAYAM 17.15
(via Kuppapuram - Pandissery)
39 ALAPPUZHA NEDUMUDY 17.30 (via Kannitta - Venattukadu)
40 ALAPPUZHA KRISHNAPURAM 17.45
(via Kuppappuram - C Block)
41 ALAPPUZHA NEDUMUDY 18.20 (via Kannitta - Ayiraveli)
42 ALAPPUZHA NEDUMUDY 18.30
(via Kuppapuram - Pandissery - Venattukadu)
43 ALAPPUZHA CHERUKARA 18.30
(via Soman - Punnamada - Pullathussery)
44 ALAPPUZHA NEDUMUDY (Super) 18.45
(via Kuppapuram - Pandissery - Venattukadu)
45 ALAPPUZHA NEDUMUDY 19.15 (via Kannitta - Ayiraveli)
46 ALAPPUZHA MICHAEL CHURCH 19.15 (via C Block - Kavalam)
47 ALAPPUZHA KRISHNAPURAM (Super) 19.30
(via Kuppapuram - Pandissery)
48 ALAPPUZHA VENATTUKADU 20.00 (via Kannitta - Venattukadu)
40 ALAPPUZHA NEDUMUDY 20.30
(via Kuppapuram - Pandissery - Ayiraveli)
50 ALAPPUZHA KIDANGARA 20.45
(via Kuppappuram - C Block)
51 ALAPPUZHA KRISHNANKUTTTYMMOLA 21.15
(via Kuppapuram - Pandissery - Pullathussery)
52 ALAPPUZHA VENATTUKADU 21.30 (via Kannitta - Goventha)

BOAT SERVICE FROM NEDUMUDY STATION (ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT)
(1 ) NEDUMUDY ALAPPUZHA 5.15 (2) NEDUMUDY POCHA 5.30 (3) NEDUMUDY VENATTUKADU 6.15 (4) NEDUMUDY ALAPPUZHA (Super) 6.20 (via Ayiraveli) (5) NEDUMUDY ALAPPUZHA 6.35 (via Venattukadu) (6) NEDUMUDY KIDANGARA 6.45 (via Ramankary) (7) NEDUMUDY CHAMBAKKULAM 6.45 (8) NEDUMUDY EDATHUA 7.45 (9) NEDUMUDY RAMANKARY 8.15 (via Pulincunnu) (10) NEDUMUDY ALAPPUZHA 8.50 (via Ayiraveli) (11) NEDUMUDY KOTTARAM 9.00 (12) NEDUMUDY GOVENTHA 9.15 (via Ayiraveli) (13) NEDUMUDY ALAPPUZHA 9.45 (via Ayiraveli) (14) NEDUMUDY PULINCUNNU 9.50 (15) NEDUMUDY VENATTUKADU 10.15 (16) NEDUMUDY ALAPPUZHA (Super) 10.45 (via Ayiraveli) (17) NEDUMUDY ALAPPUZHA 11.00 (via Ayiraveli) (18) NEDUMUDY VENATTUKADU 11.00 (19) NEDUMUDY ALAPPUZHA 11.30 (via Venattukadu) (20) NEDUMUDY PANDY 11.40 (via Chambakkulam - Takazhy) (21) NEDUMUDY ALAPPUZHA 12.00 (via Ayiraveli) (22) NEDUMUDY PULINCUNNU 12.15 (23) NEDUMUDY EDATHUA 12.30 (24) NEDUMUDY ARUPANKU KAYAL 13.00 (25) NEDUMUDY VENATTUKADU 13.30 (26) NEDUMUDY ALAPPUZHA 13.30 (via Ayiraveli) (27) NEDUMUDY ALAPPUZHA (Super) 14.30 (via Ayiraveli) (28) NEDUMUDY EDATHUA 14.30 (29) NEDUMUDY PULINCUNNU 14.30 (30) NEDUMUDY ALAPPUZHA 14.30 (via Venattukadu) (31) NEDUMUDY CHAMBAKKULAM 15.15 (32) NEDUMUDY ALAPPUZHA 15.45 (via Ayiraveli) (33) NEDUMUDY ALAPPUZHA 16.30 (via Umbikkaram North) (34) NEDUMUDY ALAPPUZHA (Super) 17.00 (35) NEDUMUDY EDATHUA 17.00 (36) NEDUMUDY ALAPPUZHA 17.15 (via Venattukadu) (37) NEDUMUDY ALAPPUZHA 17.15 (via Ayriaveli) (38) NEDUMUDY PAYIPPAD 18.15 (39) NEDUMUDY ALAPPUZHA 18.45 (via Venattukadu - Pandicherry) (40) NEDUMUDY ALAPPUZHA 19.00 (via Ayiraveli) (41) NEDUMUDY EDATHUA 19.00 (42) NEDUMUDY ALAPPUZHA 20.15 (via Venattukadu) (43) NEDUMUDY ALAPPUZHA 20.30 (via Ayiraveli) (44) NEDUMUDY VENATTUKADU 21.00 (45) NEDUMUDY KAINAKARY - GOVENTHA 21.30

BOAT SERVICE FROM KAVALAM STATION (ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT) (1) KRISHNAPURAM KAVALAM - ALAPPUZHA Super 05.15 via C Block (2 )KRISHNAPURAM KAVALAM - ALAPPUZHA 05.45 via C Block (3) KRISHNAPURAM KAVALAM - ALAPPUZHA 06.00 via Kayalppuram (4) KRISHNAPURAM KAVALAM - ALAPPUZHA 07.30 via C Block (5) KRISHNAPURAM KAVALAM - ALAPPUZHA Super 08.25 via C Block (6) KIDANGARA BAZAR KAVALAM 11.00 via Veliyanadu (7) MICHEAL CHURCH KAVALAM - CHEKKATHARA 13.30 via Lissio (8 ) KRISHNAPURAM KAVALAM - ALAPPUZHA Super 14.00 via C Block (9) CHEKKATHARA MADATHILAKKAL 15.00 via Lissio (10) MADATHILAKKAL LISSIO 16.00 via Kavalam (11) LISSIO KIDANGARA 16.30 via Kavalam (12) KIDANGARA NEDUMUDY 18.00 via Ramankary (13) KRISHNAPURAM KAVALAM - ALAPPUZHA Super 18.15 via C Block (14) NEDUMUDY PATHILCHIRA 19.30 via Venattukadu (15) PATHILCHIRA LISSIO 20.30 via Venattukadu

BOAT SERVICE FROM MUHAMMA STATION (ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT) (1 )MUHAMMA KUMARAKOM 5.45 (2) MUHAMMA KUMARAKOM 6.30 (3)MUHAMMA KUMARAKOM 7.15 (4) MUHAMMA KUMARAKOM 8.15 (5) MUHAMMA KUMARAKOM 9.00 (6) MUHAMMA KUMARAKOM 10.00 (7) MUHAMMA KUMARAKOM 11.00 (8) MUHAMMA KUMARAKOM 11.45 (9) MUHAMMA KUMARAKOM 13.00 (10) MUHAMMA KUMARAKOM 13.45 (11) MUHAMMA KUMARAKOM 14.45 (12) MUHAMMA KUMARAKOM 15.30 (13) MUHAMMA KUMARAKOM 16.30 (14) MUHAMMA KUMARAKOM 17.15 (15) MUHAMMA KUMARAKOM 17.15 (16) MUHAMMA KUMARAKOM 18.15

BOAT SERVICE FROM PANAVALLY (ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT) Boat Service connecting the main lands of Panavally, Poothotta & North Paravoor to the island of Perumbalam at each intervals of 20 minutes.

BOAT SERVICE FROM PULINCUNNU STATION (ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT) (1) PULINCUNNU KIDAGARA 07.15 (2) PULINCUNNU MANCOMPU TALUK 08.45 (via Mancompu) (3) PULINCUNNU RAMANKARY 09.05 (4) PULINCUNNU ALAPPUZHA 10.15 (via Ayiravelil) (5) PULINCUNNU ALAPPUZHA 10.45 (via Venattukadu) (6) PULINCUNNU CHEKKIDIKADU 11.00 (via Nedumudy - Chambakkulam - Takazhy) (7) PULINCUNNU ALAPPUZHA 12.55 (via Ayiravelil) (8) PULINCUNNU ALAPPUZHA 16.35 (via Ayiravelil) (9) PULINCUNNU KIDAGARA 16.35 (10) PULINCUNNU NEDUMUDY 18.15

BOAT SERVICE FROM EDATHUA STATION (ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT) (1) EDATHUA ARUPANKU KAYAL 4.45 (2) EDATHUA CHAMPAKULAM 6.20 (3 )EDATHUA CHAMPAKULAM 8.35 (4) EDATHUA VENATTUKADU 9.30 (5 )EDATHUA CHAMPAKULAM 10.30 (6 )EDATHUA NEDUMUDY 11.45 (7) EDATHUA CHAMPAKULAM 13.00 (8 )EDATHUA NEDUMUDY 15.30 (9) EDATHUA ALAPPUZHA 16.30 (10) EDATHUA NEDUMUDY 17.30 (11) EDATHUA CHAMPAKULAM 18.45 (12 )EDATHUA CHAMPAKULAM 21.00

Allappey in Monsoon

The Monsoons in Allappey do not take the pattern of incessant rains continuing for weeks. Virtually it rains for a few hours with sunny interludes. Occasionally the rains might stretch on for a few days but the respite of sunshine is never far away. People look forward to seeing the sun peep through the wet palm fronds and rain drenched green. These golden interludes provide an equilibrium to life's natural flow

Kerala has mainly two rainy seasons. The Southwest Monsoon that arrives in the month of June is called Edavappathy, as it comes in the middle of the month of Edavam on the Malayalam Calendar.

Mid October witnesses the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon. In the Malayalam calendar this month is called Thulam and hence the name Thulavarsham meaning the 'The Rains in Thulam'. Now the gathering rain clouds are from the Bay of Bengal. These bearers of rain hurry to Kerala through the Palakkad Gap in the Western Ghats. The swirling, jostling, billowing dark messenger of life sailing on the wings of northeast winds is a breathtaking sight to behold.

The art forms of Kerala demand the utmost dedication and training. These native art forms require complete control over each nerve of the body. As part of this training the artists undergo ayurvedic therapies. Special herbal oils and medications are applied on the body of the artist during the Monsoon time to ensure muscle flexibility and dexterity of movement.

As nature recoups with the rains, it is rejuvenation time for humans too. According to Ayurveda, Monsoon is the best season for rejuvenation therapies. During the Monsoon season, the atmosphere remains dust-free and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum, making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy.

Which Boat I Would Select For My Boating

HouseBoats :- Houseboats also known as “Kettuvalloms” is a huge country boat made up of tying huge jack wooden planks together and these planks are dipped in cashew nut resin to increase its power and durability. It comes in various shapes which include one to even ten bedrooms with attached and non-attached wash rooms, living rooms, dining rooms, kitchen and some even provides balcony, upper deck, glass wall etc. It’s available in a/c and non a/c. The accommodation is available from scarce to dashing comfort and luxury. A cook is there to serve you in a Houseboat and the food is available within the boat. A variety of homely dishes are available in a houseboat. It’s much larger than other type of boats. A house boat can provide all the convenient features that any luxury hotel can ever provide. It ranges from 20 to 125 inches and weigh more than 50 tons. Majority of the Houseboats have twin engines with larger vessels. Houseboats are more expensive than motorboats and shikkara boats. We can move freely in a Houseboat. It’s having much luxurious facilities and much bigger than any other type of boats. Available :- * Air conditioned Bedrooms Bedrooms,Toilets,Bathtub etc. * Freshly cooked foods available * NightStay and DayCruise Available * More Secured than Motorboats and Shikkara * DayCruise capacity up to 100 people Defect :- * More Costly than other boats * Limited Speed 20km/hour *Limited Travel Routes

MotorBoats :- Motorboats Are Quite Different From Houseboats And Shikkara Boats.Motorboats Are Mainly Used Gor Transportation In Kerala Backwaters. It’s More Economical To Enjoy A Backwater Cruise In Alleppey And Kumarakom Than Houseboats. For small groups, motorboats will be more preferable and cheaper than any other ones. The speed of the motorboats can be can be up to 50km/hr which is more than the Houseboat. A motorboat is comparatively smaller than the Houseboats but bigger than the Shikkara boats. It is powered with inboard engines and outboard motors. It is mostly used for sightseeing and travelling from one place to another for tourists having limited time to spend in travelling. No food or any other facilities like Toilets, wash rooms etc., are not available in a motorboat. It is available in different shapes and sizes. It is completely engraved in wood. One can hire a motorboat at any time and its maximum capacity is 5-70 seats and can weigh about 500-5000 kg and their power is about 40-50 hp. It can be hired by hourly and day basis not by per head basis. It’s the best option for sightseeing. Only day cruises are allowed in motorboats and they don’t provide any overnight stays and is not available during the night. The cruise time will be from 6:30 am to 6.30 pm. We can move freely inside a motorboat. It can travel through narrow canals where a houseboat cannot reach. No a/c facility is available. It makes more noise than the Houseboats and Shikkara boats. Motorboats are fully covered boats and it’s safer than shikkara boats. It’s 100% safe with lifejackets and lifeguards. Motor boats have separate cabins for engines and there is one guest cabin and some motorboats provide 2 guest cabins and one engine cabin. Available:- Better for sightseeing More speed than other boats, up to 50km/hr Toilets maybe available Guest cabin available More safer than Shikkara More spacious, peoples can freely walk inside Motorboats More Economy option for DayCruise Wide travel routes Hiring possible hourly/Day basis More Capacity than Shikkara ,up to 60 peoples can travel Defect:- Not much comfort like shikkara or Houseboats Too Engine Noise Facilities like Rooms,Toilets,Bathtub etc not available No air condition No Food NightStay is not possible Less Maintained than Houseboat and Shikkara

Shikkara :- Shikkara Boats is comparatively small in size than houseboats and motorboats but it is really beautiful handicraft work in elegant Kerala style. Shikkara boats are mainly used for sightseeing. It is available in limited budget and mainly used for sightseeing in per hour basis in much cheaper rate than Houseboats and Motorboats. Shikkara boats are comparatively smaller than the other ones. Its seating arrangement is very comfortable for the travelers as they are using cushion chairs. It’s the best way to travel in the backwaters cheaply. Its seats are arranged with bamboo and shades were made of bamboo canopy. It has a four stroke outboard petrol engine. All the sides of a Shikkara boat is open for best view for sightseeing and therefore the travel will be much relaxing even in the afternoon. No food is served in a shikkara boat and we cannot move freely inside a shikkara boat. It is advisable to start your journey in early morning so that you can enjoy from the sunrise to the birds singing, the cool breeze and the backwaters. You can have a very close view in the backwaters than you can even dip your hands in the chilling water. Shikkara boats can accommodate about 4-15 people. Only day cruises are allowed in motorboats and they don’t provide any overnight stays and is not available during the night. The cruise time will be from 8:00 am to 6.30 pm. The best feature of Shikkara boats is that it can travel to very small canals where Houseboats and Motor boats cannot reach. Available:- Well maintained boats. Better for Sight seen More Faster than Houseboats 40km/Hour. Cheaper than Houseboats and Motorboats Wide travel routes Very comfortable seats Canal Tourism Defects:- Facilities like Rooms,Toilets,Bathtub etc not available No air condition No Food NightStay is not possible Limited passengers maximum capacity up to 15 peoples Less secured than Houseboat and Motorboats

Places To Visit In Allappey

Kuttanad : - Called The Rice Bowl Of Kerala, Kuttanad Is Perhaps The Only Region In The World Where Farming Is Done 1.5 To 2 M Below Sea Level. Inland Waterways Which Flow Above Land Level Are An Amazing Feature Of This Region.

Alappuzha Backwaters : - The Backwater Cruising, This Is Also The Venue For The Annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race. Travel In A Mobile Home The  Houseboats Of Kerala And Enjoy The Trip Of A Lifetime.

Alappuzha Beach : - A 137 Year  Old  Which Extends Into The Sea And An Old Light House Add To The Attractions Of The Beach. Here Is Children's Park Also (Vijaya Park)

Pathiramanal Island : - The Enchanting Island On The Backwaters Is A Favorite Haunt Of Hundreds Of  Rare Migratory Birds From Different Parts Of The World.One And Halfhour By Motor Boat,Thirty Minutes By Speed Boat From Alappuzha.

Karumadikuttan : -  Many fFascinating Legends Are Associated With This 11th Century Statue Of Lord Buddha, protected By The State Archaeological Department.

Chambakulam Church : - The St. Mary's Church One Of The Oldest  Church In Kerala Is Said To Be Built By St. Thomas.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race : - The Popular Boat Race Is Held On The Second Saturday Of August  Every Year At The Vembanad Lake And Is The Most Important Tourist Event Of Alleppey . Boats  Are Sponsored By The Different Villages Compete Fiercely In The Competition. The Highlight Of This Prestigious Event Is "Chunden Vallem ", The 130  Feet Long Snake Boats, With Over 100 Rowers, 4  Helmsmen And 25 Cheer Leaders Decorated With Colourful Silk Umbrellas. Thousands  Of Spectators From All Over The World Watch Avidly From The Banks.

Kumarakom : - (15 Km West Of Kottayam) Mangrove  Forests, Paddy Fields, Coconut Groves And Enchanting Waterways Adorn The Picturesque Village Of Kumarakom . Sandwiched  Between The Vast Vembanad Lake  And The Criss – Crossing Waterways, This Is An Idyllic Backwater Destination. For  An Incredible Journey Along This Scenic World, Leisure Cruises On Houseboat.

The Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom : -(16 Km From Kottayam ) This Lake Provides Boating, Fishing And Sightseeing Experience That Are Truly Exhilarating. The Serene Lake Comes Alive During The Festival Of Onam With Spectacular Snake Boat Race.

Kumarakom Birds Sanctuary : - ( 16 Km From Kottayam , Opened 0600 – 1800 Hrs ) Located On The Banks Of The Vembanad Lake , The Kumarakom Birds Sanctuary  Is Favorite Haunt Of Migratory Birds Like Siberian Stork, Cormorants, Darter , White Ibis, Egret.

Amazing Allappey

Allappey
The Main Tourist Attraction In Kerala, and one of the main Ones In All Of India, Is Riding On The Kerala Backwaters And Experiencing Village Life On The Shores As You Float Past. The Backwaters Are A Vast Network Of Canals, Rivers, And Streams That Run Throughout The State, With Certain Sections Much More Opened To Tourism Than Others. For The Villagers, These Waterways aAre The Only Form Of Transportation In Some Places, And Ferries Act Like Local Buses Shuttling People Around.
Most Tourists Rent A Houseboat, Which Is A Fancy Old Rice Boat Converted Into A Floating Bamboo House And They Can Get As Luxurious As Having Satellite TV And Air Conditioning, And They All Come With A Driver And A Set Of Cooks. You Can See A Bunch Of Them In The Photos. We Considered This Option But Decided Against It Because It Would Be Very Expensive, Is Horrible For The Environment And Local Ecology, And Also It Seemed A Bit Boring Or Hands Off For Us. We’d Rather Experience The Village Life By Being In It Rather Than Floating Past It, So That’s What We Did.
We Arranged To Stay In A Guest House / Home Stay Type Thing On One Of The Islands In The Backwaters Around Allepey, Which Is The Main Tourist Destination For The Backwaters. We Took A Bus From Cherthala To Allepey, And The Boarded A Ferry For About 1 Hours To Reach Our Destination. It Was A Gorgeous Location Tucked In Amongst All The Other Houses Ringing The Coast Of The Island, Which Has A Massive Communal Rice Field In The Center. We Spent Two Nights There, Passing The Time By Taking Walks, Talking With The Other Travelers, And One Afternoon Renting Bikes And Riding Around On The Main Land Along Another Series Of Canals. For Our Last Night We Had To Leave The Main House And Travel Another 25 Minutes By Boat To Another Homestay That Was Part Of This Larger Network Of Hosts. We Were Only There For One Meal And To Sleep, But It Was Nice Being The Only Guests With This Family And Being Even More Removed From Any Other Tourists. In The Photos You Can See The Scenery, The House Boats, The Rice Fields, Life Along The Canals.