Alappuzha ( Alleppey ) is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. Alappuzha remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerela as one of the major centers for backwater boat trips. An enchanting backwater destination, Alleppey offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at Alappuzha. Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world experience at Alleppey

A picturesque world of backwaters, thatched houseboats, Cormorants, Chinese fishing nets and swaying palms - An ideal getaway. Nature has composed its magic to perfection here. A million verdant coconut palms lining the rivers lean to examine its reflections on the glassy rivers. Everywhere, nature is at its best. Blooming forth in perfumes of flowers. In the riot of colors of multi-hued birds. In the fresh, succulent and bountiful freshwater fishes

"Kuttanad" in Alappuzha ( Alleppey ) is one of few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Kuttanad is a land of lush paddy fields and is called the 'Rice Bowl' of Kerela. Kuttanad stretches for 75 Km sandwiched between the sea and the hills. Kuttanad is the most beautiful backwaters region of Kerala. Kerala's network of navigable backwaters stretches to over 900km

A host of boat races are held here during the harvest season (between July and September)

Situated in Kuttanad popularly known as the rice bowl of Kerala, QST & R Block Kayals (backwaters) remind the visitor of the famous dikes of Holland. A striking example of the indigenous agricultural engineering know-how, here cultivation and habitation are made possible at four to ten feet below the sea level. For this purpose extensive land has been reclaimed from the backwaters and is protected by dikes built around it. A leisurely cruise along the canals here is a memorable experience

The local spring season emerges from August and coincides with the harvest festival of Onam. The lowest and highest temperatures recorded are 16.10 C and 37.80 C. There is always a cool, fresh breeze, which makes even the warmest weather readily agreeable. The South West monsoon is from early June to early August. However, slight drizzles persist till early November. Average rainfall is 1100 mm per year. The peak tourist season is from November to March

Alappuzha was once the busiest coast south of mumbai, and its canals and backwaters helped in the passage of cargo - be it tea , rubber or other produce from the hills - to the sea. The light house and the pier helped the boats ferry across facilitating trade in their own way. Today the 1,000ft long pier built in 1862 by capt. Hugh Crawford, is a mere skeleton of its past. The bricks hace mostly fallen apart or been washed away by the sea and its risky to walk on it. Yet it exudes an unmistakable colonial air. Entry to the light house is restricted

Palm-fringed emerald islets surrounded by vast backwater stretches are the hallmarks of Alappuzha an important backwater destination in God’s Own Country. QST & R Block Kayals is a scenic place located in Alappuzha is a striking example of the indigenous agricultural engineering know-how. Here, cultivation and habitation are made possible at four to 10 feet below sea level by reclaiming land from the backwaters and building dikes around it. A leisurely cruise along the canals that surround the backwaters here is a memorable experience

Alapuzzha's beauty is not merely in its backwaters, but in the man-made Islands that you will find amidst the waters. These highlands are hedged by mud walls, a haven for migratory birds, with paddy fields inundated with water. The R block is famous for fresh toddy served to the guests and crabs, clams and variety of other seafoods. Try taking a dip at the water here because that is the best bet at R Block

The temple is located at the heart of Alleppey town. The presiding deity is Goddess Rajarajeswari. The temple celebrates two festivals every year. The nine-day 'Navarathri' festival is specially important. the last two days are most auspicious. Colourful processions participated by nine elephants are held in the evening. It is witnessed by thousands of devotees. Also several cultural programmes including Ottanthullal are staged in the temple.

Kuttanad lies sandwiched between the sea and the hills. Kuttanad is an amazing labyrinth of shimmering waterways composed of lakes, canals, rivers and rivulets. Lined with dense tropical greenery, it offers a glimpse into rural Kerala life-styles. The view changes from narrow canals and dense vegetation to open vistas and dazzling green paddy fields. Homes, farms, churches, mosques and temples can be seen among the trees. And if you are lucky you might catch the blue flash of a kingfisher or the green of a parakeet. Endless tranquility is yours for the taking here

Nehru Trophy Boat Race, the annual water carnival at Punnamada Lake, alleppey is considered the biggest snake boat race in the world. The colourful boat peagentry which precedes the boat race is a marvellous treat to the eyes. The snakeboats with a length of 30 to 60 metres and with 100 to 150 oarsmen plough the waters with the rhythm and symbols to the tune of the legendary songs. The Nehru Trophy was instituted by the late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru who was enthralled by the charm and gaiety of the water carnival. The boat race attracts a large number of tourists, domestic and foreign

In addition to this the boat races at Payippad, Thiruvanvandoor, Neerettupuram, Karuvatta and Thykkoottam are quite famous

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race in the Punnamda Lake, Alappuzha, Kerala held on the second Saturday of August every year, is the most competitive and popular of the boat races in Kerala, India

Nearesh Airport - Cochin ( Kochi ) International Airport ( Travel time - 120 mins ) Nearest Railway Station - Alleppey Railway Station & Ernakulam Railway Station ( travel time - 90 mins )